Interior Design Associate

SUBTEXT LLC•St. Louis, MO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This role provides support for the internal team in managing third-party interior design throughout the design and construction process, from schematic design through building turnover. The position also involves coordinating FF&E procurement activities across multiple projects, from buyout through installation and closeout. The Associate will develop a strong understanding of the company's Interior Design Standards, procurement processes, project delivery methods, and vendor relationships, with opportunities for growth into an Interior Design Manager role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from an accredited college or university.
2-5 years of relevant professional experience in commercial interior design, FF&E procurement, or furniture dealerships.
Strong interest in both interior design and the operational side of a project.
Eye for elevated and curated design with an understanding of how design intent translates through procurement and execution.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to track numerous vendors, deadlines, budgets, and deliverables simultaneously.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Comfortable communicating with vendors, consultants, contractors, and internal project teams.
Proactive problem-solver with the ability to identify issues and follow them through resolution.
Ability to work effectively in a demanding, fast-paced environment and balance priorities across multiple projects.
Ability and willingness to travel regularly for project installations, site visits, and punch lists.

Nice To Haves

Experience in hospitality, multifamily, student housing, or a related field is preferred.
Experience with design, specification, project management, or procurement software is a plus.

Responsibilities

Manage third-party interior design throughout the design and construction process from schematic design through building turnover.
Contribute to FF&E, décor, material, and finish selections and approvals in alignment with Subtext's design standards and project vision.
Assist with unit furniture selections, layouts, and documentation for Student Housing projects.
Participate in consultant, vendor, and internal project meetings to support coordination, schedule adherence, and issue resolution.
Assist with review of construction submittmits, shop drawings, and consultant drawing issuances.
Participate in construction site visits, design reviews, and project punch walks as needed.
Support coordination with local consultants and vendors, including artists, muralists, plant providers, signage vendors, and other specialty partners.
Assist with model units, temporary leasing offices, signage, and other project-specific design initiatives as needed.
Conduct final staging/accessorizing on project sites before turning over to Operations.
Coordinate FF&E procurement activities across multiple projects from buyout through installation and closeout.
Coordinate contract execution and maintain vendor contracts, procurement documentation, and project records.
Review, process, and track vendor invoices, deposits, draw requests, and final payments.
Maintain procurement schedules and track production, shipping, delivery, and installation milestones.
Serve as a day-to-day point of contact for FF&E vendors, coordinating information and escalating issues as needed.
Cross-check design documents, specifications, and vendor orders to confirm quantities, pricing, and scope.
Assist with FF&E bid solicitation, bid leveling, budget tracking, and buyout.
Obtain and review vendor inventory and production reports; proactively identify schedule, availability, and delivery risks.
Coordinate FF&E delivery and installation with vendors, General Contractors, Operations, and internal project teams.
Travel to project sites to support and oversee FF&E installations.
Conduct post-installation punch lists and coordinate resolution with vendors.
Develop a strong understanding of Subtext's Interior Design Standards, procurement processes, project delivery methods, and vendor relationships.
Build knowledge across all phases, including design development, documentation, procurement, construction administration, installation, and closeout.
Gradually assume ownership of defined design scopes and project responsibilities under the direction of an Interior Design Manager and Director of Interiors.
Develop the project management, communication, technical, and leadership skills necessary to independently manage increasingly complex project scopes.
Opportunity to grow into an Interior Design Manager role based on experience, performance, and demonstrated competency.