Designer

Staples•Framingham, MA

About The Position

HiTouch is a full-service company with a network of local distribution centers in the United States, providing office productivity services in personalized and environmentally responsible ways. Since joining the Staples family in 2018, HiTouch has helped grow alternative distribution channels. The Designer provides design support to multiple Furniture Account Executives (FAEs), including accompanying them to customer locations for field measurement verification, customer interface, furniture specification, space planning, design, and workspace solutions. The role promotes and sells interior design services to internal and external clients and represents the company at industry organizations and events serving the Architecture, Design, Real Estate, and Facilities markets. The Designer interprets customer needs during pre-design and programming through interviews, site visits, and meetings. This includes helping clarify project scope, develop budgets and timelines, plan project phasing and long-range design strategies, and integrate design services with other consultants. During conceptual and schematic design, the Designer develops creative concepts that address user needs, workflow, brand identity, budgets, timeframes, existing products, furnishing standards, building finishes, and a cohesive design statement. During design development, the Designer handles space planning, furniture product selection, specification, and application using CET, AutoCAD, CAP, Visual Impressions, and other available software. The role works closely with corporate designers, architecture and design firms, general contractors, project management companies or individuals, and end users at every level of engagement.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in commercial contract furniture design and space planning.
Proficiency in 2020.
Proficiency in CAP 2020.
Proficiency in CET.
Proficiency in design, space planning, space assessment, compliance requirements, and relevant software.
Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize them according to deadlines, timelines, lead times, and go-live dates.
Consultative approach and ability to conduct research, establish a business case, and follow a consistent sales process to sell services.
Strong thought leadership, design strategy, and understanding of the workplace.
Understanding and application of commercial interiors theories or principles and business in general.
Skill in design oversight and review in relation to codes, prevailing laws, and constructability.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and comfort presenting to C-level executives.
Ability to work under pressure and balance and prioritize multiple projects, often against tight deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in Salesforce.
Additional skills in CAP and other technical design programs.

Responsibilities

Provide design support to multiple Furniture Account Executives.
Accompany FAEs to customer locations for field measurement verification, customer interface, furniture specification, space planning, design, and workspace solutions.
Promote and sell interior design services to internal and external clients.
Participate in industry organizations and events, representing the company in Architecture, Design, Real Estate, and Facilities markets.
Interpret customer needs through interviews, on-site visits, and meetings during pre-design and programming.
Assist clients with scope clarification, budget development, project timeline expectations, project phasing, long-range strategic design planning, and integration of design services with other consultants.
Develop creative and innovative conceptual and schematic design solutions addressing user needs, workflow, brand identity, budgets, timeframes, existing products, furnishing standards, building finishes, and cohesive design.
Perform space planning, furniture product selection and specification, and application during design development.
Work with corporate designers, architecture and design firms, general contractors, project management companies or individuals, and end users throughout project engagement.