Project Design Associate

CI Financial

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Corient helps high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families to enjoy a full life, while enabling them to preserve their wealth for future generations, and provide for the people, causes and communities they care about. The company focuses on exceeding expectations, simplifying lives, and establishing legacies that last for generations. Corient is one of the fastest-growing wealth management platforms in the United States, with over 40 offices across the country serving more than 15,000 clients and managing over $220 billion in client assets. They combine the personal service, creativity, and objective advice of a boutique with the extensive resources and vast intellectual capital of an innovative industry leader to create a profoundly different wealth management experience. The Project Design Associate will join a team that values ambition and empowers growth, contributing to the design, FFE, and workplace experience across Corient locations.

Requirements

Candidate must be located in the New York City area.
Bachelor’s degree in interior design, architecture, or related field—or equivalent professional experience.
5+ years of professional experience in workplace design, corporate interiors, or project coordination.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.
Detail‑oriented mindset with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
Experience supporting office renovations, build‑outs, or furniture installations.
Familiarity with construction processes, architectural drawings, and facilities operations.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (PowerPoint, Excel, Project).
Experience with design and planning tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, or similar software.
Knowledge of modern workspace trends.
Strong interpersonal skills to manage relationships with consultants, vendors, and clients.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States.
Must be willing to execute Corient’s Employee Agreement or Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement, which require, among other things, post-employment obligations relating to non-solicitation, confidentiality, and non-disclosure.

Responsibilities

Support the development of interior layouts, furniture plans, finishes, and workplace design standards across Corient locations.
Lead research into workplace design trends, new materials, FFE innovations, ergonomics, sustainability solutions, and emerging industry best practices.
Conduct showroom visits and walkthroughs with furniture and FFE vendors to evaluate products, gather pricing, and compare solutions.
Participate in product review sessions, evaluate samples, and prepare recommendations for project stakeholders.
Maintain and evolve Corient’s design guidelines, FFE standards, and employee experience frameworks to ensure alignment with brand and functional needs.
Perform site walks to gather field data, document existing conditions, validate installations, and support project scoping.
Support planning and execution of workplace projects including expansions, renovations, relocations, and refreshes.
Assist with schedules, budgets, and project documentation, ensuring clear communication of milestones and deliverables.
Coordinate directly with architects, general contractors, furniture dealers, and specialty vendors to ensure cohesive execution.
Assist in punch lists and project closeout activities, ensuring accurate documentation and a seamless user experience.
Play a key role in FFE procurement, including gathering quotes, coordinating vendor proposals, evaluating product options, supporting order placement, tracking lead times, and ensuring that selections meet Corient’s standards for quality, cost, and performance.
Build strong relationships with FFE and design-related vendors, evaluating new partners that can add value to Corient’s portfolio.
Support vendor onboarding, performance tracking, and regular business reviews to ensure alignment with workplace quality standards.
Maintain a digital library of preferred vendors, products, materials, and pricing to support efficient project planning.
Maintain a physical sample library so we can efficiently draw inspiration from past projects and maintain design throughlines within our portfolio.
Attend design expos, industry events, and vendor presentations to stay informed on evolving trends, products, and technologies.
Partner with Workplace Experience, Facilities, IT, HR, and Security teams to ensure smooth project delivery and space implementation.
Assist with communication materials such as move guides, design presentations, project updates, and change‑management messaging.
Maintain accurate documentation of floor plans, FFE inventory, and workplace-related data systems.