Job Title: Associate / Contract Interior Designer
Job Type: Independent Contractor (24–32 Hours per Week, 6-Month Contract)
Reports To: Founder / Principal and Senior Designer / Leadership Coordinator
About Studio Athena
Studio Athena is a multidisciplinary design studio specializing in elevated residential and boutique commercial interiors. We are passionate about creating thoughtful, beautiful, and livable spaces that reflect the lives of those who inhabit them. Our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and a deep respect for craftsmanship, detail, and design integrity.
Job Summary
Studio Athena is seeking a detail-oriented, motivated, and design-savvy Associate Interior Designer to join our team on a contract basis.
This is a 6-month independent contractor role working approximately 24–32 hours per week, with the potential for continued collaboration on future projects or transition into a part-time or full-time employee role down the road.
The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in interior design or architecture, thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced creative environment, and is passionate about thoughtful, well-executed design. This role will support senior designers through all phases of the design process—from concept and development to procurement and installation—and will involve drafting, sourcing, vendor coordination, and project organization.
Key Responsibilities - to include some or all of the following:
Draft/sketch accurate and detailed digital floor plans, elevations, and space plans
Assist in the development of design concepts, color palettes, and material selections
Communicate professionally with clients, contractors, and vendors
Coordinate pricing, ordering, and deliveries of furnishings and materials
Update and manage purchase orders and FF&E / PSS schedules
Support senior designers with sourcing, presentations, and client communications
Organize and maintain project files and documentation in Google Drive and office systems
Apply for trade accounts and maintain vendor and showroom relationships
Attend site meetings and assist with installations as needed
Track weekly project time using the Project Budget Report to stay aligned with project hour allocations
Qualifications
Degree or certification in Interior Design or Interior Architecture, and/or a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience
Proficiency in drafting and space planning (hand-rendered and/or digital preferred)
Strong working knowledge of Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive) and Canva; Houzz Pro is a plus
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
Exceptional communication skills and attention to detail
Passion for design, with a refined eye for aesthetics and quality
Positive, proactive, and collaborative team attitude
Professional integrity, reliability, and accountability as an independent contractor with your own equipment
Compensation + Structure
Hourly rate commensurate with experience (contractor basis)
Approximately 24–32 hours per week
6-month initial contract term, with the potential for renewal or extension based on performance and project needs
Opportunities for continued collaboration or transition to an employee role within the firm
Work from studio or possible flexible hybrid work model, depending on project and site requirements
