Associate Designer

Associate Designer

Primary Work Location: Stillwater, MN | Full-Time, Hourly (Non-Exempt)

Work Environment: This is a flexible position based in our Stillwater studio.

Who We Are

At Dwell & Gather, we believe great design is about so much more than making things look pretty. It’s about creating spaces that tell stories, bring people together, and truly feel like home (or the home our clients dream of).

We're a growing boutique interior design firm serving clients throughout Minnesota and South Carolina, specializing in large-scale renovations, custom new builds, and full-home Furnish & Décor projects. Our work is rooted in creating timeless, highly personalized homes through thoughtful design, intentional details, and genuine relationships. We believe exceptional design is only part of the experience—it should be paired with exceptional service. We have a deep love for what we do, the incredible team we get to do it with, and the wonderful clients we have the privilege of serving.

About the Role

The Associate Designer plays a key role in bringing each client's vision to life by translating the Principal’s creative concepts into thoughtfully executed designs. Working closely with and reporting to the Principal Designer, this position is responsible for implementing design concepts (Procurement through expediting) including sourcing furnishings, finishes, and materials , preparing client presentations, producing detailed construction documentation and specifications, and confidently leading the design implementation of assigned projects from concept through installation.

The Associate Designer plays a key supporting role in the successful execution of assigned projects, collaborating closely with the Project Lead Designer, Principal Designer, Procurement & Expediting Team, and Design Coordinator to ensure each design is executed with accuracy, organization, and exceptional attention to detail while delivering an outstanding client experience

As the Associate Designer grows professionally, this role assumes increasing ownership of project design while collaborating with the Principal on creative direction and overall project strategy.

The Associate Designer serves as an integral member of the project team, supporting the Project Lead Designer in moving projects seamlessly from concept through installation while taking increasing ownership of design responsibilities as experience and proficiency grow.

We're looking for someone who is highly creative, detail-oriented, organized, proactive, and genuinely passionate about creating exceptional spaces and meaningful client experiences. The ideal candidate thrives at balancing creativity with organization, communicates with professionalism and confidence, embraces feedback with humility, maintains a growth mindset, and is committed to continuous learning. Most importantly, they are a collaborative team player who leads with integrity, serves others well, and is excited to grow alongside Dwell & Gather.

Primary Areas of Ownership

Design Development

• Develop creative design concepts that align with each client's goals, lifestyle, budget, and architectural style.
• Create furniture plans, finish palettes, elevations, and design specifications.
• Source furnishings, lighting, materials, plumbing fixtures, accessories, and finishes.
• Research products, vendors, and custom solutions.
• Prepare mood boards, presentations, design books, finish schedules, and specifications.
• Collaborate with the Principal Designer to refine concepts and design direction.

Client Experience

• Participate in client meetings and design presentations with professionalism and confidence.
• Present portions of design concepts as assigned by the Project Lead Designer or Principal Designer.
• Assist in communicating project progress and design decisions.
• Help cultivate exceptional client relationships throughout the design process.

Project Management

• Support the Project Lead Designer and/or Principal in managing multiple design projects simultaneously.
• Maintain project timelines and design deadlines.
• Coordinate closely with the Principal Designer regarding project progress.
• Work collaboratively with Expediting Specialist to ensure specifications are complete and accurate prior to ordering.
• Review project budgets and assist in maintaining alignment with client investment goals.
• Proactively identify challenges and recommend thoughtful solutions.

Documentation & Collaboration

• Prepare complete specification packages for Procurement.
• Create finish schedules, furniture specifications, and presentation materials.
• Ensure design documentation is accurate, organized, and complete.
• Collaborate with the Design Coordinator on design documentation, organization, scheduling, sample management, and project support.
• Support internal team communication to ensure seamless project execution.

Construction and Field Coordination

• Conduct regular site visits to monitor construction progress, verify design implementation, and identify potential issues before they become costly problems.
• Collaborate closely with builders, contractors, and trade partners to answer design questions, clarify specifications, and maintain design integrity throughout construction.
• Coordinate and participate in trade meetings, site walkthroughs, and project milestone reviews.
• Review field conditions and proactively recommend solutions when unforeseen challenges arise.
• Assist with contractor coordination, trade communication, and field documentation.
• Oversee the installation of custom design elements and specialty features to ensure quality workmanship and adherence to design specifications.
• Document site conditions, field changes, and project progress, communicating updates clearly with the Principal Designer, Procurement Team, clients, and project partners.
• Help ensure projects remain on schedule by proactively coordinating design-related decisions and field communication.
• Build trusted relationships with trade professionals while representing Dwell & Gather with professionalism, collaboration, and excellence.

Installation & Project Completion

• Participate in project installations and styling days.
• Troubleshoot design challenges that arise during installation.
• Coordinate design adjustments when necessary.
• Ensure projects are completed to Dwell & Gather's quality standards.
• Assist in final project walkthroughs and client reveals.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Clients feel cared for, heard, and excited throughout the design process.
• Design presentations are polished, organized, and require minimal revisions.
• Projects remain organized, on schedule, and well documented.
• Design specifications are accurate and complete before moving into procurement.
• Strong communication exists between Design, Procurement, and the Design Coordinator.
• Problems are identified early and resolved proactively.
• Vendor relationships continue to strengthen.
• The Principal has confidence that assigned projects are progressing smoothly with increasing independence.
• The Associate Designer consistently represents Dwell & Gather with professionalism, warmth, and excellence.

Desired Qualities

• Strong eye for design, scale, proportion, and detail.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to balance creativity with efficiency.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable presenting ideas and building client relationships.
• Self-motivated with strong initiative and follow-through.
• Positive, collaborative team player.
• Adaptable and solution-oriented.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Eager to learn, receive feedback, and continually grow professionally.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in SketchUp for 3D modeling and design visualization.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, including creating and editing construction drawings.
• Strong construction documentation skills, including preparation of detailed drawing sets, elevations, specifications, finish schedules, and construction details.
• Ability to read, interpret, and coordinate architectural, structural, and construction plans.
• Strong understanding of residential construction methods, materials, and building systems.
• Experience specifying cabinetry, plumbing, lighting, tile, flooring, millwork, hardware, and finish materials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Google Workspace.
• Experience creating polished client presentations using Canva, Adobe Acrobat, and presentation software.
• Strong understanding of space planning, furniture layouts, scale, proportion, and design principles.
• Ability to organize and maintain accurate project documentation and digital files.
• Comfortable learning and utilizing project management, procurement, and CRM software.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to identify inconsistencies before documents are issued for pricing or construction.
• Ability to produce accurate, builder-ready construction documentation with minimal oversight.

Perks & Benefits

• 401(k)
• Paid Holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving & Christmas (half days for part- time employees)
• Paid Time Off after onboarding commitment (90 days) year of employment (40 hours full-time employees | 20 hours part-time
• Summer Friday Hours
• Use of a company vehicle for work-related travel
• Cell phone stipend

Additional Perks to Consider

Professional Development

• Annual continuing education stipend (design conferences, webinars, books, certifications) with approval
• Paid attendance at industry events, showrooms, and trade markets when appropriate
• Access to vendor trainings and CEUs

Design Perks

• Employee discounts on furniture, décor, and home furnishings (where vendor agreements allow)
• Access to designer-only resources and showrooms
• Opportunities to participate in professional photoshoots and installs

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible scheduling when business needs allow
• Summer Fridays or occasional early release days

Team Culture

• Team lunches and celebrations
• Annual team party
• Team outings
• Coffee and snacks at the studio

Growth

• Clear opportunities for advancement as Dwell & Gather grows
• Cross-training in multiple areas of the business
• A front-row seat to building something special. As a growing boutique firm, every team member has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, contribute ideas, and grow alongside the company.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

Dwell & Gather isn't just a design firm—it's a close-knit team that values creativity, heart, excellence, and genuine connection. We care deeply about our clients, the work we create together, and one another. We believe that serving people well starts with supporting each other well.

If you have a positive growth mindset, enjoy serving others, embrace flexibility, and genuinely love being part of a collaborative team, you'll feel right at home here.

Our Standards of Excellence

At Dwell & Gather, every team member is expected to:

• Deliver a luxury-level client experience in every interaction.
• Embody our core values through humility, integrity, kindness, and professionalism.
• Maintain a growth mindset and welcome coaching as an opportunity to improve.
• Take ownership of mistakes, communicate proactively, and seek solutions.
• Treat teammates, clients, vendors, and trade partners with respect and encouragement.
• Pursue excellence in the details, understanding that small touches create unforgettable experiences.
• Represent Dwell & Gather with professionalism both inside and outside of the studio, recognizing that each team member is an ambassador of our brand

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Flexible schedule
• Health savings account
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Plata: $55,000 - $65,000 a year

Izvor: https://indeed.com/viewjob?jk=30e545f0d34b30d2

Nivo: mid level