Ancillary Designer

Unisource Solutions; Pico Rivera (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Unisource Solutions seeks an Ancillary Designer to lead the ancillary scope across design projects, curating product stories and developing lookbooks. You will produce complete ancillary specs for contract furniture and act as the primary resource for clients, account managers, and vendors from discovery through installation.

The role involves creating layouts, 3D renderings (including AI-assisted renderings), ROM pricing, and coordinating finishes.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in contract furniture, ancillary design, commercial interiors, or A&D.
• Strong working knowledge of CET Designer (primary specification platform); proficient in Spec (.sif), InDesign, Sketchup and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead the ancillary scope across projects; curate product stories, develop lookbooks and layouts, and produce complete ancillary specifications for contract furniture.
• Develop layouts and space plans; generate 3D renderings and flythroughs to communicate design intent.
• Prepare accurate ancillary quotes and pricing; generate order-ready specifications and lead client presentations through approvals.
• Coordinate finish and material selections; maintain a sample library; support procurement, PM, and installation activities.
• Maintain vendor relationships and stay current on ancillary offerings; contribute to bids and DTLA Client Center activations.

Skills

Organization

Interpersonal communication

Vendor relationships

Time management

Detail-oriented

Problem solving

Self-sufficient

Education

Interior Design/Architecture degree

Tools

CET Designer

Spec (.sif)

InDesign

SketchUp

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

20/20 CAP

Adobe Suite

AI tools for renderings

Job description

Job Details
Job Location: Corporate HeadQuarters - Pico Rivera, CA 90660
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $65,000.00 - $90,000.00 Salary
Job Category: Design

As an Ancillary Designer for Unisource Solutions, you will lead the ancillary scope across projects; curating product stories, developing lookbooks and layouts, and producing complete ancillary specifications for contract furniture. You'll serve as a hybrid bridge between the design and sales teams, acting as the primary ancillary resource for clients, account managers, and vendors from discovery through installation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Pre-Design & Needs Assessment
  • Participate in site walkthroughs, field measurements, and analysis of how ancillary spaces (lounge, café, huddle, collaborative zones) will function.
  • Contribute to the scope of work: headcount, culture cues, adjacencies, and stylistic direction with an ancillary lens.
  • Attend client meetings alongside the Account Manager as the design resource for ancillary scope.
• Conceptual Design & Preliminary (ROM) Budget
  • Develop lookbooks, mood boards, and initial ancillary product stories that translate client culture into a curated visual narrative.
  • Produce Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing for ancillary scope using vendor tools, virtual library resources, Spec, and Excel.
  • Source across curated vendor options to identify solutions that align to budget, style, and lead time.
• Design Development, Revisions & Refinement
  • Develop layouts and space plans for ancillary areas; refine plans and product selections based on client feedback.
  • Generate 3D renderings and flythroughs (including AI-assisted renderings) to visually communicate design intent.
  • Coordinate finish and material selections; maintain a curated sample library ready for active projects.
  • Provide alternative design solutions when a primary option doesn't meet budget, lead time, or functional needs.
• Approvals & Finalization of Proposal
  • Generate complete, order-ready ancillary specifications in Spec (sif): part numbers, finishes, COM/COL, lead times.
  • Prepare accurate ancillary quotes and pricing packages; conduct double-checks on specifications, counts, and pricing before submission.
  • Lead and support client-facing design presentations through approval process.
  • Contribute to bid responses with ancillary-forward solutions.
• Procurement, Project Management & Installation
  • Manage sample requests, product counts, and inventories aligned to project needs.
  • Conduct site visits to verify field dimensions and site conditions during critical project phases.
  • Attend punch walks and installations to provide on-site oversight and represent the ancillary scope to clients.
  • Support punch-list resolution: missing, damaged, or backordered ancillary components.
• Product, Market & Sales Development
  • Maintain active manufacturer and vendor relationships; stay current on new and updated ancillary offerings.
  • Update and manage Unisource's internal ancillary package and reusable ancillary standards, templates, and pricing guides.
  • Attend trade shows and industry events; identify and communicate workplace trends that shape design narratives.
  • Support A&D and hospitality outreach to develop ancillary opportunities and pipeline.
  • Manage layouts and smaller ancillary-forward projects independently as capacity allows.
  • Contribute to DTLA Client Center activation - driving A&D partners in for material and product discovery.
• Code Compliance, Product Knowledge & Communication
  • Apply working knowledge of building and furniture plan code requirements to ancillary layouts - egress, ADA clearances, life safety.
  • Demonstrate strong knowledge of Haworth ancillary lines and applications.
  • Maintain active awareness of open-line ancillary manufacturers with comparative analysis on price, lead time, and function.
  • Update project status software daily; communicate availability, blockers, and shifting priorities openly with design and sales.
  • Manage project folders with current files; archive prior versions per standard naming conventions.
  • Champion greater use of technology and AI tools across the ancillary design workflow.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in contract furniture, ancillary design, commercial interiors, or A&D.
• Strong working knowledge of CET Designer (primary specification platform); proficient in Spec (.sif), In Design, Sketchup and Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, SketchUp, and 20/20 CAP.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Suite for visual presentations and marketing materials (aspirational; growth expected).
• Active adopter of AI tools for renderings, flythroughs, and design communication.
• Broad ancillary product knowledge across Haworth and open-line manufacturers; a creative eye for fabrics, finishes, and product storytelling.
• Working knowledge of applicable building and furniture plan code requirements.
• Strong client-facing presentation skills; comfortable presenting alongside sales and to A&D partners.
• Established or emerging relationships within the design community (IIDA, NEWH) a plus.
• Excellent organization, interpersonal communication, and vendor relationship skills.
• Outstanding time management; proven ability to juggle multiple projects and bids under deadline pressure.
• Detail-oriented, self-sufficient, and a proactive problem solver.