ASSISTANT DESIGNER

Network Next Gen; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance

401(k) with up to 3% salary match

Generous PTO package

Competitive parental leave benefits

Extensive growth opportunities

Work-life balance

Job summary

Network Next Gen in Chicago, Illinois is looking for an Assistant Designer to support the design of high-end residential projects. You will work under the guidance of seasoned designers to learn and contribute from concept through installation.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in interior design or architecture and a passion for luxury design. The position offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, generous PTO, and a supportive work culture.

Qualifications

• 0–3 years of experience in a high-end residential design firm.
• Experience in completing or participating in main phases of design.
• Interest in luxury residential design.

Responsibilities

• Support design and delivery of high-end residential projects.
• Assist in producing FFE documentation sets.
• Contribute to all phases of design.

Skills

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

SketchUp

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree in interior design or architecture

Tools

Rhino

V-Ray

Studio Designer

Outlook

Job description

Title: Assistant Designer, Interiors

Reports to: Director of Interiors, Annika Bartz

Compensation: $50,000 - $60,000

Classification: Full-Time, Salary, Exempt

About

KARA MANN creates environments that elevate how people live. We bring life back to spaces – infusing warmth, character, and soul into every project. Our work honors what came before while designing for how people live today, creating a dialogue between past and present. We practice lived‑in elegance with a spirit of no‑fuss beautiful things, strategically edited for maximum impact. Design is personal – we invest in understanding each client story, not to impose our signature but to create spaces that feel authentically theirs. We partner with master artisans, curate with discipline, and design homes meant to be inherited: refined without being precious, timeless without being stuffy.

Purpose

Support the design and delivery of high‑end residential projects by contributing to all phases of design, from concept through installation. This role provides an opportunity to learn from experienced architects and designers while developing technical skills, design sensibility, and professional expertise in a luxury design environment.

Key Responsibilities

Design Development & Documentation

• Maintain furniture, fixtures & equipment (FFE) plans, elevations, and custom FFE design documentation
• Contribute to all phases of design: concept, SD, DD, CD, CA, and installation
• Assist in producing accurate and complete FFE documentation sets under senior guidance
• Learn and apply firm standards for documentation, drafting, and presentation

Presentation & Communication

• Create Photoshop renderings of plans and elevations for client presentations and internal meetings
• Accurately organize and annotate presentations under senior advisement
• Communicate clearly and professionally with general contractors, architects of record, clients, and vendors
• Participate in client meetings and presentations to develop professional communication skills

Material & Product Management

• Source and organize materials; maintain material libraries and documentation of product details and pricing
• Conduct product and materiality research for residential and commercial projects
• Assist with logistics, expediting, and tracking of FFE orders and specifications with senior guidance
• Develop knowledge of vendors, resources, and industry standards

Construction Administration

• Support site supervision and ensure design intent is maintained throughout construction
• Assist in coordinating with contractors and vendors
• Learn construction administration processes through hands‑on project involvement

Learning & Collaboration

• Actively seek mentorship and guidance from experienced team members to accelerate professional growth
• Contribute to a collaborative, professional, and design‑driven studio environment
• Demonstrate eagerness to learn and take on increasing responsibility as skills develop
• Support team efforts and maintain a positive, solutions‑oriented attitude

Qualifications

Professional Background

• 0–3 years of experience in a comparably sized high‑end residential interior design/architecture firm
• Experience completing or punching a residential or commercial project, or participation in all main phases of design
• Demonstrated interest in luxury residential design and commitment to craft

Education

• Bachelor's degree in interior design or architecture from an accredited university

Design Expertise

• Strong, distinctive design talent with eagerness to develop sophisticated project execution skills
• Foundational knowledge of professional interior design practice, all phases of design, FFE documentation, and architectural document review
• Creative problem‑solving abilities and attention to design detail

Skills

Technical Proficiency

• Required: AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop), SketchUp, Microsoft Office Suite
• Preferred: Rhino, V‑Ray, Studio Designer, Outlook
• Ability to produce detailed and legible drawing sets with increasing independence

Professional Competencies

• Strong time‑management and organizational skills; able to set and meet priorities effectively
• Meticulous attention to accuracy and completeness in all work
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Eagerness to learn and accept constructive feedback

Work Ethic & Collaboration

• Collaborative, professional, and adaptable team player
• Proactive and resourceful approach to problem‑solving
• Commitment to maintaining high design standards and project excellence
• Positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm for the work

Perks & Benefits

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
• 401(k) with up to 3% salary match from Kara Mann Design
• Generous PTO package to ensure a balanced life outside of work
• Competitive parental leave benefits for new parents and caregivers
• Career pathways: offering extensive growth opportunities for team members
• Work‑life balance: we respect your time and personal commitments

KARA MANN is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, and we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community.