Architectural Tile Design Consultant

Job Description

Job Description

About Rookwood Pottery:

Rookwood Pottery is located in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, just steps from historic Findlay Market. Founded by pioneering artist Maria Longworth-Nichols in 1880, Rookwood Pottery continues to build upon Maria's dream of a world-renowned, handcrafted ceramics company. We specialize in home decor, housewares, gifts and architectural tile. From its 88,000 sq. ft. production facility, Rookwood builds upon its rich heritage every day creating American-made, high quality ceramic pottery and tile.

Job Summary:

Rookwood Pottery is seeking a Design Program Specialist to support our growing custom architectural tile business. This role partners with clients, designers, architects, and the sales team to guide projects from initial concept through design development, quotation support, and final project completion. The Design Program Specialist helps deliver an exceptional customer experience by combining design expertise, collaboration, and Rookwood's commitment to craftsmanship.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Partner with clients, designers, architects, contractors, and the sales team to gather project requirements, understand design goals, and provide consultative guidance throughout the design process.
• Develop creative tile design concepts, layouts, presentations, and supporting materials that translate client inspiration into functional, production-ready solutions while showcasing Rookwood's handcrafted products.
• Collaborate with the sales team to review design concepts, ensure technical accuracy and production feasibility, and support successful client presentations and project execution.
• Manage design revisions, maintain organized project documentation, communicate updates with stakeholders, and ensure changes align with established project scope and timelines.
• Prepare final design documentation, piece counts, and project specifications to support accurate quotations and facilitate the transition from design approval to production.
• Coordinate design samples, product selections, glaze combinations, patterns, and installation considerations to help clients make informed design decisions.
• Maintain a high level of customer service while balancing design quality, project deadlines, production requirements, and business objectives.

Depending on the project, design services may include:

• Tile layout planning
• Field tile placement and pattern direction
• Border and trim planning
• Fireplace surround layouts
• Shower wall layouts
• Backsplash layouts
• Wainscot layouts
• Focal point planning
• Layout revisions based on customer feedback
• Coordination across sales, design, and customer requirements
• Visual support for installer discussions

CAD drawings support planning, tile ordering, and design communication. Rookwood does not

produce floor plans or building elevations. Those are provided by the customer’s builder or

architect, and the designer works from them. The drawings are not architectural or engineering

drawings, construction documents, or a substitute for field verification by the installer.

Required Skills/Abilities and Education:

• 2+ years of experience in interior design, architecture, architectural products, kitchen and bath design, luxury residential design, commercial interiors, or a related field.
• Professional training in Interior Design, Architecture, Environmental Design, Industrial Design, or a related discipline
• Strong design eye with the ability to interpret inspiration imagery and translate it into practical design recommendations.
• Ability to read or interpret basic plans, elevations, measurements, and field dimensions.
• Familiarity with CAD, SketchUp, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design/visualization tools preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills with clients, designers, architects, sales professionals, and internal teams.
• Comfort working with premium, custom, handmade, or specification-driven products.
• Ability to balance creativity with timelines, scope, and business priorities.

Preferred Skills/Abilities and Education: (Not Required)

• 5+ years of experience in interior design, architecture, architectural products, kitchen and bath design, luxury residential design, commercial interiors, or a related field.
• Degree or Professional training in Interior Design, Architecture, Environmental Design, Industrial Design
• Experience with tile, stone, ceramics, architectural surfaces, interiors, lighting, plumbing, millwork, or other design-forward building materials.
• Exposure to residential, hospitality, commercial, or historic restoration projects.
• Experience supporting sales teams, client presentations, or showroom-based consultations.
• Understanding of how design decisions impact pricing, production, installation, and project timelines.
• Interest in handmade craft, architectural detail, historic design, color, glaze, and materiality.