FF&E Interior Designer

Position Summary

The FF&E Interior Designer specializing in K–12 Educational Environments is responsible for planning, selecting, and coordinating installation of all furniture, fixtures, and equipment that support student learning, instructional delivery, and overall facility function. This role focuses on developing thoughtful, research-based FF&E solutions that enhance safety, comfort, flexibility, and educational outcomes. The FF&E Interior Designer collaborates closely with interior designers, architects, educators, vendors, and project stakeholders to ensure that all FF&E selections align with curriculum needs, district standards, budget expectations, lifecycle performance, and overall design intent.

This remote position requires the individual to live in the state of Michigan with the ability to regularly travel throughout the state to client sites. 

Organizational Values

Our belief in people leads us to work with project partners that have people at their center. Our company values are:

• Investing in People
• Achieving the Extraordinary
• Serving with Humility
• Finding Fun in Our Work
• Committing Ourselves to Mutual Success
• Fearlessly Exploring
• Striving for Authenticity

Essential Responsibilities

1. Educational Programming & Needs Assessment
   • Partner with school districts, administrators, and educators to understand instructional models, curriculum needs, user types, spatial adjacencies, and equipment requirements.
   • Conduct walkthroughs, inventory assessments, and review existing FF&E standards (if any) to determine project-specific needs.
2. FF&E Space Planning & Layout Development
   • Create detailed furniture plans that support flexibility, student flow, supervision, accessibility, and varied teaching modalities.
   • Develop zoning concepts and furniture strategies for classrooms, administrative areas, media centers, cafeterias, and specialized learning spaces.
3. Furniture & Equipment Specification
   • Select, specify, and document furniture, fixtures, and equipment in CET software that meet durability, ergonomic, and functional requirements for K-12 users.
   • Prepare complete specification packages including schedules, cut sheets, bid sets, finish selections, and procurement documentation.
4. Aesthetic & Material Coordination
   • Integrate FF&E selections with the project’s overall interior design intent through thoughtful coordination of finishes, color palettes, materials, and product families.
   • Ensure final selections contribute to a cohesive, durable, and age-appropriate environment.
5. Client & Stakeholder Collaboration
   • Facilitate FF&E workshops, design presentations, mock-ups, and review meetings with educators, administrators, and user groups.
   • Incorporate stakeholder input while maintaining alignment with design standards, budget, and project goals.
6. Safety, Compliance & Accessibility
   • Ensure all FF&E meets relevant codes, ADA requirements, fire and life-safety guidelines, durability standards, and age-appropriate safety considerations.
   • Recommend products that support inclusive and developmentally appropriate learning environments.
7. Vendor Coordination & Procurement Support
   • Develop and maintain relationships with manufacturers, vendors, and dealers to remain informed on product updates, pricing, durability, warranties, and lead times.
   • Prepare procurement-ready documentation and support bidding, pricing reviews, and submittal evaluations.
8. Budget Development & Cost Management
   • Prepare FF&E budgets, cost estimates, and alternates; perform value engineering as needed.
   • Monitor costs throughout design and procurement to ensure alignment with district expectations and funding capabilities.
9. Installation Oversight & Punchlist
   • Coordinate with dealers to lead installers and contractors during FF&E installation phases.
   • Conduct site visits to verify placement, quality, and accuracy of installed components; manage punchlist and resolution items.
10. Visualization & Documentation
    • Produce presentations, renderings, sample boards, and visual materials to clearly communicate FF&E concepts.
    • Maintain organized documentation and project files in accordance with firm standards.
    • Organize and update Interior’s Library.

Non-Essential Responsibilities

• Additional duties as assigned by the Project Director and/or Project Manager.

Supervision Received

General Direction: Plans and arranges own work. Uses a broad range of procedures to accomplish project objectives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience in interior design, FF&E-focused work, accounting/account management, or facilities management; experience within K–12 or educational environments is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in FF&E specification and documentation processes.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, and CET
• Strong understanding of ergonomics, developmental needs, and flexibility requirements in K-12 environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Familiarity with sustainable materials, procurement standards, and durability requirements for high-use educational furniture.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for engagement with educators, administrators, and design teams.
• Working knowledge of building codes, ADA standards, and school-focused design best practices.

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to translate programmatic needs into FF&E solutions and visual concepts.
• Skilled in problem solving, negotiation, and vendor coordination.
• Understanding of architectural and engineering workflows to ensure FF&E integration.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel throughout the state of Michigan regularly (2 – 3 days per week) to client sites and in-person meetings, required.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office, studio environment, and through on-site visits to schools and project locations. Engagement with educators, administrators, dealers, and installation teams is an essential part of the role. Some travel within Michigan may be required.