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JUNIOR DESIGNER

Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon
Job Type: Full-time, in person

Position Overview
Vanillawood is an award-winning design-build and interior design firm seeking a creative, detail-oriented, and technically capable Junior Designer.

This role supports residential remodels and new-construction projects across both architecture and interiors. The ideal candidate is comfortable producing drawings, researching and sourcing materials and furnishings, preparing presentations, and contributing thoughtfully to the creative process.

This is a hands-on opportunity to work closely with the firm’s principals, designers, and construction team while developing into a well-rounded residential designer.

Essential Responsibilities

Design + Drafting

  • Assist with residential remodel and new-construction projects through all phases of design and construction.

  • Produce and revise drawings in AutoCAD and SketchUp.

  • Support space planning, architectural detailing, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, and interior documentation.

  • Assist with custom cabinetry, millwork, and built-in design.

  • Incorporate feedback accurately and maintain drawing sets as projects evolve
     

Interior Design + Sourcing

  • Support the selection of finishes, fixtures, materials, furnishings, lighting, and accessories.

  • Research and source FF&E based on project direction, budget, lead time, and availability.

  • Prepare material palettes, finish schedules, specification documents, and presentation materials.

  • Request samples, pricing, product information, and availability from vendors and showrooms.

  • Maintain organized product, finish, and sourcing records.
     

Presentations + Project Support

  • Prepare client presentations, renderings, mood boards, and design concepts.

  • Help develop budgets, specification books, schedules, and project documentation.

  • Participate in internal design reviews, project meetings, site visits, and occasional client presentations.

  • Coordinate closely with principals, designers, vendors, consultants, and the construction team.

  • Track assigned tasks and follow through on deadlines, revisions, and project details.


Studio Collaboration

  • Contribute creatively to design discussions while remaining receptive to feedback and direction.

  • Help maintain organized design libraries, samples, materials, and project files.

  • Support the studio with research, documentation, and other project needs as they arise.

  • Take ownership of assigned work and communicate questions, concerns, and progress clearly.
     

Qualifications

  • Two to five years of professional or internship experience in interior design, architecture, residential design, or a related field.

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and SketchUp required.

  • Familiarity with Chief Architect, Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office preferred.

  • Experience producing design and construction drawings.

  • Strong visual judgment and ability to contribute to finish, material, and FF&E selections.

  • Basic understanding of residential construction, building codes, materials, and detailing.

  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.

  • Comfortable balancing creative work with technical documentation and administrative project tasks.

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.

  • Eagerness to learn, accept feedback, and grow within a small, fast-moving design-build firm.

  • Must currently live in the Portland metropolitan area.
     

Benefits

  • 401(k) and matching

  • Health insurance stipend

  • Paid time off

  • Employee discount

  • Flexible schedule

  • Bonus opportunities

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