Design Associate
The Design Associate manages and coordinates design-related tasks for tenant improvement projects across multiple markets, preparing construction documents, space plans, and budgets. This role supports project managers and collaborates with construction and property management teams to ensure successful interior renovations and finish selections, maintaining design documentation and product libraries. The position requires proficiency in design software and involves site visits and coordination of landlord work elements.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
As a Design Associate supporting our confidential client’s commercial real estate portfolio, you will help deliver tenant-improvement and building-design work across the Philadelphia metro and nearby PA, NJ, and DE markets. Typical responsibilities include:
- Assist coordination of all design-related tasks for tenant improvement (TI) projects.
- Prepare test fits, space plans, and pricing notes for prospective tenants.
- Support TI Project Managers in developing tenant improvement budgets.
- Produce construction documents for interior TI projects using Revit.
- Coordinate landlord work elements for tenant-managed projects.
- Conduct space surveys for vacant suites and document existing conditions.
- Create building stacking plans and marketing plans for available spaces.
- Advise construction and property management teams on finish selections for capital projects.
- Help design and select finishes for base building renovations.
- Maintain an up-to-date product library and pricing for finish materials.
- Maintain an electronic library of design documentation (Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, etc.).
- Assist with maintaining operations & maintenance documents and project plans.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome entry-level candidates and experienced designers. Typical qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture preferred; Master’s in Architecture, Interior Architecture or Interior Design acceptable.
- Entry-level applicants encouraged; 3–5 years of related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience also considered.
- Space planning / design credentials required.
- Valid driver’s license and personal automobile insurance required (travel to buildings/meetings expected).
- Strong ability to read, analyze and interpret project plans and to respond professionally to inquiries by email and phone.
- Solid mathematical and reasoning skills sufficient to perform area/volume calculations and interpret technical instructions.
Preferred Skills & Tools
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency: Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape.
- Novice to intermediate proficiency: Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator.
- Strong organization, file management, and electronic documentation practices.
- Experience with tenant improvement workflows, space planning, and construction documentation.
Physical Requirements
Per OSHA, reasonable accommodations will be made when appropriate. Typical demands include:
- Frequent: standing, walking, talking, hearing, and using close/distant vision (including color and depth perception).
- Occasional: sitting, grasping, reaching, climbing or balancing, working on ladders, stooping, kneeling, crouching.
- May lift objects up to 50 lbs.
Work Environment & Travel
- Work is a mix of office and on-site activities. Occasional exposure to wet/humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, elevated/precarious places, outside weather, electrical risks, and vibration.
- Moderate noise levels typical of construction and occupied buildings.
- Regular travel to local buildings and meetings for surveys and tenant coordination.
Compensation & Employment Type
- Estimated salary: $71,548 per year (estimated).
- Employment type: Full-time.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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