Associate Interior Designer

YOU ARE // Creatively driven and technically skilled, you’re a proactive designer ready to take the next step in your career. Detail-oriented and collaborative, you thrive in a fast-paced environment and take pride in seeing ideas through from concept to completion. Passionate about supporting the Principal Designer and driving the success of client projects, you bring curiosity, initiative, and an eye for elevated, thoughtful design that reflects the Pure Salt aesthetic.

WE ARE // Pure Salt Interiors is a full-service interior design studio and e-commerce shoppe based in Newport Beach, CA. We create inspired spaces, products, and experiences that encourage people to live deeply in each moment through fresh, functional, family-friendly design. We first opened our doors in 2016, but have since evolved into a national lifestyle brand.

PURPOSE // The Associate Interior Designer partners closely with the Principal Designer and Project Manager to lead client projects from concept through completion, ensuring design quality, client satisfaction, and seamless execution. This role requires strong leadership, client-facing skills, and the ability to mentor and guide junior team members while managing materials, proposals, and presentations. Success depends on collaboration, proactive communication, and a keen attention to detail across all aspects of the design process.

OUTLINE // The Associate Interior Designer role is a full-time, exempt position. This position’s primary location will be Pure Salt Design Studio (Newport Beach, CA), and will report directly to a Lead Designer. There will be hybrid in-office/wfh abilities (2-3 day split on average), and the compensation range for this position starts at $70,000/annually.

DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES //

Administrative Tasks

• Uphold and model company policies and procedures.
• Submit time off requests with adequate notice and maintain accurate timekeeping.
• Communicate proactively with management, escalating issues when needed.
• Maintain an organized, professional workspace and represent the Pure Salt brand internally and externally.

Leadership

• Independently lead client projects through all phases of the design process in partnership with Lead and Principal Designers.
• Mentor and guide Associate Designers and Design Coordinators.
• Delegate tasks effectively and monitor progress to ensure team success.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and project workflows.

Presentation

• Prepare polished, compelling, and timely design decks.
• Confidently present concepts and rationale to clients.
• Anticipate client questions and provide clear explanations of design decisions.
• Collaborate with Lead and Principal Designers to elevate presentation quality.

SketchUp & Design Tools

• Create highly detailed, accurate, and client-ready SketchUp designs.
• Demonstrate efficiency and technical skill in design production.
• Troubleshoot and improve 3D design workflows.
• Train team members on SketchUp best practices as needed.

Proposals & Documentation

• Draft detailed, professional proposals using Houzz Pro.
• Ensure all client communications, invoices (excluding design hours), and project documentation are accurate and timely.
• Review proposals for quality and alignment with client expectations.

Client-Facing Management

• Lead client calls and meetings with professionalism, confidence, and clarity.
• Proactively manage client expectations and project timelines.
• Communicate updates and recommendations effectively, presenting solutions to challenges.
• Build strong, trust-based client relationships.

Materials & Selections

• Independently manage material pulls for presentations and client selections.
• Anticipate client needs and present curated options.
• Educate clients on material choices, finishes, and functionality.
• Collaborate with Lead/Principal Designers to finalize selections.

Purchasing

• Manage purchasing for projects according to Design SOPs.
• Ensure timely orders of materials and samples.
• Track purchases, coordinate with Finance and Logistics, and report project expenses.
• Close purchase orders efficiently.

Installations

• Partner with the Logistics Director and project team to ensure seamless installs.
• Manage inventory for install returns, organize and track items, and accurately report retail purchases.
• Ensure installations meet design and brand standards.

Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship

• Lead training sessions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Actively mentor Design Coordinators, Associate Designers, and Design Interns.
• Foster a collaborative, learning-oriented environment.

Other Duties

• Support evolving business needs and company priorities.
• Adapt quickly to new responsibilities and contribute positively to team culture.

REQUIRED SKILLS //

• Detail-oriented and organized
• Experience with SketchUp (Intermediate to Advanced/Proficient)
• Knowledge of GSuite Software Products, Asana, Canva, Houzz Pro, etc.
• Must have the ability to multitask
• Curious, self-motivated, team player with an entrepreneurial spirit
• Able to effectively use common office equipment
• Creative and critical thinker
• Open to feedback and the ability to apply notes for improvement

EDUCATION EXPERIENCE //

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree, preferred
• Interior Design certification - or in progress, preferred
• 3-4 years of Interior Design experience
• 2 years of experience leading client-facing projects.
• 2 years of professional experience using SketchUp

PERKS BENEFITS //

• Competitive Hourly Rate
• Full Health Benefits packages, with competitive rates and low employee premiums
• LinkedIn Learning Accounts and curated learning pathways
• Access to Proprietary Design Learning Courses
• Generous 401(k) company match
• Paid Time Off Plan
• Parental Leave Plan
• Employee Discounts on proprietary and third-party collections, and more!

***Interested candidates should send their current resume and portfolio to careers@puresaltinteriors.com for further consideration***