Sr. Design Consultant I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Design Consultant I

Company: One Workplace

Location: Santa Clara, California, United States

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Interior Design & Architectural Consulting

Date Posted: April 06, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a senior-level Interior Design Consultant focused on developing creative interior space solutions for clients, acting as a key client liaison and project leader.

• Responsibilities include leading design discovery, co-creation sessions, and ensuring quality assurance from project inception through final installation.

• The position requires autonomous project ownership, creative decision-making, and serving as a mentor to junior design staff and colleagues.

• This role is crucial for driving customer engagement, managing complex projects, and influencing design outcomes in collaboration with sales partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Sr. Design Consultant I," the description clearly indicates a senior-level role with significant client-facing responsibilities, project ownership, and leadership/mentorship duties, aligning with an experienced professional in the interior design and workplace strategy field. The "OTHER" employment type is broad and likely encompasses full-time professional roles within the design consulting sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary client liaison, building and maintaining strong customer relationships and managing expectations throughout design projects.

• Lead design discovery and co-creation sessions, engaging stakeholders to gather project requirements, uncover challenges, and drive creative solutions.

• Develop comprehensive interior space plans, including furniture block plans, space plans, finish palettes, furniture specifications, and installation drawings.

• Produce and present compelling design concepts and proposals to clients, effectively communicating design intent and budgetary considerations.

• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources, including estimating budgetary hours, tracking time entries daily, and monitoring project hours to ensure profitability and client satisfaction.

• Mentor and guide junior designers and support staff, influencing their deliverables and contributing to their professional development.

• Conduct thorough product research, engage with vendors for pricing and information, and maintain a deep understanding of commercial furniture products and systems furnishings.

• Participate in or lead internal and external process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and design methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design execution, client management, project leadership, and team mentorship, typical for a senior-level consultant role in a client-centric design firm. The focus on "co-creation," "design discovery," and "problem identification and solving" highlights a consultative approach rather than just a purely aesthetic design function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Interior or Architectural Design, or an Associate’s Degree from a two-year college with at least 5 years of related design experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional design experience in interior or architectural design, with a focus on workplace environments.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and SketchUp for creating design drawings and visualizations.

• Full professional knowledge of commercial furniture products and systems furnishings, including ancillary and residential furnishings.

• Advanced ability to apply Interior Design principles, encompassing texture, color, form, function, balance, rhythm, repetition, proximity, symmetry, biophilia, cognition, and perception.

• Advanced understanding of building codes, regulations, and ADA compliance.

• Exceptional customer service skills with a proven ability to provide solutions to client needs.

• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to effectively present design concepts to clients in various settings.

• Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional certifications such as NCIDQ, CID, LEED AP, WELL AP, EDAC, 6 Sigma, or PMI.

• Proficiency in CET Designer, 20/20 CAP, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Experience in leading creative engagements and workshops.

• Experience in mentoring junior designers and assisting with onboarding processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications clearly distinguish between required and preferred skills, emphasizing hands-on technical proficiency (AutoCAD, SketchUp) and a deep theoretical understanding of design principles and building regulations, alongside strong interpersonal and project management capabilities. The emphasis on professional certifications and specific software like CET Designer or Adobe Suite suggests a desire for well-rounded and technically adept candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of completed interior design projects, with a strong emphasis on commercial spaces and workplace environments.

• Include detailed case studies demonstrating the design process from initial client consultation and needs assessment through final installation and client satisfaction.

• Highlight specific examples of space planning, furniture specification, and finish palette selection for each project.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate the design discovery and co-creation process, illustrating how client challenges were identified and addressed through design solutions.

• Provide examples of furniture specification documentation, installation drawings, and validation packages developed for previous projects.

• Showcase how complex project information was distilled, analyzed, and translated into actionable design plans.

• Include documentation that reflects an understanding of building codes, ADA compliance, and other regulatory requirements integrated into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior design consultant role, a portfolio is critical. It should not just display aesthetics but also the strategic thinking, process management, and problem-solving capabilities. Emphasizing case studies that detail the journey from discovery to installation, including budget and timeline management, is key for demonstrating senior-level competence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $94,000 - $115,000 Annually

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO): 15 days per year.

• Holidays: 9 paid holidays.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: 401k plan with employer match.

• Family Support: Paid Parental Leave.

• Wellness Program: Wellness App with an annual reimbursement of up to $500.

• Profit Sharing: Opportunity to benefit from company profitability.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, aligning with standard professional full-time expectations. Flexibility may be required to meet client deadlines and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Senior Design Consultant role in the Santa Clara, California area, considering the experience level and scope of responsibilities. The benefits package is robust, offering a good mix of time off, health coverage, retirement savings, and additional perks like a wellness app and profit sharing, which are attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Interior Design, Furniture Solutions, and Workplace Strategy. One Workplace operates within the dynamic commercial real estate and interior design sector, focusing on creating functional and inspiring workspaces with a strong emphasis on technology integration and client-specific branding.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size, but the job description implies a team structure with opportunities for mentorship and cross-functional collaboration, suggesting a mid-to-large size organization.

Founded: Founded over 70 years ago, One Workplace has a long-standing history in designing insightful workspaces, indicating stability, extensive experience, and a deep understanding of evolving workplace needs.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely includes junior designers, senior consultants, and potentially design support staff, with clear reporting lines to design leadership or management.

• Collaboration is expected with sales partners, project managers, installation teams, and potentially external architects or contractors.

Methodology:

• One Workplace emphasizes a client-centric approach, focusing on empathetic leadership, innovation through curiosity, and treating clients like family.

• Design projects involve a structured process including design discovery, co-creation, design validation, and quality assurance, leveraging the latest technology.

• A commitment to diversity, inclusion, and removing employment barriers is stated, suggesting an organization that values equitable growth and employee development.

Company Website: http://www.oneworkplace.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of established expertise (70 years) and a forward-thinking approach to workplace design and employee development. The emphasis on "thinking big but working small" and treating clients like "family" suggests a culture that balances strategic vision with personalized service and close-knit team dynamics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Consultant I, indicating a mid-to-senior level within the design department. It requires significant independent work, leadership, and the ability to mentor others, suggesting a path towards more specialized or management roles.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Consultant will likely report to a Design Manager, Director of Design, or a senior leadership role within the sales or design department. They will also collaborate closely with sales partners, sharing customer and project management responsibilities.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts client success by creating environments that enhance productivity, embody client image, and encourage success. Successful design solutions contribute to client satisfaction, repeat business, and One Workplace's reputation in the market. The consultant’s ability to manage projects efficiently also impacts the company's profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into roles such as Lead Design Consultant, Design Manager, or Director of Design, overseeing larger teams and more complex projects.

• Specialization: Opportunities to specialize in specific areas like sustainable design (LEED AP, WELL AP), technology integration, or specific industry sectors (e.g., healthcare, education).

• Process Improvement: Involvement in leading or contributing to internal projects focused on enhancing design processes, client engagement, or technology adoption.

• Industry Influence: Continued professional development through industry events and professional organizations, potentially leading to thought leadership or public speaking opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr. Design Consultant I" title, coupled with responsibilities like mentorship and autonomous project ownership, implies a clear career trajectory. Growth opportunities likely involve moving into more senior leadership roles, taking on larger accounts, or specializing in niche areas of workplace design and consulting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based on-site in Santa Clara, California, within a professional office environment. The description mentions potential time spent at client locations or other One Workplace offices, suggesting a hybrid of office-based work and client visits.

Office Location(s): 2500 De La Cruz Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95050. This location is situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering access to a vibrant business ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially design studios equipped with necessary tools and technology.

• Access to advanced design software, furniture product samples, and material libraries would be expected.

• Opportunities for interaction with design colleagues, sales teams, and project managers will be frequent, promoting a dynamic and communicative work setting.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. However, the nature of client-facing design consultancy often requires flexibility to meet project deadlines, client availability, and on-site requirements, which may involve occasional extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Santa Clara, CA, places the role in a key technology and business hub. The work environment is expected to be collaborative and resource-rich, supporting the complex design and client management tasks. Flexibility in the work schedule is a practical consideration for client-facing roles in this industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio will determine initial fit. Ensure your portfolio clearly highlights relevant experience, design process, and project outcomes.

• First Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or senior team member. This will likely focus on your background, design philosophy, project experience, and understanding of workplace strategy. Be prepared to discuss your approach to design discovery and client engagement.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a design challenge, a portfolio presentation, or a discussion about specific software proficiency (AutoCAD, SketchUp, etc.) and furniture product knowledge.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet potential colleagues and assess alignment with One Workplace's values and collaborative style. Questions may probe your mentorship approach and ability to work within a team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, business acumen, and long-term contribution potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best represent your senior-level capabilities, focusing on workplace design, complexity, and client impact.

• Showcase Process: For each project, detail the problem statement, your role, the design process (discovery, co-creation, problem-solving), key decisions, and the final outcome. Use visuals like mood boards, space plans, 3D renderings, and photos of the finished space.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics related to client satisfaction, efficiency gains, or how the design solved specific business challenges.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio includes examples of your technical drawings (space plans, elevations, furniture specs) created in AutoCAD or similar software.

• Highlight Mentorship: If applicable, include examples of how you've guided junior designers or contributed to team development.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem: You may be given a hypothetical client brief and asked to outline your approach, key considerations, and initial design concepts. Focus on your process, not just the final solution.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your portfolio and design concepts clearly, concisely, and engagingly. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your choices.

• Industry Knowledge: Brush up on current workplace design trends, furniture systems, and relevant building codes/regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design talent but also project management skills, client interaction abilities, and leadership potential. A strong, well-documented portfolio that showcases a clear design process and tangible results is crucial for success at this senior level.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Advanced proficiency required in AutoCAD for creating detailed architectural drawings, space plans, and construction documents.

• 3D Modeling Software: Advanced proficiency required in SketchUp for developing realistic 3D models, visualizations, and concept presentations.

• Productivity Suite: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, budgeting, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Desired Software:

• CET Designer and 20/20 CAP: Highly desired for specialized furniture specification and layout.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is desired for creating more sophisticated visual presentations, mood boards, and graphic elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements focus on essential CAD and 3D modeling software. The "desired" software list indicates a strong preference for candidates who can produce high-quality visual assets and have specialized experience with furniture-specific design tools, which are vital for efficiency and detail in this industry.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A paramount value, emphasizing dedication to meeting and exceeding the expectations of both internal and external customers through exceptional service and problem-solving.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging the generation of new ideas, making connections between unrelated concepts, and believing in the positive impact of physical space on people's lives.

• Action Orientation & Drive: A proactive approach, characterized by energy for challenging tasks and a willingness to act without having the complete picture, demonstrating initiative.

• Collaboration & Learning: A cooperative spirit, working with and learning from others, and a commitment to continuous personal and professional improvement, fostering a growth mindset.

• Integrity & Accountability: Taking responsibility for individual tasks and overall project results, and operating with honesty and a strong ethical compass.

Collaboration Style:

• Empathetic Leadership: Leading with understanding and consideration for team members and clients.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working effectively with sales partners, project managers, and other internal departments to ensure cohesive project delivery.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Actively mentoring junior designers, sharing expertise, and contributing to a learning environment within the team.

• Facilitation: Effectively leading workshops, meetings, and interpersonal engagements to drive consensus and creative problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values a strong blend of client-centricity, innovative thinking, and proactive execution. The emphasis on mentorship and collaboration suggests a supportive team environment where knowledge transfer and professional growth are actively encouraged.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Effectively managing projects and client expectations when information is incomplete or situations are unclear, requiring strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Balancing Creativity and Constraints: Delivering innovative design solutions while adhering to client budgets, timelines, and technical specifications.

• Stakeholder Management: Juggling the diverse needs and expectations of multiple stakeholders (clients, internal teams, vendors) and ensuring alignment.

• Staying Current: Keeping abreast of rapidly evolving workplace trends, new furniture technologies, materials, and design software.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Professional Certifications: Pursuing and obtaining certifications like NCIDQ, LEED AP, WELL AP, or EDAC to deepen expertise and enhance credentials.

• Advanced Software Training: Mastering advanced features of design software or acquiring proficiency in specialized tools like CET Designer or the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Industry Engagement: Participating in industry events, trade shows, and professional organization meetings to network, learn about new products, and stay informed on trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Benefiting from and contributing to internal mentorship initiatives, fostering leadership and communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic nature of design consulting, emphasizing adaptability and strong problem-solving. The growth opportunities are directly tied to continuous learning, professional development, and active participation in the design community, ensuring career progression and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem Solving: "Describe a complex design challenge you faced on a previous project. How did you approach the design discovery, develop solutions, and what was the outcome?" Be ready to detail your methodology, tools used, and how you navigated constraints.

• Client Management & Collaboration: "How do you manage client expectations and build strong relationships throughout a project lifecycle? Describe a time you had to influence a client's decision." Prepare examples of your communication style, negotiation skills, and ability to foster trust.

• Leadership & Mentorship: "As a senior consultant, how do you mentor junior designers? Describe your approach to guiding a team and ensuring quality deliverables." Be prepared to share specific examples of your leadership style and impact.

Company & Culture Questions:

• One Workplace Values: Research One Workplace's mission, values, and past projects. Be prepared to discuss how your own design philosophy and work ethic align with their emphasis on client-centricity, innovation, and empathetic leadership.

• Industry Trends: "What are the most significant trends you see impacting workplace design today, and how do you incorporate them into your projects?" Demonstrate your awareness of biophilia, flexible spaces, technology integration, and employee well-being.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentation around compelling narratives for each project, highlighting the client's problem, your design journey, and the successful resolution.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images, clear floor plans, and concise descriptions. Ensure your technical drawings are legible and demonstrate your proficiency with software like AutoCAD.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the tangible benefits your designs brought to clients, whether it's improved functionality, enhanced brand representation, or better employee experience.

• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared for interactive questions. View the presentation as a dialogue, inviting feedback and demonstrating your ability to respond thoughtfully.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a holistic skill set: creative design talent, robust project management, effective client communication, and leadership potential. Articulating your design process with specific examples and showcasing how you align with the company's values will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the One Workplace careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight at least 3-5 relevant projects, emphasizing workplace design, your strategic approach to design discovery and problem-solving, and demonstrable client impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 5+ years of experience, proficiency in AutoCAD and SketchUp, knowledge of commercial furniture systems, and any relevant certifications (NCIDQ, LEED AP, etc.). Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, client management strategies, and leadership style. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and rehearse your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research One Workplace’s projects, client base, and company culture to articulate your understanding of their business and how you can contribute to their success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

---