Open Positions
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About Jen Samson Design
Jen Samson Design is a highly regarded, full-service luxury interior design firm specializing in high-end residential projects, from thoughtful renovations and custom new builds to internationally sourced interiors. We are rooted in passionate, inspired design and bring a deeply personal, elevated approach to every project we take on.
We are growing, and we are looking for a Senior Interior Designer who is as invested in exceptional outcomes as we are. We need someone who can step confidently into active projects, contribute meaningfully to the creative process, and help lead our team to the next level.
The Role
This is a senior-level, full-time position for an experienced designer who thrives at the intersection of creativity and execution. You will work directly with the Principal Designer to lead projects from concept through installation, managing all phases of design and serving as a key extension of the Principal across both creative and operational execution while maintaining JSD’s standard of excellence. This role requires someone who is equally at home developing a design concept as they are coordinating with contractors on a job site.
What You’ll Do
Project & Client Management
Own the day-to-day management of multiple active projects across various phases simultaneously
Serve as a primary point of contact with clients, vendors, contractors, consultants, and artisans, communicating clearly, proactively, and professionally throughout all project phases
Lead or support client presentations and meetings, translating client needs and preferences into refined design solutions
Manage project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and team coordination with strong organizational rigor
Technical Execution
Produce detailed drawings, floor plans, elevations, and technical documentation for vendors, contractors, and artisans
Maintain precise CAD drawings and ensure all documentation is current and accurate
Review construction documents and shop drawings; coordinate and attend site visits to ensure work is being executed per specifications
Design Leadership
Collaborate with the Principal Designer to develop and execute design concepts across a portfolio of high-end residential projects
Lead space planning, material selections, FF&E specifications, and finish schedules from concept through completion
Create compelling presentations including mood boards, concept decks, and material palettes that clearly communicate the design vision to clients
Contribute a strong design sensibility and point of view that complements and elevates JSD’s aesthetic
Sourcing & Custom Furnishings
Source across a deep network of vendors, both vintage and contemporary, to find the right pieces for each project
Work with specialty artisans and custom fabricators, communicating technical requirements clearly
Studio & Team
Work collaboratively with junior designer, providing guidance and supporting their growth
Use studio project management tools (including Ivy/MyDoma or similar) to keep projects organized and on track
Contribute to a positive, solutions-oriented studio culture
What You’ll Need
Experience & Education
5+ years of full-time experience in high-end residential interior design at an established design firm
Proven track record managing projects from concept through installation, including new construction and large-scale renovations
Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field
Technical Skills
High proficiency in AutoCAD (required)
Strong working knowledge of SketchUp and/or 3D rendering software; familiarity with AI-assisted design and workflow tools is a significant plus
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Keynote for presentations
Comfort with project management and procurement platforms (Ivy/MyDoma, Studio Designer, or equivalent)
Solid command of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, including Excel for budget tracking
Design & Industry Knowledge
Extensive sourcing resources across vintage, antique, custom, and contemporary markets
Deep knowledge of FF&E including furniture, lighting, hardware, textiles, materials, and finishes
Strong understanding of the residential design and construction process, building codes, and the ability to read and produce a complete drawing set
Experience working with architects, contractors, and specialty trades on complex residential projects
Who You Are
Creatively driven and technically fluent, with the ability to concept and execute with equal confidence
Exceptionally organized with an obsessive attention to detail; you triple-check your work
A natural communicator who is polished, articulate, and at ease with clients, contractors, and vendors alike
A calm, proactive problem-solver who takes initiative and anticipates needs before they arise
Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to shift priorities quickly when client or project needs change
Self-motivated and highly accountable, with exceptional follow-through
A genuine love of design, art, travel, fashion, and the world of interiors
Easy-going, collaborative, and a true team player who elevates the people around them
Position Details
Full-time, in-studio position based in Laguna Beach, CA (minimum 4 days/week in studio)
Salary: competitive and commensurate with experience, with opportunity for growth based on performance and long-term contribution
Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required; must reside in the greater Orange County/Laguna Beach area
US residents only; remote and part-time arrangements are not available for this role
How to Apply
This is a fast-moving search. Please send your resume, a brief cover letter, and a portfolio that showcases your design sensibility, presentation work, CAD drawings, renderings, and FF&E selections to:
We are looking for someone who can step in, make an impact, and grow with us. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
About the Role:
We are looking for a highly organized and growth-minded Design Operations Manager to support our fast paced, growing interior design firm. You will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations and ensuring seamless communication with vendors, our design team, contractors, sub contractors & clients. This is a pivotal role that touches every part of our company, giving you a front-row seat to the creative process while ensuring that our operational engine runs smoothly. You will help us continue delivering beautiful designs, expanding our business, and fostering strong relationships with our partners. This is an exciting time to join JSD and we are in need of someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
JOB REQUIREMENTSWhat You’ll Do:
Support Operations: Manage administrative processes including scheduling meetings, handling correspondence, and maintaining calendars.
Project Management: Collaborate with the Principal and Lead Designers on project production, handling client proposals and invoicing purchasing documentation, ordering, and tracking deliveries.
Vendor Relations: Serve as a liaison between internal teams, contractors, and vendor partners to ensure efficient communication and strong relationships.
Financial Administration: Proposals and Invoices, tracking expenses, cross checking financials to keep the business running smoothly. Procuring quotes from vendors, lead times, hipping quotes from vendors.
General Office Support: Manage emails, respond to inquiries, organize project materials, handle shipments, and order office supplies.
Founder Support: Assist the Founder with personal tasks, including booking travel and managing appointments.
QUALIFICATIONS
At least three years experience in Operations with an interior design firm
Passion for design
Clear communication skills
Excellent attention to detail
Strong organizational skills, detail oriented
Knowledge of interior design trends, materials, and processes
Proficient in IVY (or similar) Keynote, Pages, Numbers, Google Office suite, and Asana
Ability to work in a fast paced environment with others in a team setting
Has valid Drivers license and lives within 1 Hour of Laguna Beach, CA
Examples of day to day responsibilities
Maintaining project details in IVY: Add all items into Ivy, Create Room Boards in Ivy, Create proposals & invoices, POs, Record payments / Pay Vendors
Project Logistics: Track and schedule deliveries, File claims, Customs forms, Shipping quotes and organize deliveries with third party shippers, Schedule installs with Trade work/Vendors/Receivers, Prepare all materials for install, Create punch list for installations to wrap up projects,
Client communication, Client Presentation preparation.
Set up of new projects on all platforms- Ivy, Asana, Tracking, Dropbox, Pinterest, and Keynote, G Suite
Communicate with vendors on custom furniture, drapery, upholstery, and millwork
Procure quotes from vendors, lead times, invoicing, and shipping quotes
Review billing, reconcile and update Principal
Schedule office appointments
Coordinate with Sub Contractors
Purchase all goods and accessories for clients
Maintain client trays, client project binders, updating project boards
Set up accounts and projects with furniture receivers for all new projects
Order supplies for the office as needed
Studio organization when needed