Senior Interior Designer

Design Phase; Kentwood (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Design Phase in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking an experienced Interior Designer to lead residential projects from initial client meetings through installation. You’ll work with our design team on new construction, renovations, and furnishings across West Michigan.

The role emphasizes space planning, construction drawings, 3D renderings, and coordination with builders, architects, and vendors. Strong CAD skills and NCIDQ awareness are valued, with a collaborative, detail-oriented mindset required.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of professional interior design experience preferred, particularly residential design.
• Degree in Interior Design or a related field preferred.
• Strong residential space-planning and design skills.
• Experience creating detailed construction drawings and interior elevations.
• Proficiency in Chief Architect preferred; strong CAD skills are important
• Experience with 3D modeling and photorealistic rendering.
• Understanding of residential construction, cabinetry, lighting, plumbing, tile, and finish detailing.
• Strong eye for scale, proportion, color, materials, furnishings, and styling.
• Ability to take a project from concept through construction and installation.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable communicating directly with clients, builders, contractors, and vendors.
• Ability to manage several projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented with excellent follow-through.
• Self-motivated and collaborative.
• NCIDQ certification is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop thoughtful, functional interior design concepts for residential projects
• Meet with clients to understand their lifestyle, needs, aesthetic, and budget
• Develop space plans and furniture layouts
• Create detailed construction drawings, including floor plans, elevations, cabinetry drawings, lighting/electrical plans, reflected ceiling plans, and tile layouts
• Produce 3D renderings to help clients visualize their spaces
• Select cabinetry, countertops, flooring, tile, plumbing, lighting, hardware, paint, and other finishes
• Source furniture, rugs, fabrics, window treatments, artwork, and accessories
• Prepare client presentations, finish schedules, specifications, and project documentation
• Participate in client meetings, showroom appointments, shopping trips, and site visits
• Coordinate with builders, architects, cabinet companies, contractors, installers, vendors, and trade partners
• Collaborate with our procurement team on quoting, ordering, tracking, receiving, and delivery
• Assist with furniture and accessory installations and final styling
• Manage multiple projects, deadlines, and client communications
• Maintain accurate project documentation and follow through on details from concept through completion
• Contribute to the showroom and participate in Design Phase events and industry activities

Skills

Residential space-planning

3D modeling

Time management

Client communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or related field

Tools

Chief Architect

CAD

Job description

Design Phase is growing, and we’re looking for a talented Interior Designer to join our team in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

We’re a full-service interior design firm and to-the-trade showroom creating beautiful, functional spaces throughout West Michigan. Our projects range from new construction and large-scale renovations to kitchens, baths, furnishings, window treatments, and complete home design.

We’re looking for a designer who is passionate about residential design, technically strong, highly organized, and excited to be involved in a project from the first floor plan through the final installation.

At Design Phase, we believe great design starts with understanding how our clients live. Our philosophy that form follows function guides our process. We create spaces that work beautifully first and then layer in materials, furnishings, color, texture, and personality to make each home unique to the client.

We’re a collaborative team, and we’re looking for someone who enjoys sharing ideas, learning, problem-solving, and working alongside other designers, builders, vendors, and trade partners. If you love design but also appreciate the technical and construction side of bringing a project to life, we’d love to meet you.

About the Role

As an interior designer at Design Phase, you’ll work alongside Kristine and our design team on residential new construction, remodeling, and furnishing projects throughout West Michigan.

You’ll be involved throughout the design process, from initial client meetings, field measurements and space planning to selections, construction drawings, presentations, site coordination, procurement, and installation.

Responsibilities

• Develop thoughtful, functional interior design concepts for residential projects
• Meet with clients to understand their lifestyle, needs, aesthetic, and budget
• Develop space plans and furniture layouts
• Create detailed construction drawings, including floor plans, elevations, cabinetry drawings, lighting/electrical plans, reflected ceiling plans, and tile layouts
• Produce 3D renderings to help clients visualize their spaces
• Select cabinetry, countertops, flooring, tile, plumbing, lighting, hardware, paint, and other finishes
• Source furniture, rugs, fabrics, window treatments, artwork, and accessories
• Prepare client presentations, finish schedules, specifications, and project documentation
• Participate in client meetings, showroom appointments, shopping trips, and site visits
• Coordinate with builders, architects, cabinet companies, contractors, installers, vendors, and trade partners
• Collaborate with our procurement team on quoting, ordering, tracking, receiving, and delivery
• Assist with furniture and accessory installations and final styling
• Manage multiple projects, deadlines, and client communications
• Maintain accurate project documentation and follow through on details from concept through completion
• Contribute to the showroom and participate in Design Phase events and industry activities

What We’re Looking For

• 3-5 years of professional interior design experience preferred, particularly residential design
• Degree in Interior Design or a related field preferred
• Strong residential space-planning and design skills
• Experience creating detailed construction drawings and interior elevations
• Proficiency in Chief Architect preferred; strong CAD skills are important
• Experience with 3D modeling and photorealistic rendering
• Understanding of residential construction, cabinetry, lighting, plumbing, tile, and finish detailing
• Strong eye for scale, proportion, color, materials, furnishings, and styling
• Ability to take a project from concept through construction and installation
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable communicating directly with clients, builders, contractors, and vendors
• Ability to manage several projects and priorities simultaneously
• Detail-oriented with excellent follow-through
• Self-motivated and comfortable taking ownership of responsibilities
• Collaborative and willing to jump in wherever the team needs support
• NCIDQ certification is a plus, but not required

The Person We Think Will Thrive at Design Phase

Beyond experience and technical skills, we’re looking for the right personality and mindset.

You’re someone who loves beautiful interiors but understands that successful design is about much more than making a space look good. You think about how a client will actually live in the space, notice the details others may overlook, and enjoy solving problems.

You’re comfortable taking initiative but also value collaboration. You can accept feedback without taking it personally, communicate when you need help, and aren't afraid to speak up when you see a better solution.

Most importantly, you're someone who cares about the client experience, the quality of the work, your teammates, and the finished project.

About Design Phase

Design Phase is a full-service interior design firm and showroom located in the Grand Rapids area, serving clients throughout West Michigan.

For more than 30 years, we've helped clients create homes that are functional, beautiful, and personal. Our work includes new construction, renovations, kitchens and baths, space planning, custom furnishings, window treatments, lighting, artwork, and accessories.

Our designers work closely with homeowners, builders, architects, craftspeople, manufacturers, and vendors to guide projects from the initial idea through the final installation.

We also believe strongly in continuing education, industry involvement, mentoring designers, and creating a workplace where talented people have the opportunity to grow.

We’re not looking for someone who simply wants their next design job. We’re looking for someone who wants to become an important part of Design Phase and grow with us.