Design Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Design Specialist – Lead Commercial Interior Renovations and Turnkey Design-Build Projects

Job Overview:

• Company: Design Alternatives

• Salary/Pay Rate: $52,000 - $85,900 base (Up to $85,900 with 18% performance bonus)

• Location: Hybrid / Travel (New Jersey Service Area)

• Job/Employment Type: Full Time

• Mandatory Licenses & Certifications: Valid Driver’s License and reliable vehicle

The Opportunity: You will serve as a primary design lead, owning the lifecycle of commercial interior renovations from initial site survey through final installation. This role offers the unique autonomy to manage your own book of projects while collaborating with a veteran team on large-scale senior care and hospitality builds.

How You Will Make an Impact:

• Manage a diverse portfolio of small-to-mid-sized commercial interior renovations from concept to completion.

• Conduct precise site surveys and document existing field conditions to ensure design accuracy.

• Lead the selection and specification of FF&E, materials, and finishes to meet client vision and budget.

• Present design schemes confidently to stakeholders, gathering feedback and iterating to drive project approval.

• Coordinate directly with vendors, consultants, and field teams to maintain strict project timelines.

• Identify and onboard new suppliers while managing the firm’s design sample library and industry engagement.

• Support senior design teams on complex, large-scale projects through spec book creation and logistics.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in interior design.

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

• Proven proficiency in AutoCAD LT (2D) for technical documentation and space planning.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct site surveys, field measurements, and create client-ready presentations.

• Strong understanding of building codes, ADA requirements, and how design impacts construction costs.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience specifically within senior living, hospitality, or multi-family residential environments.

• Exposure to procurement processes, estimating, budgeting, or vendor quote-leveling.

• Technical familiarity with SketchUp, BlueBeam, or Adobe Creative Suite.

• Demonstrated experience in mentorship or training junior team members in a design environment.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive base salary with performance bonuses up to 18% available.

• Hybrid work schedule with flexible remote options and 1-2 days per week in-office.

• Professional growth opportunities within a firm boasting a 75% repeat customer rate.

• Direct access to mentorship from industry experts and experienced project managers.

• Engagement in major industry events and trade shows like BDNY.

About Us: Design Alternatives is a premier Design-Build firm specializing in turnkey interior renovations for commercial properties and senior care facilities. Over 35 years, we have completed over 5 million square feet of space by integrating design, construction, and procurement.

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Design Alternatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.