Designer / Planner

35 North; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 3% employer contribution

Cellphone allowance

Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability

Full medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time-off and holidays

Job summary

A project management firm located in Durham, NC is seeking an experienced design and move management professional. The ideal candidate will have over 6 years in design and move coordination, demonstrating strong skills in client communication and project management. Responsibilities include managing budgets, coordinating vendors, and ensuring effective move logistics. This firm offers comprehensive benefits including a 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in design, move coordination, and/or facilities planning.
• Strong background in furniture design and purchasing, moves, and vendor management.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and must have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients through project complexities and maintain trust-based relationships.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and project resources to meet client expectations.
• Develop comprehensive move plans tailored to client needs.

Skills

Design expertise

Move coordination

Vendor management

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in interior design, architecture, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Project

Excel

Job description

OurCompany

35 North is a full‑service program and project management firm that provides consulting, construction, cost, and commissioning solutions for capital projects. Expand your career and discover opportunities with 35 North!

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced design and move management professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, client‑facing environment. The ideal candidate brings hands‑on expertise in space planning, finish selections, and furniture planning, paired with the operational rigor to manage complex, multi‑phase move logistics from start to finish.

This role demands someone who can seamlessly shift from client communications and detailed space planning to coordinating the moving parts of an actual move day: vendors, timelines, IT hand‑offs, and last‑minute pivots. The role requires someone skilled at leading project meetings to drive project deliverables, keeping stakeholders aligned across every stage, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. If you are someone who can read a space as confidently as you can run a project schedule — and who finds satisfaction in delivering smooth moves — we want to hear from you.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Key responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

Client Partnership & Guidance

• Serve as the subject matter expert to guide clients through the complex steps needed to complete the project in clear and simple terms.
• Build trust‑based relationships by providing timely updates, answering questions, and addressing concerns.
• Guide clients in identifying key decisions, such as budget priorities, reuse of existing furniture, and timelines.
• Ensure compliance with both client and building protocols.

Project Management

• Responsible for managing the budget, schedule, and resources to meet the project plan and expected client outcome.
• Manage multiple projects and prioritize workload with a client‑centric approach.
• Lead project meetings to drive project deliverables.
• Coordinate with clients, end users, contractors, and vendors to keep all stakeholders aligned and tracking toward project deadlines.
• Demonstrate time management skills, flexibility, and ability to accommodate schedule changes and last‑minute requests.
• Effectively and confidently handle competing priorities and urgent situations, able to make sound decisions in short timeframes and take appropriate action.
• Ability to evaluate, develop, and manage processes, procedures, and guidelines.
• Develop project documents (e.g. spreadsheets, floor plans, site plans, planning reports, etc.) for project planning deliverables.

Design & Furniture Planning

• Contribute experience to the interior environment with knowledge and skills about space planning, interior building materials and finishes; casework, furniture, furnishings, and equipment; wayfinding; and ergonomics.
• Develop facilities planning and design strategies to meet the client goals.
• Demonstrate excellent design and furniture layout skills to maximize efficiency and reflect the client’s workplace vision while ensuring space plans are code compliant.
• Perform field measuring, product inventory, and on‑site assessments to ensure project accuracy.
• Evaluate existing furniture and make recommendations for reuse or future purchases based on client goals and budget.
• Develop furniture plans, space plans, finish palettes, furniture selections, and install drawings or oversee the vendor who is responsible for these items on assigned projects. Manage design changes and revisions as required.
• Assist other departments with interior design expertise as needed.

Move Planning & Execution

• Develop comprehensive move plans and timelines tailored to the client’s needs.
• Coordinate logistics with moving companies, IT support, and other service providers.
• Troubleshoot challenges during moves to minimize disruption and maintain client satisfaction.
• Management of punch list items with clear resolution timelines.
• Manage move‑in processes including furniture, technology, and signage coordination.
• Host a post‑move help desk to resolve issues and ensure a smooth transition.

Financial & Vendor Management

• Understand client budget, billing, and track the overall cost of project for the scope of work.
• Maintain accurate financial and project records.
• Vendor selection based on experience, reputation, and fitness for the job. Depending on the size of the project, this may require an RFP (Request for Proposal) process.
• Oversee supplier relationships, performance, and contract compliance.

Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited school in interior design, architecture, or related area of study.
• 6+ years of experience in design, move coordination, and/or facilities planning.
• Strong background in furniture design and purchasing, moves, reconfigurations, and vendor management.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect and interact with a variety of stakeholders at different levels in an organization.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Project, and Excel.
• Excellent communication skills (orally and in writing), with the ability to explain complex processes clearly.
• Project management skills with attention to detail, quality control, and demonstrated organizational skills.
• Familiarity with building codes and standards.
• Ability to think strategically, plan, problem‑solve and collaborate with Senior project team members and others.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Benefits

• 401(k) with 3% employer contribution
• Cellphone allowance
• Employer‑paid life insurance and long‑term disability
• Full medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time‑off and holidays

35 North is an equal‑opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules or regulations.

For more information about 35 North, visit 35N.com.