Interior Design Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Interior Design Associate

Full-Time, In-Person | Savannah, GA | $60,000–$75,000 DOE

About Us

Asher + Rye is a Savannah-based design studio and lifestyle brand blending interior design, retail, and cafe concepts into one holistic experience. We specialize in thoughtful, layered residential and boutique commercial interiors that feel warm, lived-in, and deeply personal. Our work is rooted in strong space planning, natural materials, and a modern but classic aesthetic. From full-service interiors to custom furnishings and curated accessories, we design spaces that are beautiful, functional, and built to be truly lived in. With an in-house shop, cafe, and studio, our team is hands-on from concept and sourcing to styling and final install.

Our Mission

Asher + Rye’s mission is to inspire intentional living through curated goods, community connection, and full‑service interior design — creating enduring spaces that nourish the home, body, and soul, and help you love how you live.

Role Overview

We’re seeking an Interior Design Associate with 7–10 years of professional experience in both residential and commercial design. This is a highly hands-on, in-person role (not remote), working closely with the founders and directly with clients. 

This role is designed for designers who are collaborative with the studio but highly independent in running projects—almost like an in-house, third-party contractor. Candidates may begin working directly under a founder or the existing designer, but the expectation is to build and manage your own client load over time. Asher + Rye provides studio space, resources, and administrative support; you provide client relationships, project leadership, and day-to-day execution.

Founders are heavily involved in setting upfront design direction to maintain brand and aesthetic consistency. After that initial concept work and ongoing approvals of key selections, you will translate those decisions into construction documentation, manage on-site quality control, resolve field issues, and ensure timely, accurate installation. Construction management and active site involvement are central: you will conduct regular site visits and coordinate with contractors, architects, engineers, and other professional trades to ensure the built work matches the design intent.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and support residential and commercial projects from concept through completion with growing independence

• Transition into managing your own client list while collaborating with founders and studio staff
• Work directly with clients under the guidance of the founders: presentations, design development, and ongoing communication
• Produce and manage drawings, plans, elevations, and details in AutoCAD, including documentation suitable for coordination with architects, engineers, and contractors
• Prepare and maintain finish schedules, fixture schedules, and other key technical documents
• Build and maintain client presentations in Canva, including imagery, layouts, floor plans, and all specification materials
• Develop and manage specifications for furniture, fixtures, finishes, and decor (FF&E)
• Create and track project budgets; value engineer as needed to stay within client goals
• Manage project timelines, milestones, and coordination with vendors, contractors, and trades
• Oversee construction administration: attend regular site meetings, perform site visits and walk-throughs, review contractor work, coordinate with architects, engineers, and other professional trades, manage punch lists, and ensure the design is executed to specification
• Handle FF&E procurement: proposals, POs, lead times, tracking, coordination of delivery and installation, and resolution of deficiencies/damages
• Track and manage your billable hours; stay on task, on time, and within budget
• Conduct site measurements, attend site and construction meetings, and participate in walk-throughs
• Participate in sourcing, installs, punch lists, and styling days

Tools & Systems

• AutoCAD (required): Proficient and confident producing clean, accurate construction and presentation drawings.
• Studio Designer (strong plus): we use it to build and track specifications, create proposals, and manage budgets, issue purchase orders, and handle invoicing and project financials. Experience is a major advantage, or you must be comfortable learning it quickly.
• Canva: Used for all client-facing presentations; you’ll be responsible for setting up and managing decks and materials.
• Renderings (plus): Experience with SketchUp or other 3D/AI-based rendering tools is a strong added value.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace or Microsoft Office is expected; Adobe InDesign/Photoshop is a plus.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Interior Design or Architecture (required)
• 7–10 years of professional interior design experience (residential and commercial)
• Previous experience in a small boutique or high-touch studio environment
• Proven ability to run projects independently while collaborating with studio leadership
• Strong construction documentation skills and comfort coordinating with contractors and consultants
• Demonstrated experience with construction administration, site visits, and coordinating with contractors, architects, engineers, and other professional trades to ensure design intent is maintained
• Solid understanding of billable hours, fees, and project budgets, with the discipline to manage them
• Confident, polished client-facing communication skills (written and verbal)
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable juggling multiple active projects
• Alignment with our modern but classic aesthetic and design principles
• True self-starter who can take direction from the founders and then run with it
• Comfortable with hands-on work in the field: measuring, site visits, installs, moving furniture/props, and troubleshooting
• Calm, collaborative, and solutions-oriented, especially around deadlines and installs

Work Environment

This is an in-person studio role based in Savannah, GA. Our process is collaborative and tactile and requires physical presence for studio work, material reviews, client meetings, and frequent job site visits. Candidates must be comfortable with regular construction site attendance and hands-on field oversight. Reliable transportation for site visits is required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $60,000–$75,000 annually, depending on experience
• Health insurance
• Dental coverage
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Employee discount at the shop

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a digital portfolio (PDF or link) showcasing both residential and commercial work, including drawings/documentation and completed spaces. Include a brief note about why you’re interested in Asher + Rye and how your experience aligns with this role, and describe your experience building client relationships, managing independent projects, and overseeing construction/site work.

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