Designer

About Empire Office

Empire Office is the largest commercial furniture dealer in the world, with over 79 years of experience and more than 536 full-time employees across the country. We are the preeminent Steelcase dealer in the United States and support a list of more than 500 manufacturers. We partner with best-in-class architects, designers, brokers, craftsmen, and manufacturers to deliver proven workspace solutions. With creative and cost-effective results, we address business challenges and activate brands.

Overview

Empire Office is seeking a Designer to join our team and work at our NYC Office. This position will hold responsibilities to provide Design services to dealership customers including programming, space planning, and development of typicals, color boards, and digital presentations.

Key Responsibilities

• Create drawings and specifications in CET (ex: Typicals, Furniture plans, 3D Renderings)
• Revise drawings and specs when required
• Prepare installation drawings and supporting documents
• Consistent updates to the Director of Design
• Work closely with dealership sales and sales admins to ensure accurate plans and specifications
• Assist with Finish selection and create digital sample boards
• Spec Check other team members' work as needed
• Meet with clients, in person or virtually, to understand the client's objectives, desires, and design within their allocated budget
• Identify areas that need field verification and coordinate actual dimensions with the final plan
• Inventory existing products; incorporate them in furniture plans and specifications
• Maintenance 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 for key deliverables
• Attend Industry events as necessary
• Continuing education related to product updates and industry trends

Skills & Qualifications

• At least 5 years of dealership experience in the commercial contract furniture industry is preferred
• Salary based on experience: $65,000 - $80,000
• Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design, Architecture or related field
• Proficient in CET, Autocad, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of contract furniture lines
• Working knowledge of applicable building codes, ADA regulations, National Electrical Code; National Fire Code, etc.
• Experience with Steelcase products is a plus
• Must be comfortable visiting job sites to take basic field dimensions and furniture inventory
• Excellent creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail
• Proven organizational and follow-through skills
• Strong time management skills and ability to multi-task within a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with clients, manufacturers reps, and team members
• Strong presentation skills and must be comfortable attending meetings and interacting with customers, designers, architects, and contractors
• Works well in a team environment, and has the ability to work longer hours as needed to support the team and meet customer expectations