Associate Interior Designer (Part-Time)
Location: Laguna Beach & Long Beach, CA
Position: Part-Time, Hybrid (20–25 hours/week)
About the Position
Linette Dai Design is seeking an experienced Associate Interior Designer with an exceptional design eye, strong technical skills, and a natural aptitude for organization and project management.
Working closely with the Principal Designer, this individual will contribute creatively to the design process while independently managing assigned responsibilities across all phases of high-end residential projects, from concept through installation.
We are a small, collaborative team that values initiative, reliability, and thoughtful attention to detail.
Key Responsibilities
Collaborate with the Principal Designer on design concepts, space planning, material palettes, furnishings, and architectural details.
Research and source furniture, lighting, textiles, finishes, fixtures, and specialty materials.
Develop design presentations, mood boards, floor plans, elevations, millwork drawings, and other technical documentation.
Prepare and maintain accurate specifications, finish schedules, and furnishing documentation.
Review shop drawings and coordinate technical details with architects, contractors, fabricators, and vendors.
Independently manage assigned project deliverables, schedules, deadlines, and follow-ups.
Coordinate with architects, contractors, trades, vendors, and workrooms throughout the design and implementation process.
Prepare for and participate in client meetings, site visits, vendor appointments, and installations.
Proactively identify outstanding decisions, anticipate challenges, and recommend solutions.
Maintain organized project files, samples, specifications, and task lists.
Prepare and maintain product proposals and specifications in Studio Designer.
Request and review vendor quotations, pricing, lead times, and product information.
Collaborate with the studio team to ensure accurate product specifications, purchasing information, and smooth coordination through installation.
Assist with installation planning, delivery coordination, styling, and final project details.
Manage samples and material resources, ensuring they are properly organized and returned.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum 5 years of experience at a high-end residential interior design firm.
Exceptional design sensibility and appreciation for thoughtful, distinctive interiors.
Strong proficiency in AutoCAD and technical design documentation.
Experience with Studio Designer preferred.
Solid understanding of residential construction, materials, furnishings, and custom fabrication.
Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership of responsibilities, and manage multiple priorities with exceptional attention to detail.
Tech-savvy and adaptable, with the ability to quickly learn and consistently follow established studio workflows, software systems, and organizational procedures.
Professional, proactive, collaborative, and solutions-oriented approach.
Valid driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and ability to travel independently to project sites, showrooms, vendor appointments, and studio locations throughout Southern California.
Position Details
Schedule: Part-time, approximately 20–25 hours per week initially, with potential to transition to full-time.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with designated in-person workdays and remote workdays.
Location: Laguna Beach and Long Beach, California, with travel to project sites and industry appointments as needed.
Compensation: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume, portfolio (including examples of technical drawings, documentation, and mood board presentations), and a brief introduction outlining your relevant experience and interest in joining Linette Dai Design. Please clearly identify your individual contributions to the projects presented. Subject line: Associate Interior Designer — [Your Name]
We look forward to hearing from designers who share our passion for exceptional design, thoughtful collaboration, and meticulous execution. References may be requested during the interview process.