Commercial Furniture Dealer Designer

Henricksen (Oak Brook, IL) is a full-service contract furniture dealership specializing in office, healthcare, education, government, senior living, and hospitality spaces. Founded in 1962 as a small, family-run dealership, Henricksen has grown into a leading national dealership with twelve offices across Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington, DC, and Wisconsin. With over 300 full-time employees and annual sales exceeding $300 million, Henricksen partners with 300+ manufacturers to offer systems furniture, casegoods, seating, lounge, conference furnishings, and architectural solutions including modular walls, flooring, lighting, sound masking, and technology equipment. Henricksen is one of the largest privately-owned dealer partners of HNI in the United States, representing brands such as Allsteel, Gunlocke, HBF, The HON Company, and Kimball International.

About the role

This position is located in our Peoria, IL office. The Designer collaborates with Account Executives, clients, and the Customer Support Team to design and specify creative, functional solutions that meet client expectations and project requirements. The role focuses on programming, space planning, finish palettes, drawings, specifications, and field verifications. Designers engage with clients, project teams, and external partners to execute exceptional design solutions, positively influencing the client experience, culture, and mission.

Responsibilities

• Project Definition and Planning: Participate in or facilitate project meetings to establish and maintain clear project expectations (e.g., scope, deliverables, timeline, roles, and team operations). Contribute to the development and presentation of design solutions that optimize client space and engagement. Advise on and negotiate project design details in relation to proven practices, standards, and concurrent priorities.
• Design Process Execution: Execute multiple projects concurrently with quality and efficiency. Gather programming required to develop or revise schematic designs in compliance with client expectations and project requirements. Outline cost estimates and resource needs for approved design recommendations and modifications. Implement core processes with accountability, accuracy, and consistency. Identify and resolve issues proactively, escalating as needed. Develop finish palettes for client review.
• Design Consultation and Collaboration: Engage clients in real-time to outline and agree on design intent. Create drawings, renderings, and other deliverables that illustrate design intent. Advise clients and project teams on design applications addressing programming needs (e.g., collaboration, ergonomics, technology integration, building codes, ADA requirements). Coordinate with consultants, project teams, and installers to manage changes, field reviews, and installations. Organize and manage project drawings, revisions, and critical documentation (e.g., key decisions, approvals, signoffs, meeting highlights).
• Customer Experience: Maintain a professional and positive demeanor across all situations, clients, and vendors. Communicate transparently and professionally to promote an exceptional client experience. Adapt to project and client needs while aligning with core processes and service-level expectations. Leverage prior client interactions and learnings to enhance the client experience.

Requirements

• Education and Experience:
  • Associate’s degree in interior design, interior architecture, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of work experience in contract design and/or a furniture dealership or construction.
• Technical Skills:
  • Working knowledge of professional design and specification software (e.g., AutoCAD, CAP Studio, project matrix, Configura CET, Revit).
• Industry Knowledge:
  • Contract furniture industry and/or construction experience, including specification and layout of systems, ancillary furniture, demountable partitions, and contract furniture processes from programming to delivery/installation.
  • Understanding of workplace environment issues (e.g., ergonomics, technology integration, teaming, planning, facility needs).
  • Familiarity with building codes, ADA regulations, Electrical Code, and general building practices (e.g., partition types, flooring material thickness, installation applications).
• Soft Skills:
  • Proven ability to execute multiple projects simultaneously in an organized, creative, and quality-driven manner.
  • Conscientious, flexible, and team-oriented with a strong work ethic and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficient and effective communicator (written and verbal) across various audiences and situations.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree in interior design, interior architecture, or a related field from a CIDA-accredited program.
• Configura CET software experience.
• NCIDQ certification or state license.

Benefits

Henricksen offers competitive wages based on skills and experience, as well as a comprehensive benefits package.

Pay

$55,000 - $75,000/year

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Henricksen is fully committed to cultivating a culture that is inclusive and integrates its Core Values in every action, interaction, and decision.