The Design Associate is a developing design professional who has moved beyond task-following and is building the judgment, technical skill, and design vocabulary to grow into a fully independent designer. You work with supervision, but you're expected to own your deliverables, anticipate next steps, and consistently produce work that requires fewer revisions with each project.
At this level, you're developing your voice in the design process, participating in creative conversations, taking on more complex sourcing and documentation work, and beginning to build lasting relationships with vendors and showrooms.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Develop floor plans, furniture layouts, and finish schedules under senior designer direction
Source and specify materials, furnishings, and custom pieces with increasing independence
Prepare complete and accurate project documentation including product matrices and specifications
Assist Senior Designers in client presentation preparation and design concept development
Coordinate with vendors, showrooms, and fabricators to manage product timelines and details
Maintain project records in Studio Designer with consistent accuracy, logging hours daily and beginning to forecast time required for assigned tasks
Attend client and site meetings; take thorough notes and follow up on action items
Draft and refine client, contractor, and architect communications with increasing independence, developing a professional voice consistent with KWD standards
Demonstrate improving internal communication skills, including clear and timely updates to the design team on task progress, open items, and potential delays
Produce AutoCAD drawings and SketchUp renderings with a focus on reducing revision cycles
Contribute ideas in team design reviews and project discussions
Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Fine Arts, or a related field
2–5 years of experience in high-end residential or commercial interior design
Proficiency in AutoCAD; working knowledge of SketchUp
Working knowledge of Studio Designer
Strong organizational skills with a track record of accurate, on-time deliverables
Collaborative, solutions-oriented, and comfortable in a fast-paced studio environment
Kendall Wilkinson Design is a full-service interior design firm with over 30 years of experience creating bespoke luxury residences. With offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles, our portfolio spans the Bay Area, Lake Tahoe, Southern California, Hawaii, the Rockies, and the East Coast.
KWD was formed around one central theme: Individualism. It's in that narrative that the studio finds its heartbeat threading livable luxury and connection from room to room. With an emphasis on quality materials, customization, and comfort, each space is created with intention and thoughtfulness around the clients who call these rooms home.
Our versatile team of expert designers, project managers, and creative advisors fosters a language between architecture, interiors, and the landscapes they inhabit consistently bringing the vision of clients to life through creativity, collaboration, and service.
