What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Designer position at Design First Builders?
Associate Designer & Showroom Receptionist
Location: DDK Design Studios (Wilmette, IL & Glenview, IL)
Schedule: Full-Time, In-Showroom
Position Overview
The Associate Designer & Receptionist is the first impression of DDK, welcoming clients, managing inquiries, and creating a seamless experience from the moment someone walks through our doors. This hybrid role combines front-line client interaction with hands-on design support, ensuring every visitor feels inspired and every designer is prepared for success.
You’ll balance day-to-day showroom responsibilities with assisting our design team; supporting client meetings, preparing design materials, and helping bring beautiful, functional spaces to life.
Key Responsibilities
Front Desk & Client Interaction
- Greet all visitors and ensure a warm, professional, and engaging showroom experience.
- Answer and route phone calls, emails, and online inquiries promptly through our phone and CRM systems.
- Schedule appointments and manage the design team’s calendars for consultations and client meetings.
- Maintain the showroom’s appearance, ensuring displays are pristine, materials are organized, and samples are refreshed regularly.
- Log walk-in and call-in leads accurately in the CRM system.
- Support special showroom events, open houses, and client appreciation initiatives.
Design Support
- Assist designers with project prep, including gathering materials, updating specification sheets, and assembling presentation boards.
- Help with space planning, elevations, and drawings using Chief Architect or similar design software.
- Organize client files, proposals, and documentation for smooth project handoffs.
- Support client meetings by preparing visuals, sample layouts, and follow-up materials.
Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in kitchen & bath design, interior design, or a related field preferred.
- Proficiency with design software such as Chief Architect, 2020 Design, or SketchUp.
- Exceptional organization skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a friendly, polished demeanor.
- A proactive mindset with strong attention to detail and a collaborative spirit.
- Must be willing to work one Saturday a month
What We Offer
- Competitive pay and growth opportunities within a leading design/build organization.
- Mentorship from certified kitchen and bath designers and exposure to high-end North Shore projects.
- A creative, supportive team environment where your contributions directly impact client satisfaction and team success.
Join Us
If you’re equal parts creative and organized, love design as much as people, and thrive in a showroom buzzing with ideas, DDK wants to meet you!
Job Type: Full-time
Base Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $55,000 - $65,000