What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tabletop Designer position at Pottery Barn?
Company Description Pottery Barn is a leading home furnishings brand known for exceptional quality, timeless design, and meaningful style for over 70 years. As part of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. family, the brand combines original designs, premium materials, and artisan craftsmanship with a strong commitment to safe and sustainable production. Pottery Barn is headquartered in San Francisco, yet its stores, catalog, and digital channels inspire customers around the world. Team members join a company that values good products, people, and integrity, creating thoughtfully designed pieces that enhance everyday living.
Role Description The Tabletop Designer is a full-time, on-site role based in New York, NY, responsible for designing and developing seasonal tabletop collections, including dinnerware, glassware, serveware, linens, and decorative accessories. This role collaborates closely with merchandising, sourcing, and visual teams to translate brand direction and trend insights into cohesive, commercially viable product assortments. Day-to-day tasks include concept development, sketching and rendering, creating technical specifications, selecting materials and finishes, and partnering with vendors to ensure design intent, quality standards, and pricing targets are met. The Tabletop Designer also participates in line reviews, updates presentation materials, and supports in-store and catalog storytelling to ensure products are presented consistently across all customer touchpoints.
Qualifications
- Product and surface design skills, including concept development, sketching, rendering, and pattern/layout creation for tabletop collections.
- Experience with materials and manufacturing processes relevant to tabletop (e.g., ceramics, glass, metals, textiles) and an understanding of quality, safety, and durability standards.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with merchandising, sourcing, visual, and vendor partners.
- Proficiency in design and presentation tools (such as Adobe Creative Suite, CAD or similar software, and basic MS Office) to create clear design documents and line presentations.
- Keen eye for color, proportion, and styling, with an ability to interpret trends and customer insights into brand-right product concepts.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Relevant education in Industrial Design, Product Design, or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience in home décor, tabletop, or related consumer products is strongly preferred; familiarity with sustainable and responsible design practices is a plus.