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Kitchen Planner Intern

💰 $ - $

DesignInternshipInterior DesignRetailCustomer Service

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a creative student with a passion for transforming spaces? We are searching for a motivated and detail-oriented Kitchen Planner Intern to join our dynamic design team. In this role, you will learn the end-to-end process of kitchen design, directly supporting our Senior Kitchen Planners on real client projects. This is a unique opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in a practical, fast-paced environment, develop your technical skills with industry-leading software, and build a professional portfolio that will launch your career in the world of kitchen and bath design.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Interior Design or Architecture Student
  • Design School Graduate
  • Retail Associate in Home Improvement/Furnishings

Advancement To:

  • Junior Kitchen Designer
  • Kitchen Planner / Design Consultant
  • Project Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Showroom Manager / Coordinator
  • Materials and Sourcing Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist Senior Designers in comprehensive client consultations to accurately capture project scope, aesthetic preferences, lifestyle needs, and budgetary constraints.
  • Develop inspiring initial design concepts, mood boards, and material palettes to visually communicate the proposed style and feel of the space.
  • Utilize industry-standard software like 2020 Design, AutoCAD, or SketchUp to create detailed 2D floor plans, elevations, and photorealistic 3D renderings of kitchen layouts for client presentations.
  • Conduct on-site visits with senior staff to take precise measurements of spaces and document existing conditions, ensuring absolute accuracy for all planning stages.
  • Guide clients through the selection of appropriate materials and finishes, including cabinetry, countertops, flooring, tile, lighting, and hardware, balancing design, functionality, and budget.
  • Prepare comprehensive project specification documents and detailed drawing sets that clearly outline all necessary information for contractors and installers.
  • Create compelling design presentations for client meetings, effectively articulating the design intent and the rationale behind key product and layout decisions.
  • Learn and apply National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) guidelines and local building codes to ensure all designs are safe, ergonomic, functional, and compliant.
  • Collaborate with the sales team to generate accurate quotes, project cost estimates, and proposals for client approval.
  • Research and stay current on the latest kitchen design industry trends, new products, innovative materials, and sustainable practices to bring fresh ideas to the team.
  • Support the project management process by assisting with the creation of project timelines and tracking key milestones under the supervision of a Senior Planner.
  • Communicate professionally with vendors and suppliers to request samples, confirm stock availability, and obtain pricing information for all project materials.
  • Participate actively in internal design review meetings, offering creative input and learning from constructive feedback provided by senior team members.
  • Skillfully modify and revise design plans, drawings, and specifications based on client feedback and technical requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Assist in the final staging and styling of completed kitchen projects, preparing them for professional photography and for inclusion in the company portfolio.

Secondary Functions

  • Organize and meticulously maintain the design studio's material and sample library, ensuring all items are current, labeled correctly, and easily accessible for the design team.
  • Provide exceptional customer service by warmly greeting showroom visitors, answering initial inquiries, and scheduling design consultations for the planning team.
  • Support a variety of administrative tasks for the design department, including filing project documents, managing team calendars, and preparing for client meetings.
  • Assist in maintaining the high visual standards of the showroom, ensuring displays are pristine, attractive, and representative of current design offerings.
  • Help follow up on material orders and track deliveries to ensure all components arrive on schedule and in good condition for project installation.
  • Contribute to the team's marketing efforts by helping document project progress and final outcomes for use on social media and the company website.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Foundational knowledge in design software such as AutoCAD, 2020 Design, SketchUp, or Revit.
  • Ability to create and interpret technical drawings, including floor plans, elevations, and mechanicals.
  • Strong grasp of spatial awareness and fundamental space planning principles.
  • Knowledge of kitchen design principles, materials, and product categories (cabinetry, countertops, appliances).
  • Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and/or Google Workspace for presentations, spreadsheets, and documentation.
  • Basic hand-sketching and drafting abilities to quickly visualize and convey design ideas.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for professional interaction with clients, vendors, and team members.
  • A strong creative vision combined with a meticulous eye for color, texture, and detail.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management abilities to effectively handle multiple projects and deadlines.
  • A proactive and resourceful problem-solver who can adapt to changing project needs.
  • A collaborative, team-player attitude with a high degree of professionalism and a positive demeanor.
  • Genuine eagerness to learn, a receptiveness to constructive feedback, and a passion for professional growth.
  • Strong customer service orientation with a friendly, patient, and approachable personality.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an accredited post-secondary program.

Preferred Education:

  • Pursuing or holding a Bachelor’s or Associate's Degree in a relevant design field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Interior Design
  • Architecture

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 1 years

Preferred: A digital or physical portfolio showcasing design projects (academic or personal). Prior experience in a customer-facing role, particularly in retail, hospitality, or a design-related environment.

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