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Quinn & Company

Interior Designer

Quinn & Company, Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37247

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Quinn & Company is seeking an experienced Interior Designer In this mid-to-senior level role, you will own interior design projects from start to finish – guiding clients through each phase from initial concept development to final installation – while working closely with the Lead Designer for creative direction. The ideal candidate is a well‑rounded professional who can manage both the creative design work and the project logistics. You will be responsible for translating client goals into beautiful, functional designs and ensuring projects run smoothly through design development, procurement, and delivery. This role offers the opportunity to lead projects independently (with oversight) and make a significant impact on creating exceptional interiors.

Key Responsibilities Design & Planning

Lead End‑to‑End Project Design: Manage all phases of interior design projects from initial client briefing, conceptual design, and detailed design development through construction documentation and final installation.

Concept Development & Client Presentations: Develop creative design concepts that reflect the client’s taste and needs. Create mood boards, sketches, and presentation materials to communicate design ideas. Run client presentations and design meetings, clearly articulating concepts and incorporating feedback.

Design Documentation: Prepare and refine design drawings and documents as needed for each project. This includes creating floor plans, elevations, and 3D renderings using AutoCAD, Revit and/or SketchUp, and developing detailed finish schedules and furniture plans.

Material & Finish Selection: Select and document all construction materials and finishes for projects – including custom client projects as well as in‑house spec development projects. Specify items such as flooring, wall finishes, cabinetry, hardware, lighting, and other fixtures, ensuring they meet design, quality, and durability standards.

Furnishings & Decor Curation: Source and curate all furnishings and decorative items for each project, including furniture, fabric, rugs, window treatments, artwork, and accessories. Ensure selections align with the design concept and stay within the client’s budget and style preferences.

Client & Team Collaboration: Act as the primary point of contact for your projects, maintaining clear and proactive communication with clients throughout the process. Work closely with the Lead Designer to obtain input on key design decisions and to ensure your design plans adhere to the creative vision. Collaborate with other team members (e.g. design assistants, interns) by delegating tasks and overseeing their contributions to the project as needed.

Project Coordination & Procurement

Vendor Coordination and Bidding: Meet with contractors, subcontractors, and vendors to review project scopes and design plans. Communicate design requirements clearly to trade‑people (architects, builders, millworkers, etc.) to obtain and evaluate necessary bids or quotes.

Issue Resolution: Coordinate with the procurement department to address any procurement or delivery challenges that arise – for example, sourcing alternate options for discontinued products, managing returns or exchanges for damaged items, and expediting replacements.

Timeline Management: Continuously update the project schedule based on lead times and delivery updates. Determine realistic installation dates by accounting for any delays or extended lead times on key items. Provide clients and team members with regular updates on project timing and accurately schedule installation and project completion.

Installation Planning: Coordinate the final installation phase, including scheduling and overseeing all trades and delivery teams. Work with contractors and installers (painters, electricians, wallpaper installers, movers, furniture delivery teams, etc.) to sequence the work appropriately and ensure the site is prepared for a smooth installation of furnishings and decor. Clearly communicate the installation schedule and delivery day expectations to client and team.

On‑Site Project Management: Be present to supervise on‑site installations and deliveries, acting as the design eye and project manager during the process. Oversee the placement of furniture, artwork hanging, styling of accessories, and any onsite construction or finishing touches. Troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Client Handover & Styling: Once installation is complete, lead the client through a walkthrough of the finished space. Ensure the client’s questions are answered and they are delighted with the outcome. Address any immediate concerns and adjust the placement of items as needed.

Punch List & Follow‑Up: Create and manage a punch list of any outstanding tasks or items that need attention after the main installation (e.g. missing pieces, touch‑up work, corrections on custom items). Coordinate the completion of all punch‑list items promptly.

General & Administrative

Process Improvement: Contribute to developing and refining our internal design processes to ensure a consistent, smooth experience for clients.

Client Acquisition Support: Participate in sales calls or meetings with potential clients as needed. Assist in preparing design proposals, fee estimates, and design agreements for new projects by providing input on scope and hours based on past project experience.

Professional Development & Compliance: Stay up‑to‑date with interior design trends, building code changes, and best practices in project management. Maintain your Interior Designer license in the State of Tennessee throughout your employment, in compliance with state requirements (including completing any required continuing education) – and register your license with Quinn & Company as the employer. We support professional development, and encourage participation in industry associations or obtaining additional certifications.

Qualifications and Skills Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or a related field is required.

Experience:

Approximately 3+ years of professional interior design experience, preferably in a residential or boutique design firm setting. Proven track record of taking projects through all phases of design – from concept through completion. Prior experience managing your own projects or serving as a project lead/designer is highly valued.

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in design software is a must – specifically, strong skills in AutoCAD for drafting and space planning, and Revit or SketchUp (or similar 3D modeling software) for renderings. Familiarity with the MacOS suite is expected. Experience producing detailed construction documents and specifications is required.

Project Management Tools:

Comfortable using project management and procurement tracking tools to stay organized. Experience with interior design management software such as Houzz Pro or a similar platform is a plus.

Design & Industry Knowledge:

Solid understanding of interior design principles (space planning, color, proportion, etc.), as well as knowledge of furnishings, materials, and building finishes. Experience with FF&E sourcing and purchasing processes is important. Knowledge of local building codes and ADA requirements (or willingness to learn) to ensure designs are compliant.

Organization & Detail‑Orientation:

Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines without sacrificing attention to detail. You must be extremely detail‑oriented in documenting specifications, tracking orders, and reviewing installations – ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

Budgeting Skills:

Ability to establish and manage project budgets. Competence in preparing client budgets for furnishings and finishes, and ensuring selections stay within budget. Experience reviewing vendor proposals and invoices for accuracy. A mindset for balancing design aspirations with cost considerations (and maintaining profitability on product sales) is important.

Communication & Collaboration:

Superior communication skills – both written and verbal. Confident in presenting design concepts to clients and leading meetings. Able to communicate professionally and effectively with clients, vendors, and team members. A collaborative attitude is essential; you should excel at working as part of a small, close‑knit team and coordinating with outside contractors.

Problem‑Solving:

Demonstrated ability to anticipate potential project challenges and proactively develop solutions. Resourceful and calm under pressure – whether dealing with a construction issue or a delayed shipment, you can adapt and find alternatives to keep the project on track.

Work Ethic & Flexibility:

Self‑motivated and proactive, with a strong sense of ownership over your projects. Able to work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment and prioritize tasks effectively. Willingness to travel locally to project sites and supplier showrooms; a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required. Occasional overnight travel (e.g. out‑of‑town installs or trade shows) may be needed.

Licensure:

Certified or Registered Interior Designer credentials (NCIDQ certification and state registration) strongly preferred. Candidate must either hold a current Tennessee interior design license or be on track to obtain one, and must maintain the license throughout employment (with Quinn & Company’s support).

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industry

Interior Design

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