Job Title: Architecture + Design Business Development Representative
Status: Full time, regular
Supervisor: Director of New Business Development
Hours: The company’s office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. This position regularly requires significant engagement beyond/outside of these days and hours, according to business needs.
Location: Chicago
Compensation: Salary + commission, $100-200K total compensation depending on relevant factors, including knowledge, skills, abilities, network, previous experience, and business results.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven A+D Business Development Representative to build and nurture relationships with the A+D community. The ideal candidate will have a passion for design, a strong understanding of the industry, proven sales expertise, and a strong network of relevant industry contacts. This role focuses on identifying opportunities, delivering tailored solutions, and driving revenue growth by connecting interior designers, architects, and other industry professionals with Thomas Interiors’ superior product offerings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build Relationships: Develop and maintain strong partnerships with interior designers, architects, and other relevant industry professionals at architecture and design firms.

• Sales Generation: Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the interior design community to achieve and exceed sales targets.

• Product Expertise: Demonstrate and apply in-depth knowledge of our furniture products, including materials, features, and customization options, to effectively present and recommend solutions.

• Customer Support: Provide exceptional service by skillfully addressing customer inquiries, offering and delivering design consultations, and ensuring seamless project execution.

• Networking: Attend industry events, trade shows, and networking functions to establish brand presence and cultivate new leads.

• Market Insights: Stay informed on industry trends, competitor activities, and customer needs to adapt sales strategies accordingly.

• Collaboration: Work closely with the internal design and operations teams to meet project timelines and deliver an exceptional customer experience.

Education + Qualifications:

• Proven sales experience, preferably in furniture, interior design, or related industries

• Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure and tight deadlines

• Strong knowledge of interior design principles and trends

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills

• Detail-oriented and committed to providing the highest level of design service

• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment

• Proficiency in CRM tools and Microsoft Office Suite

• Preferred: 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Interior Design, or a related field

Position: Project Designer
Status: Full time, regular
Supervisor: Design Team Lead
Core Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday (Work is sometimes required outside of these hours, depending on business needs.)
Compensation: Salary, $60-80K based on experience

Position Overview:
The Project Designer applies technical knowledge and specialized skills in order to provide commercial furniture interior design services to clients and colleagues.

Key Responsibilities:
Interior Design

• Lead design efforts from initial meeting through installation.

• Attend client meetings to ensure design scope.

• Perform site visits to confirm conditions and verify electrical and architectural dimensions.

• Collect necessary data through programming to determine client needs when required.

• Provide space planning & floor plan development.

• Create workstation typicals.

• Select finishes for furnishings, flooring, walls, windows or ceilings when requested.

• Provide furniture selections and specifications.

• Prepare look books with furniture & finish selections to improve customer visualization.

• Inventory product for reconfigurations when required.

• Perform quality checks to ensure accuracy of specifications.

• Prepare furniture installation documents to our installation lead or project manager to equip the team for accurate installation of furniture.

• Installation package to include: 3-D isometric of workstation, dimensioned furniture plan, dimensioned electrical and panel plan, elevation views of configs indicating tiles, tagged furniture in floorplan view with idea book.

• Problem-solve installation issues or punch list items with Project Manager or Installer as needed.

• Participate in training and development activities as assigned.

Project Communication + Coordination

• Communicate design progress to salesperson.

• Provide pricing and specifications to salesperson.

• Discuss project phasing with project manager.

• Deliver specifications to order coordinators by using a SIF file.

• Communicate with sub-contractors as required for wall treatments, flooring specifications, ceiling, lighting, workstation electrical or built-in furniture options.

• Determine communication needed with A & D firms or clients with salesperson.

• Email communication with vendors for pricing and product information.

Skills + Abilities:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.

• Proficient in production of working drawings: Space planning, floor plans, furniture plans, finish schedules  (AutoCAD and/or CET experience a plus)

• Rendering ability preferred (CET experience a plus)

• Proficient creating specifications in Project Spec or equivalent

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines

• Commitment to providing the highest level of design service

• Ability to multitask and prioritize efficiently

• Detail-oriented with problem-solving abilities

• Self-motivated, proactive, and ability to work with little to no supervision

• Positive, efficient team player

• Good communication skills to interact effectively with individuals at various levels of an organization both within and outside the company

Education + Qualifications:

• 4-Year Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Fine Arts, or similar field

• 2+ years of experience in commercial design or related field

• Preferred: Interior design license or NCIDQ certification obtained or in process