Associate Designer, Hardgoods

The Associate Designer Hardgoods is an important designer role within the brand’s Product Design and Development department that helps build the future vision of Crate & Barrel through innovative product design. This position will own design and support the creation of a specific product category in support of the (Sr.)Designer, and help manage the daily functions of the design area including the ownership of technical development briefs, and sample development management.

This is an on-site position (Monday through Thursday) based out of our Northbrook, IL office with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

A day in the life as an Associate Designer, Hardgoods...

• Own the product design process for tabletop and decor
• Create presentations of key cross-functional design milestones
• Perform renderings, digital design work and CAD for product line.
• Own the development of technical product design specifications and CADs
• Own product amendment comments and revisions through the design development and sampling process
• Maintain seasonal concept documents and design records
• Develop set up of category presentation for product and assortment reviews
• Create and maintain line charts for collaborator projects
• Partner with finish and fabric teams to maintain swatch libraries.
• Manage design samples through their entire lifecycle
• Partner with facilities to organize and maintain sample storage and review spaces
• May manage professionals and is responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of these associates
• Responsible for interviewing, hiring and training associates; planning, assigning, and directing work; and appraising performance

What you'll bring to the table...

• Passion for design, style and decorating and knowledge of design and art history
• Ability to interact and collaborate with Sr. members of the team and major vendors with experience on product development
• Ability to make decisions on operational matters that impact the effectiveness of their work
• Ability to translate business and design objectives into successful product
• Identify and support opportunities for improvement in business management and process design
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with all company associates and business contacts
• Build effective relationships with internal partners in Design, Merchandising, Materials and Sourcing to help execute cross functional synergy and collaboration
• Participate in special projects, as needed

We'd love to hear from you if you have...

• Must provide a link to portfolio (including password) on resume or provide PDF samples
• 3 years experience working in home lifestyle design and manufacturing/retail industry
• BFA or MA in Industrial Design, Furniture Design or any related design field
• Experience with technical design and design brief creation
• Strong Hand Sketching and concept generation
• Strong Technical knowledge and experience with drafting, 3D modeling, and digital or hand rendering essential (AutoCAD, Rhino and Keyshot)
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative suite
  - Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign essential