Description

About Empire Office

Empire Office is the largest commercial furniture dealer in the world, with over 78 years of experience and more than 425 full-time employees across the country. We are the preeminent Steelcase dealer in the United States and support a list of more than 500 manufacturers. We partner with best-in-class architects, designers, brokers, craftsmen, and manufacturers to deliver proven workspace solutions. With creative and cost-effective results, we address business challenges and activate brands.

Overview

Empire Office is currently seeking a Designer/Product Application Specialist in our New York, NY or Secaucus, NJ office to join our team. This position will hold responsibilities to provide Design services to dealership customers including: programming, space planning, development of typicals, color boards, existing furniture inventory, digital presentations, and complete furniture specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Create drawings and specifications in CET (ex: Typicals, Furniture plans, 3D Renderings)
• Revise drawings and specs when required
• Prepare installation drawings and supporting documents
• Consistent updates to Director of Design
• Work closely with dealership sales and sales admins to ensure accurate plans and specifications
• Assist with Finish selection and create digital and physical sample boards
• Spec Check other team members work as needed
• Meet with clients, in person or virtually, to understand the clients’ objectives, desires, and design within their allocated budget
• Identify areas that need field verification and coordinate actual dimensions with final plan
• Inventory existing product; incorporate in furniture plans and specifications
• Maintenance of internal reporting systems (i.e. time sheets, tracking design time, project files)
• Follow Empire Office Design department guidelines and standards for deliverables and filing of projects.
• Adhere to deadlines of key deliverables
• Attend Industry events as necessary
• Continuing education related to product updates and industry trends, including but not limited to: consulting spec guides, price lists and assembly instructions, attending regular trainings and updates offered by manufacturers, and visiting installations. 

Skills & Qualifications

• At least 5 years of dealership experience in commercial contract furniture industry preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, Architecture or related field
• Proficient in CET, Autocad, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of contract furniture lines
• Working knowledge of applicable building codes, ADA regulations, National Electrical Code; National Fire Code, etc.
• Experience with Steelcase products a plus
• Must be comfortable visiting job sites to take basic field dimensions and furniture inventory
• Excellent creative thinking, problem solving skills, and attention to detail
• Proven organizational and follow-through skills
• Strong time management skills and ability to multi-task within a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with clients, manufacturers reps, and team members
• Strong presentation skills and must be comfortable attending meetings and interacting with customers, designers, architects, and contractors
• Works well in a team environment, and ability to work longer hours as needed to support team and meet customer expectations
• This is a hybrid role and will require at least two days a week in the office