Interior Designer

Veterans Health Administration • Nashville, TN

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Interior Designer serves in the Office of the Chief, Engineering Service, and is responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive interior design and furniture program for the Nashville VA Medical Center, services throughout the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, VISN offices, community-based outpatient clinics, and other satellite facilities. This is a temporary appointment not to exceed four months, which may be renewed for additional service in accordance with agency needs for one additional year. Temporary appointments may be terminated before their expiration date and do not provide life insurance or retirement benefits. Health insurance may be available if the employee is expected to work at least 130 hours per month for at least 90 days. The position is not virtual; the employee must live within or be willing to relocate within commuting distance of the duty location.

The incumbent develops and implements interior design projects, including architectural and furnishing layouts, contract drawings and specifications, interior finish and furniture plans, and visual design materials. The role also provides design direction for furniture layouts and functional requirements, conducts feasibility studies, supports furniture procurement, resolves design disputes, and maintains project records. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Recruitment and relocation incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 in Federal Service, or qualifying graduate education, or a combination of qualifying experience and education.
• Specialized experience must relate to interior-space design and alteration, including functional and aesthetic problem-solving; programming, design analysis, space planning, and aesthetics; knowledge of interior construction, building systems, codes, equipment, materials, and furnishings; preparation of design drawings and documents; coordination with engineering disciplines; or related project-management and construction-review work.
• Alternatively, possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.M. if related, with qualifying study in interior design or a related field as specified in the posting.
• A valid and current state driver's license is a selective placement factor and must be possessed by appointment; a copy is requested if an interview is scheduled, not with the application.
• Complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Complete a background/security investigation and online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a Department of Veterans Affairs health care personnel requirement.
• Serve a one-year probationary period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Be able to perform the physical duties described, including walking, sitting, bending, lifting some furniture, standing, stooping, working on stepladders, and drafting, sketching, and writing.

Responsibilities

• Investigate client needs and develop architectural and furnishing layouts for facilities.
• Prepare visual aids such as architectural drawings, sketches, renderings, and color boards.
• Prepare and review architectural and interior design contract drawings and specifications for use in construction procurement.
• Prepare, review, and mark up construction drawings and specifications, including information about materials, finishes, construction processes, and technical requirements.
• Create professional interior finish plans and furniture plans, sketches, and design-description specifications using computer-aided design and drafting tools, 3D software, and Autodesk Architectural Desktop.
• Conduct and lead design review conferences with architects, engineers, and service chiefs to discuss design criteria, construction requirements, and potential problems.
• Provide design input and direction for interior design functions related to furniture layout and functional requirements.
• Report project status, progress, and problems to the supervisor or upper-level management as required.
• Conduct independent investigations and feasibility studies for large-scale furniture needs related to relocation and space reassignment.
• Develop furniture plans for assigned spaces, incorporating functional adjacencies and detailed layouts of furniture and partitions.
• Procure furniture and fixtures, ensuring work is completed acceptably and contractors receive payment.
• Represent the agency in resolving interior design disputes between contractors and the agency.
• Develop and maintain systematic records of interior design projects, potentially including before-and-after color prints, finish schedules, and itemized materials lists with sources and prices.
• Conduct on-site construction inspections and perform other assigned duties.

Benefits

• Temporary employees may be eligible for health insurance if expected to work at least 130 hours per month for at least 90 days.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval before appointment.
• Federal employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and appointment details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree