Design Associate

Design Associate

The Design Associate supports all phases of interior design for commercial office spaces, ensuring high standards of service delivery and design integrity while creating value for the organization's real estate assets. This role contributes to the execution of design strategies that support leasing activities and tenant space improvements, collaborates closely with internal teams and external partners, and integrates sustainability considerations into each project. The position offers a balanced 40-hour workweek, meaningful involvement in project planning and coordination with prospects and tenants, and a strong pathway into real estate development for those interested in expanding their career.

Responsibilities

• Support all phases of interior design for commercial office spaces, from initial concept through completion, while maintaining high standards of design integrity and service delivery.
• Participate in the execution of design strategies that support leasing activities and related tenant space improvements.
• Prepare and contribute to design documentation, including drawings, layouts, and presentations, using tools such as Revit, CAD, and AutoCAD.
• Collaborate with leasing, project management, construction, and other internal teams to ensure design solutions align with business objectives and tenant needs.
• Work with prospects and tenants on test fits and space planning to evaluate and refine potential layouts for commercial office interiors.
• Assist with construction administration activities, helping to ensure that projects are executed in accordance with design intent and established standards.
• Apply and maintain design standards appropriate to each portfolio and market, helping to preserve and enhance the quality of real estate assets.
• Partner effectively with corporate resources and external consultants to coordinate and execute design projects on time and within scope.
• Incorporate sustainability strategies into design solutions, supporting environmentally responsible and efficient spaces.
• Contribute to improving the overall quality of the customer experience by delivering thoughtful, functional, and aesthetically pleasing design solutions.
• Communicate design ideas clearly through visual presentations and verbal explanations to internal stakeholders, prospects, tenants, and external partners.
• Manage time and tasks effectively to meet project deadlines while working within a straight 40-hour workweek structure.
• Travel as needed to support the assigned portfolio and to review sites, projects, and tenant spaces.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in interior design for commercial office and interior environments.
• Hands-on experience with Revit for design and documentation of commercial interiors.
• Proficiency with CAD and AutoCAD for producing and modifying construction and design documents.
• Experience in construction administration, supporting the execution of design intent during the build phase.
• Experience preparing and working with construction documents for commercial interior projects.
• Strong visual and verbal communication skills for clearly conveying design concepts and solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to adapt to different communication styles and clearly articulate goals and objectives.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers and to work effectively with various levels of professionals.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, collaborating across different departments and functions.
• High degree of organization, planning, creativity, judgment, and time management.
• Willingness and ability to travel to support the assigned portfolio.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in expanding into project management responsibilities, including planning and coordination with prospects and tenants for test fitting.
• Motivation to move away from heavy documentation and rigid deadlines typically associated with consulting environments.
• Interest in building a career pathway into real estate development.
• Comfort working in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.
• Ability to maintain design quality while balancing business needs and timelines.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite at the headquarters in Columbia, MD, working Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in a standard 40-hour workweek. The Design Associate works in a professional office setting focused on commercial real estate and interior design, using tools such as Revit, CAD, and AutoCAD as part of daily responsibilities. The position requires being onsite five days per week, with some travel to properties within the assigned portfolio to support projects and tenant spaces. The environment emphasizes collaboration with leasing, project management, construction, and corporate teams, offering structured hours, involvement in project planning, and exposure to real estate development activities. Benefits include an annual bonus opportunity and new hire equity that vests over time, supporting long-term engagement and growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Columbia, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $80000.00/yr. Bonus 10% - 50% individual 50% company New Hire Stock $24K vested over 5 years Major plus is standard 40 hour work weeks - they work less hours than at traditional ID or A&E firms

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbia,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.