Design Assistant

Position Overview

As a Design Assistant you are responsible for assisting the design team with developing and producing a design package for production. That includes but is not limited to, assisting with CAD drawings, product selections and client meetings. Your main responsibility is the oversight of special orders. You are our representative to both the customer and the community at large. We get most of our work because of our reputation, and you are an important part of that reputation. Both the quality of your work and the way you present yourself reflect on you and our company.

Work Experience Requirements

2 years related work experience

Educational Requirements

Associate Degree in Design

Continued Education

Merrick strongly encourages personal growth and will provide access to classes, trade journals, trade shows and specialized training for all our team members. We require that all team members earn 1-4 CEU hours per year. Individual targets will be set annually based on educational and work experience. The goals of these class are too:

  • Stay on top of design trends and new products.
  • Study and adapt to new construction methods and technologies. 
  • Advance computer skills in relevant software’s, Chief Architect, Builder Trend, etc.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

  • Should be a creative, problem solver, 
  • Highly organized
  • Demonstrates the ability to clearly express themselves in writing.
  • Basic computer skills (Microsoft & BuilderTrend)
  • Fluent English
  • Ability to read construction drawings preferable.
  • Experience with CAD software preferable.

Physical Requirements

Professional Qualities

Leadership

  • Inspires coworkers to attain goals and pursue excellence.
  • Identifies opportunities for improvement and makes constructive suggestions for change.
  • Demonstrates strong ethics, through honest and dependable behaviors.

Teamwork

  • Consistently acknowledges and appreciates each team member’s contributions.
  • Effectively utilizes and works with each team member to his/her fullest potential.
  • Motivates team to work together in the most efficient manner.

Client Management/Relations

  • Develops lasting relationships with clients and fosters client ties.
  • Continually seeks opportunities to increase customer satisfaction and deepen client relationships.
  • Helps to build a knowledge base of each client’s needs and physical property to maintain and access future needs.

Communication

All team members are responsible for effective communication between all members of the team.

  • Effectively communicate relevant project information to other team members.
  • Resolve issues in a timely fashion.
  • Understand how to communicate difficult/sensitive information tactfully.
  • Answer or respond to missed calls as quickly as possible during normal business hours. 
  • Voice mailbox must remain empty to allow for messages.
  • Check and respond to texts within a couple of hours. 
  • Check and respond to email messages within 1 business day. 
  • Check and respond to Buildertrend messages within 1 business day. 
  • Maintain OneNote Design Checklists to share job status and to dos, with team.

Duties & Responsibilities

Design Tasks

  • Oversee the use of the design checklist 
  • Assist with project calendar, ensure that design team hits its milestones.
  • Assist with plan development, adding details to elevations, floor plans and renderings. 
  • Lead the client in the selection of each required product keeping the budget in mind during the entire process.
  • Document client selections and record details in BuilderTrend.
  • Assist with preparing plans and scope of work, specifications, allowances, and product selections for the construction contract.

Vendor Relationships

  • Develop relationships with local showrooms. 
  • Collect samples.
  • Meet with clients in showrooms as needed.

Production Tasks

  • Track and receive fixture orders, keeping BuilderTrend up to date.
  • Duties related to site visits may develop as part of continued education.

Financial Tasks

  • Keep daily time records. 
  • Track expenses

Marketing Tasks

  • Always remind clients that reviews are the best compliment they can give us. 
  • Assist with project photoshoots.
  • Produce award packets for projects worthy of entry. 
  • Create 3D walk throughs and renderings of designs to share on the website and social media. 
  • Conceive and publish up to 1 blog per month.

Meetings

  • Attend job start meetings.
  • Attend punch list walk through.
  • Attend weekly pipeline meeting.
  • Participate in Pin up meetings with design team.
  • Attend design presentations with Sales/Designer and clients.

Company Policies

Adhere to the following company policies:

  • Dress appropriately per the employee handbook. 
  • Alcohol or Illegal Drugs. Absolutely no alcohol or illegal drugs may be used on the job or anywhere near the jobsite, even outside working hours. Such use of alcohol or illegal drugs will result in immediate dismissal. 
  • Tobacco products are not allowed on job sites or company vehicles. 
  • Weapons of any kind are not allowed on job sites or company vehicles.
  • It is strongly encouraged that employees maintain standard vaccinations such as tetanus, flu, and covid-19. 

Measurement of Performance

  • Uses the design checklist to track projects through the pipeline.
  • Completes assigned task with allotted time frame. 
  • Regularly earns 5-star google reviews from customers.

Salary

$26- $30/hr based on Education/Experience

Work Hours

  • Standard work hours are 7-4
  • After hours and weekend sales calls are not expected.

Evaluation Requirements

Annual Performance Review

  • Consists of a review of this job-description, a detailed survey completed by the Designer/Salesperson in advance, and the setting of annual goals. 

Quarterly Check In

  • Consists of a review of progress made in personal and professional goals along with a brief survey completed by the Estimator/Preproduction Coordinator in advance. 

Annual Compensation Review

  • This review will be conducted independently and consists of a review of the measurements of performance, previous year’s goals, and the current salary.

Chain of Command

  • This position reports directly to the Senior Designer.
  • This position works in partnership with design and sales team.

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