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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Interior Assistant

💰 $40,000 - $60,000

Interior DesignDesign SupportArchitectureProject Coordination

🎯 Role Definition

As an Interior Assistant supporting interior designers and project teams, you will provide hands-on design support across conceptual development, documentation, procurement, and site coordination. You will prepare technical drawings, maintain sample libraries, coordinate vendors and contractors, and help deliver interior design projects on schedule and on budget. This role requires strong technical skills (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite), excellent organizational ability, client-facing communication, and a practical understanding of FF&E and materials. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable balancing multiple projects across residential and commercial portfolios.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Interior Design Intern with strong technical support experience
  • Junior Interior Designer or Design Coordinator transferring into assistant responsibilities
  • Architectural Technician or CAD Drafter seeking interior-focused work

Advancement To:

  • Interior Designer
  • Senior Interior Designer
  • Project Coordinator / Project Manager (interiors)
  • FF&E or Procurement Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Space Planner
  • Visual Merchandiser or Showroom Coordinator
  • Specification Writer or Materials Library Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist lead designers by producing accurate AutoCAD and Revit construction drawings, plan layouts, elevations, and detail drawings that adhere to project standards, building codes, and client requirements.
  • Develop conceptual design packages, mood boards, color palettes, and material samples for client presentations, integrating client brief, budget, and programmatic needs.
  • Create and edit 3D visualizations and renderings in SketchUp, 3ds Max, or Rhino, and refine visual material for client approvals and marketing collateral.
  • Prepare and maintain furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) schedules and specifications, ensuring accurate dimensions, finishes, lead times, and cost information for procurement.
  • Manage procurement tasks including sourcing vendors, requesting quotes, tracking purchase orders, and coordinating delivery logistics to align with installation schedules.
  • Maintain and organize the materials and sample library, including fabric swatches, paint chips, finish samples, and product literature; log sample loans and returns for accurate inventory control.
  • Conduct site visits and site measurements, document conditions with accurate as-built notes and photographs, and relay critical information to design teams and contractors.
  • Assist in preparing tender packages and technical specifications, consolidating subcontractor questions, and reviewing contractor bids for scope and cost compliance.
  • Coordinate with contractors, installers, and vendors during installations to ensure FF&E, millwork, and finishes are installed per design intent and quality standards.
  • Produce detailed shop drawing reviews and redlines for cabinetry, millwork, and custom furniture; liaise with fabricators to resolve technical issues or clarify details.
  • Create client-facing presentation materials and deliverables such as PDF boards, presentation decks, and clickable project walkthroughs to support client decision-making.
  • Track project budgets and timelines at the assistant level: update cost logs, monitor change orders, and flag potential budget or schedule risks to the project manager.
  • Prepare lighting and electrical schedules in coordination with electrical consultants, ensuring luminaire selections and placement meet functional and aesthetic goals.
  • Apply product knowledge to recommend sustainable materials, finishes, and furnishings that meet client sustainability goals and lifecycle cost considerations.
  • Maintain digital project folders and document control practices (versioning, layer standards, file naming) to ensure design files are up-to-date and easily accessible to team members.
  • Assist in code and accessibility reviews (ADA, egress, local building codes) for interior layouts and egress paths, escalating issues to licensed professionals when required.
  • Support sample, mock-up, and installation sign-off procedures by coordinating client walkthroughs and capturing client approvals or corrective punch-lists.
  • Facilitate communication between the client, design team, suppliers, and contractors—scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and documenting meeting minutes and action items.
  • Conduct product research and market analysis to source new furnishings, fixtures, and finishes that meet aesthetic goals, lead times, and budget constraints.
  • Help prepare warranty documentation, care and maintenance manuals, and final project closeout packages including as-built drawings and vendor contact lists.
  • Manage multiple simultaneous projects by prioritizing tasks, tracking milestones, and providing regular status updates to design leads and project managers.
  • Support quality assurance checks prior to client delivery by verifying finishes, dimensions, and installation quality against specifications and drawings.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain and update the project's digital asset library (images, material swatches, product specs) to support marketing and internal reuse.
  • Assist with showroom coordination, including scheduling client visits, managing display setups, and preparing presentation spaces.
  • Help draft social-media-ready content and project case studies by supplying images, captions, and technical details for marketing teams.
  • Provide administrative support such as invoicing follow-up, expense tracking, and calendar management for design leads when necessary.
  • Participate in staff design reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions to uphold design standards and improve documentation workflows.
  • Track vendor performance metrics (delivery timeliness, product quality, responsiveness) and report findings to procurement or project leadership.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in AutoCAD for 2D drafting and construction drawing production; able to maintain CAD layering and file standards.
  • Practical experience with Revit or BIM workflows for interior projects, including basic family management and view creation.
  • Competent in 3D modeling and visualization tools such as SketchUp, 3ds Max, Rhino, or similar to create client renderings and walkthroughs.
  • Skilled with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) for presentation boards, layouts, and visual content preparation.
  • Strong knowledge of FF&E procurement and specification processes, including creating schedules, RFQs, and purchase orders.
  • Ability to accurately measure and document existing site conditions and produce as-built plans.
  • Familiarity with materials, finishes, textiles, and surface treatments; able to read and interpret product data sheets and maintenance requirements.
  • Understanding of lighting design basics and ability to coordinate luminaire specifications with electrical consultants.
  • Experience managing sample libraries and logistics for physical samples, mock-ups, and showroom items.
  • Competence with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) for documentation, budget tracking, and communication.
  • Working knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards (ADA), and basic life-safety requirements as they apply to interior layouts.
  • Basic project management proficiency: task tracking, timeline updates, and coordinating vendors and contractors.

Soft Skills

  • Outstanding organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail when preparing technical drawings and client deliverables.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client interactions, vendor coordination, and internal documentation.
  • Strong time-management and prioritization abilities to handle multiple projects and competing deadlines.
  • Collaborative team player who supports designers, project managers, and cross-functional teams with a positive attitude.
  • Proactive problem-solving capability and the initiative to anticipate issues and propose solutions.
  • Client-facing professionalism with the ability to present design concepts and respond to feedback constructively.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to respond to last-minute changes or site conditions while maintaining quality.
  • Negotiation and vendor management skills to obtain best value and manage supplier relationships.
  • Visual sensibility and aesthetic judgment to assist in selecting furnishings and finishes that align with design intent.
  • Confidentiality and discretion when handling client information, budgets, and proprietary design concepts.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate degree or diploma in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architectural Technology, or a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or equivalent; NCIDQ, CID, or other professional credentials considered an advantage.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Interior Design
  • Interior Architecture
  • Architecture / Architectural Technology
  • Industrial Design
  • Fine Arts or Visual Communication

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–4 years of hands-on interior design support experience (residential and/or commercial projects).

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of direct experience as an Interior Assistant, Junior Designer, CAD Drafter, or Design Coordinator supporting full project lifecycles.
  • Demonstrated experience with AutoCAD and at least one 3D modeling/visualization tool (SketchUp, Revit, 3ds Max).
  • Proven experience coordinating FF&E procurement, vendor communication, site visits, and installation oversight.
  • Experience working with design firms, contractors, or showrooms and familiarity with procurement lead times and supply chains.
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