Residential Interior Designer I (Part-Time)

Kelly Tivey Interior Design; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

Kelly Tivey Interior Design in Pleasanton, CA is seeking a Residential Interior Designer with at least two years of professional residential interior design experience. This design-focused role supports the Principal Designer across space planning, selections, documentation, and procurement, in a hybrid, in-person/remote setup.

The candidate will develop FF&E and finish specifications, create client presentations, and use SketchUp for space planning and drawings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a related field.
• At least two years of professional residential interior design experience.
• Experience with residential space planning and furniture layouts.
• Experience creating FF&E and finish specifications and maintaining documentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with space planning and furniture layouts based on project needs.
• Develop FF&E and finish specifications and documentation.
• Prepare client presentations, mood boards, and finish selections.
• Use SketchUp to develop space plans and drawings.
• Coordinate procurement, vendor visits, and project sites.

Skills

SketchUp

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Communication skills

Organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Pleasanton, CA | Hybrid (2–3 Days In Office)

$32–$38 per hour | Part-Time (15–20 Hours per Week)

About Us

We are a boutique residential interior design studio creating thoughtfully designed homes that balance beauty, functionality, and livability. Our work is collaborative, detail-driven, and focused on delivering an exceptional client experience from concept through installation.

As a small studio, every team member plays an important role. We value curiosity, organization, technical skill, initiative, thoughtful execution, and the ability to carry design decisions through implementation.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Residential Interior Designer with at least two years of professional residential interior design experience who can step into the role with confidence and contribute meaningfully from day one.

Working directly with the Principal Designer, you will support projects throughout the design process—from space planning and concept development through furniture and material selections, client presentations, specifications, procurement, project coordination, and installation.

This is a design-focused role, not a drafting-focused role. We are looking for a designer who can think critically about a space, understand design intent, make thoughtful and appropriate design decisions, communicate those decisions visually and verbally, document them accurately, and carry assigned work through implementation.

The ideal candidate balances creativity with organization and strong execution, takes initiative, and is comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with the Principal Designer.

This is a part-time hybrid position based in Pleasanton, California, working approximately 15–20 hours per week.

The schedule includes 2–3 in-office days, with additional remote work as project needs require. Office days may vary based on project schedules and studio needs.

This is not a fully remote position. Regular in-office collaboration is essential for hands-on design development, material review, selections, and collaboration with the Principal Designer.

In-office responsibilities may include:

• Furniture and upholstery selections
• Fabric and material review
• Tile, paint, countertop, and other finish selections
• Space planning and furniture layouts
• Reviewing physical samples and materials
• Product and finish research

The role will also include visits to trade showrooms, vendors, and project sites as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Design Development

• Assist with residential space planning and furniture layouts based on project requirements, dimensions, and design intent.
• Develop thoughtful furniture, upholstery, fabric, lighting, plumbing, tile, paint, countertop, hardware, material, and accessory selections.
• Research and source products and materials that align with the design direction, budget, project requirements, and availability.
• Develop client presentations, mood boards, finish selections, and design concepts.
• Use SketchUp to develop space plans, furniture layouts, design concepts, and accurately scaled drawings.
• Create accurate floor plans, elevations, and presentation drawings as needed to communicate and document design intent.
• Participate in trade showroom and vendor visits to research and select furnishings, materials, finishes, and products.

FF&E, Specifications & Procurement

• Prepare detailed FF&E specifications for furniture, lighting, plumbing fixtures, accessories, and other specified products.
• Prepare and maintain accurate finish schedules and specifications for tile, paint, countertops, fabrics, flooring, and other finishes.
• Document product and material selections with relevant information including manufacturer/vendor, product description, finish, dimensions, quantity, pricing, lead time, and other project‑specific details.
• Review selections and specifications for accuracy, coordination, and consistency with the overall design.
• Translate design decisions into clear, organized documentation that supports procurement and project implementation.
• Obtain vendor pricing, quotes, lead times, availability, and other product information.
• Coordinate purchase orders and procurement activities.
• Track product selections, orders, lead times, deliveries, and related project information.
• Communicate with vendors regarding pricing, availability, orders, shipping, damages, and other procurement matters.

Client & Project Support

• Attend client meetings and document notes and action items.
• Participate in client presentations and communicate design selections professionally and confidently.
• Conduct field measurements and site verification.
• Participate in installations, styling, and final walkthroughs.
• Coordinate punch-list completion with vendors and contractors.
• Help verify that furniture, finishes, materials, and other specified items are implemented according to design intent.
• Identify missing information, discrepancies, or potential issues and take initiative to resolve them.
• Maintain organized project files, schedules, specifications, selection documentation, and procurement records.
• Help ensure projects remain organized, on schedule, and aligned with the design vision.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a related field.
• At least two years of professional residential interior design experience.
• Demonstrated experience with residential space planning, furniture layouts, and design development.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute furniture, fabric, finish, lighting, plumbing, and material selections.
• Experience creating FF&E and finish specifications and maintaining accurate selection documentation.
• Strong proficiency in SketchUp for space planning, furniture layouts, design development, and accurately scaled drawings.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and follow assigned work through completion.
• Reliable transportation and a valid California driver's license for local project visits and vendor meetings.
• Ability to work regularly in the Pleasanton studio and attend local showrooms, vendor meetings, and project sites as needed.

Preferred

Experience with:

• AI productivity tools
• Furniture and finish specifications
• Procurement and vendor coordination
• Trade showroom sourcing and product research