Project Designer

INSIDE SOURCE INC.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Insidesource is seeking a Senior Project Designer to lead strategic workplace projects from pitch to post-installation. You will mentor junior staff, drive design vision, and ensure alignment with client goals through advanced technical proficiency and strong communication.

You will partner with sales and leadership to innovate space planning and furniture solutions. The role demands leadership on complex multi-floor projects, extensive CAD work, and proactive collaboration with vendors and

Qualifications

• 6+ years interior design and/or furniture dealership experience.
• Expert in design process, workplace strategy, and project execution for contract furniture industry workflow and processes.
• Familiar with building codes, ADA regulations, National Electrical Code, and Construction Documents.
• Advanced proficiency in CET, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office Suite, CAP/Worksheet and/or Project Spec specification programs or equivalent.
• Leadership presence and the ability to mentor junior and mid-level team members.
• Client-facing with strong presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Validates scope of work and design intent/approach with the project Account Manager.
• Develops the project design strategy approach and identifies furniture solutions for assigned projects.
• Performs programming sessions throughout project life cycle to obtain relevant client requirements and objectives and relays to teammates.
• Creates and maintains CET drawings, incorporating architectural backgrounds updates as needed.
• Generates space plans, test fits and furniture layouts.
• Provides complete drawings and detailed furniture plans throughout project life span – from block plan to typical development to installation documents.
• Creates and maintains design development packages (including multiple product options per area, fabric/finishes and lead time for assigned projects).
• Coordinates fabric and finish selections including testing, stock reservations, sample procurement and documentation of final selections.
• Performs onsite architectural field verifications/dimensions and updates floor plans (via AutoCAD/CET) as needed.
• Identifies dimensioned power/signal placement locations on furniture layouts and room types.
• Contacts vendors for product pricing as needed.
• Generates thorough, accurate and timely final product specifications for proposal creation, including final review of specifications to ensure accuracy and adherence to original design intent.
• Reviews vendor or custom furniture shop drawings to ensure correct integration within project space and adherence to design intent prior to client review and approval.
• Attends internal team and client-facing meetings as needed.
• Accountable for completion of established deliverables and deadlines.
• Performs drawing double checks and spec checks of design teammates’ output.
• Timely and accurate time tracking documentation of performed tasks.
• Seeks out new trends in workplace design, changes in building codes and product design to be disseminated throughout the Design Department.
• Follows Design team standards for templates, file management and brand graphics.
• Approaches large-scale projects with design strategy and methodology for space planning, product specification, and pricing. This includes any pre-work which will set the project up for successful delivery and installation.

Skills

Interior design

Project management

Office furniture expertise

Client-facing

Leadership

Communication skills

Mentoring

Tools

AutoCAD

CET drawings

Microsoft Office

Space planning

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Insidesource DEI StatementBy nurturing a culture where everyone experiences a deep sense of belonging and equity of opportunity, we will uphold our vision to “unleash human and business potential.”

We commit to being an anti-ism workplace and embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our business.

Job Summary

The Project Designer is a senior-level design professional who leads strategic, high-impact workplace projects with minimal oversight. With deep industry expertise, this role drives design vision, mentors junior staff, and ensures alignment between creative solutions and client business goals. They are a key partner to sales and leadership, offering thought leadership on design innovation, space planning, and implementation. The Designer demonstrates advanced technical proficiency, strong communication skills, and the ability to lead complex projects from pitch to post-installation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Validates scope of work and design intent/approach with the project Account Manager.
• Develops the project design strategy approach and identifies furniture solutions for assigned projects.
• Performs programming sessions throughout project life cycle to obtain relevant client requirements and objectives and relays to teammates.
• Creates and maintains CET drawings, incorporating architectural backgrounds updates as needed.
• Generates space plans, test fits and furniture layouts.
• Provides complete drawings and detailed furniture plans throughout project life span – from block plan to typical development to installation documents.
• Creates and maintains design development packages (including multiple product options per area, fabric/finishes and lead time for assigned projects.
• Coordinates fabric and finish selections including testing, stock reservations, sample procurement and documentation of final selections.
• Performs onsite architectural field verifications/dimensions and updates floor plans (via AutoCAD/CET) as needed.
• Identifies dimensioned power/signal placement locations on furniture layouts and room types.
• Contacts vendors for product pricing as needed.
• Generates thorough, accurate and timely final product specifications for proposal creation, including final review of specifications to ensure accuracy and adherence to original design intent.
• Reviews vendor or custom furniture shop drawings to ensure correct integration within project space and adherence to design intent prior to client review and approval.
• Attends internal team and client-facing meetings as needed.
• Accountable for completion of established deliverables and deadlines.
• Performs drawing double checks and spec checks of design teammates’ output.
• Timely and accurate time tracking documentation of performed tasks.
• Seeks out new trends in workplace design, changes in building codes and product design to be disseminated throughout the Design Department.
• Follows Design team standards for templates, file management and brand graphics.
• Approaches large-scale projects with design strategy and methodology for space planning, product specification, and pricing. This includes any pre-work which will set the project up for successful delivery and installation.

Insidesource Core Responsibilities

• Exemplify Insidesource values of Team First, Client Led, Change Makers, Experience Focused.
• Participate in All Company Meetings and Regional Town Halls.
• Embody diversity, equity, and inclusion in our Insider community and business practices.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Skills, Knowledge, Experience Required

• 6+ years interior design and/or furniture dealership experience.
• Expert in design process, workplace strategy, and project execution for contract furniture industry workflow and processes.
• Familiar with all aspects of project delivery including site visits, budgeting, and installation.
• Up to date on workplace and industry trends.
• Knowledge and understanding of applicable building codes, ADA regulations, National Electrical Code, and Construction Documents.
• Strong to expert knowledge of ancillary furniture resources.
• Ability to manage design for reconfiguration projects.
• Ability to manage large-scale and multi-floor project scope.
• Continuing education through participation in professional organizations and training.
• Advanced proficiency in CET, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office Suite, CAP/Worksheet and/or Project Spec specification programs or equivalent.
• Leadership presence and the ability to mentor junior and mid-level team members.
• Client-facing with strong presentation skills.
• Works independently and as a strategic partner with sales and project teams.
• Oversees project quality, innovation, and process adherence.
• Strong communication, both written and verbal.
• Strong graphic design capabilities to provide quality presentation packages.
• Confidence to participate on OAC calls for cross-trade collaborative communication.
• Exhibits methods for Creative Strategy and facilitates strategic opportunities to coach team mates on such methods.
• Product knowledge expert.
• Master of process and implementation.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $70,000 - $80,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, geographic location and internal equity.