Staff Interior Designer

Job Description

Job Description

Shape Inspiring Spaces - Join Design Alternatives as a Staff Interior Designer!

Position Title: Staff Interior Designer

Company Name: Design Alternatives

Pay Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year + Performance Bonus

Industry: Commercial Furniture & Construction

Location: Lavallette, NJ

Job Overview

Design Alternatives is seeking a talented and motivated Staff Interior Designer to join our growing team. In this hybrid role, you will be an integral part of the full design process, supporting concept development through final installation for a wide range of commercial interior projects. You will take ownership of design tasks, prepare documentation and materials, and collaborate with project managers, estimators, vendors, and field teams to ensure the successful delivery of innovative, high-quality spaces.

This is an excellent opportunity for a mid-level designer eager to grow into full project ownership and gain hands-on experience across the complete project lifecycle in a supportive, fast-paced, and design-driven environment.

Who We Are

For over 35 years, Design Alternatives has been New Jersey’s most trusted commercial interiors specialist. We bring design, procurement, and construction under one roof, delivering seamless interior renovations for lobbies, clubhouses, lounges, corridors, and more—transforming common spaces to foster connection and inspire community. With over 5 million square feet of projects completed, our team thrives in a growth-oriented, hybrid environment, where every member has ownership of project outcomes and opportunities to develop their craft.

Learn more:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support the full interior design process from initial concept through project completion
• Independently produce and revise design drawings, specifications, finish schedules, and FF&E documentation
• Assist with materials selection and preparation of client-facing presentations
• Collaborate closely with project managers, estimators, and field teams to align designs with budget, constructability, and project schedules
• Conduct site surveys, field takeoffs, and measurements as needed
• Participate in client meetings, vendor coordination, and project status reviews
• Ensure designs comply with building codes, ADA requirements, and other relevant standards
• Provide foundational input on estimating, budgeting, and design feasibility
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, materials, and best practices
• Contribute to an organized, collaborative, and team-first work environment

Qualifications

• Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field
• 2–5 years of experience in commercial or workplace interior design
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office / Google Workspace
• Ability to independently develop design documents and specifications
• Familiarity with materials selection, finish schedules, and FF&E documentation
• Strong interpersonal and client-facing communication skills
• Proven ability to manage time, meet deadlines, and balance multiple projects
• Comfortable performing site surveys and field measurements
• Working knowledge of building codes and ADA requirements
• Understanding of how design decisions impact cost, construction, and timelines
• Preferred:
• Experience designing for healthcare and/or hospitality environments
• Exposure to procurement, installation, or construction processes
• Familiarity with estimating, budgeting, or design feasibility assessments

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Paid Time Off (holidays, vacation, sick)
• Retirement Savings Program with Company Match
• Weekly Pay Cycle
• Employee Bonus Program
• Paid Training and Certifications
• Tech Package (smartphone or tablet provided)
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual Company Trips/Outings
• Supportive culture focused on career growth

Work Schedule

• Full-Time
• Monday through Friday
• 32–40 hours/week on average
• Flexible scheduling during business hours

Work Location

• Hybrid work model
• Minimum 2-3 days/week in-office (New Jersey)
• 1-2 days/week at client/vendor sites or working remotely
• Projects throughout New Jersey service area

Join Our Team!

If you’re an ambitious designer ready to take the next step in your career, apply today! Help us create spaces that inspire connection and elevate the human experience.

At Design Alternatives, we foster a collaborative, team-first culture where every voice is valued. As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.