Interior Design Assistant Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

LOCATION: Waukesha, Appleton or Madison, Wisconsin

ABOUT:

Entering our 12th year of operation, Thrive Architects continues to grow. During this time, our architectural practice has been recognized for numerous innovative and groundbreaking developments. Thrive is headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, with branch offices in Appleton and Madison.

We believe architecture and interiors are two halves of one complete design idea. We are seeking an experienced, energetic, and self-motivated Senior Interior Designer to help lead projects, mentor team members, and contribute to the continued growth of our interior design practice.

Our primary design specialties include senior living, religious, animal wellness, healthcare and dental, recreational, commercial, workplace, residential, hospitality, and experiential design. Our overall experience is broad, and our current work includes a diverse range of project types. We offer candidates the opportunity to expand their experience and cultivate their careers in the direction they desire.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Thrive Architects is seeking a Interior Designer / Studio Lead ideally with at least eight years of professional interior design experience. Preference will be given to a candidate that has a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a related field and has proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, or both.

This is more than a production position. We are looking for a designer who can develop exceptional environments, lead projects, mentor team members, build lasting client relationships, and help expand interior design as an integral part of Thrive’s multidisciplinary practice.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with architects, clients, consultants, and contractors from early concept development through construction. This individual will have the opportunity to influence not only individual projects but also the continued direction and growth of Thrive’s interior design practice.

The ideal candidate should be energetic, passionate about design, accountable, entrepreneurial, personable, and comfortable working in a collaborative team environment. Our office values open communication, shared responsibility, reliable follow-through, and a willingness to contribute wherever needed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead interior design projects from programming and concept development through documentation, bidding, and construction
• Establish the overall design vision, material palette, furnishings, lighting, finishes, and experiential character of each project
• Collaborate with Thrive’s architectural teams to create fully integrated design solutions
• Develop space plans, finish plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, details, specifications, and presentation materials
• Select and specify fixtures, equipment, finishes, and accessories
• Create compelling client presentations and communicate design concepts clearly
• Manage project schedules, budgets, deliverables, consultants, and client expectations
• Mentor emerging designers and help establish consistent interior design standards and processes
• Participate in client development, interviews, proposals, and relationship-building
• Identify new opportunities and contribute to the strategic growth of Thrive’s interior design practice
• Remain current with materials, products, trends, and emerging design technologies

The following skills and traits are ideal for consideration:

• Eight or more years of professional interior design experience is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a related field
• Strong portfolio demonstrating sophisticated design thinking and successful built work
• Experience leading projects and working directly with clients
• Broad project experience, ideally including senior living, commercial, workplace, residential, hospitality, and/or experiential environments
• Strong knowledge of interior construction, materials, furnishings, specifications, detailing, and applicable building codes
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, or both
• Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, optional
• SketchUp or comparable three-dimensional modeling experience
• Strong design visualization and presentation abilities
• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills
• Ability to balance creativity with budgets, schedules, constructability, and client objectives
• Collaborative, accountable, and entrepreneurial mindset
• Passion for architecture and interior design

Any of the following skills will give preference to a candidate for consideration:

• NCIDQ certification or progress toward certification
• Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer credential
• Experience mentoring or supervising other design professionals
• Experience establishing interior design standards, processes, and material libraries
• Business development, marketing, or client relationship experience
• Experience with computer rendering and visualization programs
• Graphic design or experiential design experience
• Previous experience working within an integrated architecture and interior design practice
• Professional involvement in IIDA, ASID, or similar industry organizations

COMPANY CORE VALUES:

• Commitment to Community
• Good Communication
• Candor and Honesty
• Personable with a Sense of Humor
• Hardworking and Driven to Succeed

EMPLOYER BENEFITS:

• IRA with 3% employer match
• Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA)
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Paid parking
• Paid mileage
• Hourly compensation with paid overtime
• Paid holidays and vacation