Designer

About UsModel Home Interiors (MHI), now part of Empire Office, is a leading design and installation firm creating fully furnished environments for lifestyle real estate, including multifamily housing, student residences, senior living communities, and model homes. Together, we are the nation’s trusted one-stop partner for residential and lifestyle real estate FF&E. We help builders and developers stand out by ensuring no two communities ever feel the same, whether aligning with existing design schemes or co-creating custom, differentiated looks. Backed by Empire’s 79+ years of expertise across commercial, residential, and hospitality projects, MHI delivers distinctive spaces that inspire buyers, attract residents, and accelerate sales. Joining MHI means being part of a collaborative team within Empire, where creativity, design thinking, and problem-solving make a real impact on how people live.OverviewEmpire Office is currently seeking a Designer in our North Carolina office to join our team. This position will hold responsibilities to provide Design services to dealership customers including programming, space planning, development of topicals, color boards, and digital presentations.Key ResponsibilitiesCreate drawings and specifications in CET (ex: Topicals, Furniture plans, 3D Renderings)Revise drawings and specs when requiredPrepare installation drawings and supporting documentsConsistent updates to Director of DesignWork closely with dealership sales and sales admins to ensure accurate plans and specificationsAssist with Finish selection and create digital sample boardsSpec Check other team members work as neededMeet with clients, in person or virtually, to understand the clients’ objectives, desires, and design within their allocated budgetIdentify areas that need field verification and coordinate actual dimensions with final planInventory existing product; incorporate in furniture plans and specificationsMaintenance of internal reporting systems (i.e. time sheets, tracking design time, project files)Follow Empire Office Design department guidelines and standards for deliverables and filing of projects.Adhere to deadlines of key deliverablesAttend Industry events as necessaryContinuing education related to product updates and industry trendsSkills & QualificationsAt least 5 years of dealership experience in commercial contract furniture industry preferredBachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, Architecture or related fieldProficient in CET, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office SuiteKnowledge of contract furniture linesWorking knowledge of applicable building codes, ADA regulations, National Electrical Code; National Fire Code, etc.Experience with Steelcase products a plusMust be comfortable visiting job sites to take basic field dimensions and furniture inventoryExcellent creative thinking, problem solving skills, and attention to detailProven organizational and follow-through skillsStrong time management skills and ability to multi-task within a fast-paced environmentExcellent communication and interpersonal skills with clients, manufacturers reps, and team membersStrong presentation skills and must be comfortable attending meetings and interacting with customers, designers, architects, and contractorsWorks well in a team environment, and ability to work longer hours as needed to support team and meet customer expectations #J-18808-Ljbffr