Shape exceptional spaces through thoughtful furniture solutions.
Perkins&Will is seeking an experienced Senior FF&E Specialist to join our team. In this role, you'll lead the development and execution of comprehensive furniture solutions, collaborating with clients, designers, and project teams to bring creative visions to life. From initial programming and design direction through specifications, budgeting, and procurement, you'll play a key role in delivering functional, innovative, and sustainable interior environments.
What You'll Do
- Lead the development of furniture design concepts and solutions that align with each project's architectural vision, functional requirements, and client goals.
- Collaborate with Project Principals, Project Managers, designers, and clients to establish creative furniture direction, including finishes and upholstery selections.
- Gather, document, and evaluate client programming requirements to develop thoughtful, tailored furniture solutions.
- Evaluate furniture systems, products, and reuse opportunities based on aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, and cost.
- Develop and manage furniture budgets throughout all project phases, balancing design excellence with financial performance.
- Contribute to project proposals, including defining furniture services, scope, fees, and schedules.
- Develop detailed furniture plans, specifications, and documentation, including creating and tagging furniture plans in Revit.
- Coordinate furniture solutions with architectural and engineering systems, addressing technical requirements and design implications.
- Oversee client presentations, showroom visits, product samples, and furniture mock-ups with dealers and vendors.
- Lead quality control and client approval processes to ensure accurate specifications and minimize errors.
- Manage furniture bidding and procurement processes, evaluating options and providing recommendations to clients.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with furniture manufacturers, dealers, vendors, and service providers to stay informed on emerging products and industry innovations.
- Establish, document, and share best practices for furniture services, supporting consistency and design excellence across projects.
- Mentor junior team members and fellow FF&E specialists, sharing technical expertise and guiding them through the design and documentation process.
- Support project profitability, scheduling, and resource coordination while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
What You'll Bring
- 10+ years of relevant experience in interior design and furniture services, with a strong focus on FF&E.
- A bachelor's degree in Interior Design or an equivalent qualification with an emphasis on FF&E.
- Extensive knowledge of furniture systems, casegoods, seating, demountable walls, ancillary products, and technology integration.
- Experience developing furniture proposals, project schedules, budgets, and comprehensive furniture specifications.
- Strong technical knowledge and the ability to translate design concepts into detailed, coordinated furniture solutions.
- Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including Interior Designers, Architects, Project Managers, and other design professionals.
- Proficiency in Revit, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite (including InDesign, Photoshop, and PowerPoint), and Deltek.
- Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.
- Strong communication, presentation, and client relationship management skills.
- Experience mentoring team members and coordinating project staff is preferred.
- A commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and collaborative problem-solving.
Professional Development & Credentials
- NCIDQ certification and professional licensure are preferred.
- LEED Green Associate accreditation is expected within six months of hire.
- Professional accreditation in an area of Living Design aligned with your interests, such as LEED AP with Specialty, BREEAM AP, WELL AP, SITES AP, Certified Passive House Consultant/Designer (CPHC/CPHD), or ILFI Living Future Accreditation.
Why Perkins&Will?
At Perkins&Will, design is about more than creating beautiful spaces. It's about shaping environments that support people, communities, and the planet. You'll collaborate with talented design professionals, build relationships with industry partners, and help guide innovative furniture solutions that balance creativity, performance, and sustainability. As a senior member of the team, you'll also have the opportunity to share your expertise, mentor emerging designers, and contribute to the continued evolution of our design practice.
