Interior Designer

Opportunity at Glance

The Interior Designer will bring our clients' vision to life — translating strategy into thoughtfully crafted environments that inspire, perform, and endure. Based in our growing Fort Wayne region, this role plays a key part in shaping the local client experience, connecting creative design thinking with technical precision to deliver spaces that reflect both client goals and Custer's standard of excellence.

Job Responsibilities

• Demonstrates a deep understanding of design thinking principles and applies strategic design methodologies across projects
• Translates abstract concepts and client vision into functional, creative design solutions using a broad range of programming information and tools
• Designs holistically across the built environment — integrating commercial furniture, custom solutions, and interior finish packages to deliver cohesive project outcomes that align with client goals and project scope
• Creates clear, detailed architectural drawings that communicate design intent and support project execution
• Follows established design processes while demonstrating confidence to suggest alternative solutions when appropriate. Speaks up in group settings and contributes meaningfully to team discussions
• Designs with an understanding of applicable codes, life safety standards, and best practices, ensuring compliance in all project deliverables
• Identifies site conditions, raises concerns appropriately, and communicates solutions clearly to clients, project managers, and trade partners
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, creating clear and accurate drawings for trades coordination and client understanding
• Led interactive, technology-driven design sessions with clients, delivering persuasive and engaging live design experiences
• Communicates candidly and objectively, setting realistic expectations with internal teams, sales partners, and clients while consistently meeting deadlines
• Displays a high level of attention to detail, proactively raising potential concerns, asking clarifying questions, and seeking feedback for improvement
• Seeks opportunities to grow personally and professionally, bringing ideas and areas of interest to leadership for development
• Organizes and delivers effective digital presentations, showcasing design solutions with clarity and impact
• Identifies opportunities within projects to expand scope and create additional value for the client and business
• Demonstrate attentiveness and responsiveness in communication, maintaining appropriate turnaround times for deliverables

Project Management Expectations

• Actively participate in construction and site meetings, representing the design team and contributing to project coordination discussions
• Collaborate with internal team members to conduct Pre-Install Readiness Meetings to ensure alignment across project stakeholders prior to installation
• Break down large-scale project scopes into manageable work plans, establishing clear milestones, task, assignments, and timelines
• Coverall audit of all design work prior to order placement to ensure accuracy

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of the design process, project lifecycle, and contract structures, with a proven ability to evolve operational models and tools that improve the customer experience
• Ability to follow established design and project management processes while demonstrating confidence to suggest alternative solutions when appropriate
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills — able to articulate design ideas clearly and engage confidently with clients, internal teams, and trade partners.
• Strong presenter and storyteller with the ability to represent design vision and Custer's brand confidently in both executive and public settings
• Experience in client-facing roles, including strategic consultation, presentations, and cultivating long-term business relationships
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects, timelines, and tasks simultaneously across different project phases.
• High attention to detail and accuracy — ensuring design deliverables, specifications, and installation drawings are thorough and complete.
• Adaptable and responsive to dynamic project needs and client expectations, maintaining flexibility in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Business Development, and Operations to drive integrated strategies and influence business outcomes.
• Techically proficient in industry-standard software, including AutoCAD, SketchUp, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and project collaboration tools

Education, Experience & Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in interior design or related field, required
• NCIDQ certification, highly preferred
• 4-6 years of experience in the commercial design industry, required, 6+ years preferred
• Project management experience is a plus
• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed

Compensation & Benefits

The company offers a full range of benefits including: Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability and Other Insurance Plans, Paid Time Off, Holidays, 401(k), and Short- & Long-Term Disability.