Contract Design Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

About Henricksen

Henricksen (Oak Brook, IL) is a full-service contract furniture dealership specializing in office, healthcare, education, government, senior living, and hospitality spaces. In 1962, Henricksen opened its doors as a small, family-run dealership. Today, Henricksen is a leading national dealership with twelve offices in Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington, DC, and Wisconsin, 300+ full-time employees, and annual sales of $300+ million. With 300+ manufacturer partnerships, Henricksen offers an array of products from systems furniture, casegoods, seating, lounge, and conference furnishings to architectural solutions including modular walls, flooring, lighting, sound masking, and technology equipment. Henricksen is one of the largest privately-owned dealer partners of HNI in the United States. HNI’s furniture brands include Allsteel, Gunlocke, HBF, The HON Company, and Kimball International.

Job Summary

This position will be located in our Peoria, IL office. The Designer role collaborates with Account Executives, Client, and Customer Support Team to design and specify creative and functional solutions that meet client expectations and project requirements. It focuses on programming, development, space planning, finish palettes, drawings, specifications, and field verification's. It also engages with clients, the project team, and external partners to execute exceptional design solutions. Contributions of this role are vital to positively influence the client experience, culture, and mission.

Responsibilities:

• Project Definition and Planning. Participate in or facilitate in project meetings to establish and maintain clear and reasonable project expectations (e.g., scope, deliverables, timeline, roles, and team operations). Contribute to the development and presentation of project design solutions that optimize client space and engagement in response to proposals, contracts, and requirements. Advise on and negotiate project design details in relation to proven practices, standards, and concurrent priorities.
• Design Process Execution. Execute multiple projects concurrently with quality and efficient outcomes. Gather programming required to develop/revise schematic designs in compliance with client expectations and project requirements. Outline cost estimates and/or resource needs to execute approved design recommendations and modifications. Implement core process with accountability, accuracy, and consistency. Identify and resolve issues proactively, escalating appropriately as needed. Develop finish palette for client review as required by project.
• Design Consultation and Collaboration. Engage client real-time to outline and agree on design intent. Create drawings, renderings, and other design deliverables that illustrate and reflect design intent. Advise client and project team on design applications and opportunities that proactively address programming needs (e.g., collaboration/engagement, ergonomics, technology integration, building codes, ADA requirements). Coordinate with consultants, project team, and installers to effectively manage changes, field reviews, and installations. Organize and manage project drawings, revisions, and critical project documentation (e.g., key decisions, approvals, signoffs, and meeting highlights).
• Customer Experience. Maintain a professional and positive demeanor across situations, clients, and vendors. Communicate with transparency and professionalism across project team to promote exceptional client experience. Adapt to project and client needs in alignment with core process and service level expectations. Leverage prior client interactions, projects, and learning's to enhance the client experience.

Qualifications – Education and Experience

Required:

• Associates degree in interior design, interior architecture, or related field
• 2+ years of work experience in contract design and/or furniture dealership or construction
• Working knowledge in professional design and/or specifications software (e.g., AutoCAD, CAP Studio or project matrix, project spec, Configura CET, Revit)
• Contract furniture industry and/or construction knowledge with relevant experience:
  • specification and layout of systems, ancillary furniture, demountable partitions, contract furniture and/or construction processes from programming to delivery/installation
  • workplace environment issues (e.g., ergonomics, technology integration, teaming, planning, facility need)
  • building codes, ADA regulations, Electrical Code, etc.
  • general knowledge in building practices (e.g., composition of partition types, material thickness of flooring, installation applications)
• Proven ability to execute multiple projects simultaneously in an organized, creative, and quality-driven way
• Conscientious and flexible, with a strong work ethic and problem-solving and team orientation
• Proficient and effective communicator (written and verbal) across various audiences and situations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office365 applications (including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Preferred:

• College degree in interior design, interior architecture, or related field from a CIDA accredited program
• Configura CET software experience
• NCIDQ certification or state license

Additional Information

Henricksen offers competitive wages based on skills and experience as well as comprehensive benefits packages. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Henricksen is fully committed to cultivating a culture that is inclusive and integrates its Core Values in every action, every interaction, and every decision that is made.