Ancillary Designer

As an Ancillary Designer for Unisource Solutions, you will lead the ancillary scope across projects; curating product stories, developing lookbooks and layouts, and producing complete ancillary specifications for contract furniture. You'll serve as a hybrid bridge between the design and sales teams, acting as the primary ancillary resource for clients, account managers, and vendors from discovery through installation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Pre-Design & Needs Assessment

• Participate in site walkthroughs, field measurements, and analysis of how ancillary spaces (lounge, café, huddle, collaborative zones) will function.
• Contribute to the scope of work: headcount, culture cues, adjacencies, and stylistic direction with an ancillary lens.
• Attend client meetings alongside the Account Manager as the design resource for ancillary scope.

Conceptual Design & Preliminary (ROM) Budget

• Develop lookbooks, mood boards, and initial ancillary product stories that translate client culture into a curated visual narrative.
• Produce Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing for ancillary scope using vendor tools, virtual library resources, Spec, and Excel.
• Source across curated vendor options to identify solutions that align to budget, style, and lead time.

Design Development, Revisions & Refinement

• Develop layouts and space plans for ancillary areas; refine plans and product selections based on client feedback.
• Generate 3D renderings and flythroughs (including AI-assisted renderings) to visually communicate design intent.
• Coordinate finish and material selections; maintain a curated sample library ready for active projects.
• Provide alternative design solutions when a primary option doesn't meet budget, lead time, or functional needs.

Approvals & Finalization of Proposal

• Generate complete, order-ready ancillary specifications in Spec (sif): part numbers, finishes, COM/COL, lead times.
• Prepare accurate ancillary quotes and pricing packages; conduct double-checks on specifications, counts, and pricing before submission.
• Lead and support client-facing design presentations through approval process.
• Contribute to bid responses with ancillary-forward solutions.

Procurement, Project Management & Installation

• Manage sample requests, product counts, and inventories aligned to project needs.
• Conduct site visits to verify field dimensions and site conditions during critical project phases.
• Attend punch walks and installations to provide on-site oversight and represent the ancillary scope to clients.
• Support punch-list resolution: missing, damaged, or backordered ancillary components.

Product, Market & Sales Development

• Maintain active manufacturer and vendor relationships; stay current on new and updated ancillary offerings.
• Update and manage Unisource's internal ancillary package and reusable ancillary standards, templates, and pricing guides.
• Attend trade shows and industry events; identify and communicate workplace trends that shape design narratives.
• Support A&D and hospitality outreach to develop ancillary opportunities and pipeline.
• Manage layouts and smaller ancillary-forward projects independently as capacity allows.
• Contribute to DTLA Client Center activation — driving A&D partners in for material and product discovery.

Code Compliance, Product Knowledge & Communication

• Apply working knowledge of building and furniture plan code requirements to ancillary layouts — egress, ADA clearances, life safety.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of Haworth ancillary lines and applications.
• Maintain active awareness of open-line ancillary manufacturers with comparative analysis on price, lead time, and function.
• Update project status software daily; communicate availability, blockers, and shifting priorities openly with design and sales.
• Manage project folders with current files; archive prior versions per standard naming conventions.
• Champion greater use of technology and AI tools across the ancillary design workflow.

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in contract furniture, ancillary design, commercial interiors, or A&D.
• Strong working knowledge of CET Designer (primary specification platform); proficient in Spec (.sif), In Design, Sketchup and Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, SketchUp, and 20/20 CAP.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Suite for visual presentations and marketing materials (aspirational; growth expected).
• Active adopter of AI tools for renderings, flythroughs, and design communication.
• Broad ancillary product knowledge across Haworth and open-line manufacturers; a creative eye for fabrics, finishes, and product storytelling.
• Working knowledge of applicable building and furniture plan code requirements.
• Strong client-facing presentation skills; comfortable presenting alongside sales and to A&D partners.
• Established or emerging relationships within the design community (IIDA, NEWH) a plus.
• Excellent organization, interpersonal communication, and vendor relationship skills.
• Outstanding time management; proven ability to juggle multiple projects and bids under deadline pressure.
• Detail-oriented, self-sufficient, and a proactive problem solver.