Furniture Designer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Overview

In Common With is a design studio built on collaboration between artists, materials, environments, and our community at large. We’re committed to redefining the familiar by bringing elevated materials, detail-oriented design, and unparalleled adaptability to furniture and lighting for all spaces. 

We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented individual to join our team full-time as a Furniture Designer. This person will collaborate and work closely with the studio's Co-founders to support design and development efforts for new and existing products. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Sourcing, Procurement, and Vendor Management (40%)

• Source, acquire, and document vintage furniture, lighting, and objects, verifying provenance and overseeing restoration processes.
• Source and evaluate materials, finishes, fabrics, and specialty items for both restoration and new product development.
• Identify and vet new vendors while building and maintaining strong vendor relationships through negotiation, pre-qualification, contract preparation, and agreement management.
• Generate purchase orders, track shipments, and manage payments and receipts to ensure seamless procurement processes.
• Collaborate with the Co-founders to evaluate and onboard vendors for new materials, projects, and prototypes.

Design & Development (20%)

• Create initial schematic designs, mood boards, and research inspired by the creative direction of the Co-founders.
• Develop detailed models, renderings, technical drawings, and written specifications for both new concepts and existing products.
• Build physical mockups and prototypes of details, furniture, fixtures, and components.
• Design packaging solutions for new products and special projects as needed.

Product Development and Quality Assurance (20%)

• Review and refine prototypes and samples with vendors, ensuring alignment with design specifications and quality standards.
• Manage the creation, review, and approval of vendor drawings, 3D models, and technical specifications to release products for prototyping and production.
• Oversee mock-up reviews and create punch lists, revision reports, and improvement plans for all designs and products.
• Establish and enforce quality control guidelines for all furniture, vintage objects, and materials, maintaining high standards for production quality and vendor partnerships.

Documentation and Communication (15%) 

• Prepare detailed shop drawings, specification packages, and comprehensive handoff documents for production, operations, sales, and marketing teams. This includes BOMs, tear sheets, digital models, and assembly guidelines.
• Maintain up-to-date product data, including pricing matrices, valuation, and documentation for the sales team and website.
• Regularly update the sales and marketing teams on incoming products and provide detailed documentation for customer-facing materials.

General Responsibilities (5%)

• Organize prototypes, samples, and vintage pieces to maintain an efficient and clean workspace.
• Track progress and manage project timelines through weekly progress reports, highlighting milestones, tasks, and any challenges or roadblocks.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure successful product launches and maintain seamless communication between design, procurement, operations and sales teams.

Qualifications

• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
• Intermediate knowledge of upholstery, including techniques, materials and technical information
• Degree in furniture or interior design
• Strong portfolio showing design sensibility, product design and development, custom or commissioned work, and presentation skills
• Minimum of 3 years CAD Design experience such as Fusion 360, Solidworks, Rhino or Autocad. 
• Ability to create realistic renderings 
• Great interpersonal skills that are both efficient and empathetic
• Ability to prioritize time effectively and ask for guidance when you need it
• Current and curious about design trends
• Appreciation for collaborating across disciplines
• Friendly and personable :)

Studio Compensation

• This is a full-time position based in Gowanus, Brooklyn, with one - two days based in Tribeca weekly. 
• Domestic and international travel is required
• 40 hours/week. Our studio hours are Monday - Friday from 9 am to 6 pm
• $60,000 - $75,000 annual salary based on experience
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, including 100% monthly premium coverage options for Employees of the studio.
• PTO, 401k, and Profit Sharing Plan

How to apply

Send resume and portfolio to jobs@incommonwith.com. In your email, please describe your interest in the position and why you’re a good fit for the studio.

Due to the high volume of responses we receive, we will not follow up with all applicants directly. However, if we feel you are a good fit, we will follow up with qualified candidates within five days. Thank you for your application!