Design Assistant

Position:    Design Assistant                                                  

Job Description: This position assists the design staff in the management of tasks and resources necessary to the completion of design projects. Job responsibilities may include:

Design Support:

Builder projects – this position will assist the designer(s) with builder projects. 

• Follow up on loose ends (may involve on-site and showroom visits with designer).
• Assist designer in communication of final selections.
• Organize and file selections for permanent DWS files.

Furnishings Clients

• Assist designers with product searches and sample procurement.
• AutoCAD furnishing plans.
• Product pricing and proposals.
• Order follow up and communication with clients.

Project presentations

• Assist in the gathering of samples, supplies for boards.
• Assist in the construction of presentation boards.
• Assist in the development of electronic presentation materials.
• Assist designer in laying out samples and proposed items for presentations.
• Accompany designers to presentations as needed.

Installations    

• Coordinate with admin concerning delivery specifics (items to be delivered, schedule, inspection issues).
• Assist designer or represent designer at installations.
• Installation gifts, customer service follow-up.

Resources Management:

• Assist interns with organizing and updating all resources on an on-going basis. This includes resources for furnishing projects such as fabric and finish samples and catalogs as well as resources for builder/new construction work such as brick, laminate, paint samples, lighting and plumbing catalogs etc.
• Gather information and materials on new lines as needed.
• Recommend procedures, forms, methods that will facilitate productivity.

General – this position will assist in many general ways on an as needed basis – may include:

• Social Media Marketing - photographing and posting project updates on social media
• Warehouse – unpackaging, inspection, damage claims.
• Showrooms – research for designers, return of materials to local design showrooms.
• Office upkeep – load and unload dishwasher, take out trash, order and re-stock office supplies, etc.

Skill/educational requirements:

·        Degree in Interior Design or equivalent experience

·        Knowledge of computer programs such as Word, Excel, Adobe, Outlook, AutoCAD, Canva, Chat GPT, etc.

Training and supervision:

·        This position will require the prioritizing of work from 6 + designers

·        Training and supervision lead by Owner/President (Donna Davis) and Business Manager (Melanie Taylor)

 Schedule:

·        Position is full time – approximately 40 hours per week

·        Typical office hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm. 

Compensation:

           Hourly compensation starts at a rate of $16/hr. Payroll is once a month, in arrears. (example – hours worked during a month will be paid on the last working date of that month)

Mileage – mileage to be reimbursed at the rate of $0.70 per mile (or standard mileage reimbursement rate for the current year) for the use of personal vehicle on company directed business (does not include travel to/from Design Works Studio office from home). Requests for reimbursements should be submitted on a monthly basis.

Commission – While this position does not initially include commissions on projects, as design assistant starts taking on more leadership roles in design projects split commission with the designer will be discussed.

Health/Life Insurance - employer provides a discount on company enrolled health insurance as well as a life insurance policy.

Vacation/holidays -  This position does not include any paid vacation or holidays.

Simple IRA Program – This position is eligible for participation in the Simple program. Design Works Studio will match the employee’s contributions into this fund up to 3% of the employee’s hourly compensation. The employee is 100% vested with no waiting period.