DESIGN DESIGN ASSISTANT ASSISTANT
Produced by Matt Gorgolinski CEO and Founder
Big League Talent Co.
Sullivan Design Studio
Design at Sullivan Design Studio (SDS) is a process of integrating place, architecture, activity, and style.
What we create is a solution: A framework in which people live. For residential, it’s design that centers on the things that are important to a lifestyle. For commercial space, it’s about working with purpose. With that in mind, SDS has developed a practice and a reputation for creating environments with intention. SDS projects are not about decoration—they’re about spaces that function for those who live and work in them.
SDS is comprised of designers whose skills and ethos have made us a team. We are happy designers, and we believe that the lives we lead are a direct testament to our design philosophy.
While many of us began our careers at highnet global firms, we chose to balance our passion for design with our love for family and personal happiness. We are innovators who embrace the process, ask thoughtful questions, and explore styles. We’re team players dedicated to cuttingedge work that is functional and beautiful.
Services Offered
Interior Architecture: We provide comprehensive design services, focusing on structural and aesthetic elements that transform spaces into functional and beautiful environments
Interior Design: Our firm offers bespoke interior design solutions, including space planning, material selection, and custom furnishings.
Custom Furnishings: We design and source custom furniture tailored to the unique preferences and needs of their clients.
Key Projects:
SDS has worked on a variety of notable projects, including luxury custom homes, modern dwellings, and exclusive country clubs. Our portfolio showcases a range of styles, from contemporary and minimalist designs to more traditional and eclectic aesthetics.
Recognition:
Sullivan Design Studio has garnered many accolades and awards for our innovative designs and exceptional service. We have been featured in prestigious publications such as Luxe Interiors + Design and Marie Claire, highlighting their influence and reputation in the design industry.
Philanthropy:
In addition to our design work, SDS is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, contributing to various community initiatives and supporting local causes.
Design Assistant
Location:
Menlo Park, CA
ROLE OVERVIEW
We are seeking a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented junior designer to support our studio’s design and operations. This role is integral to the success of our projects, requiring a balance of creative collaboration and logistical coordination.
You will assist senior designers in research, design development, procurement, and project execution, ensuring a seamless process from concept to installation.
As part of our team, you will be responsible for managing vendor relationships, overseeing the organization of our materials library, and supporting furniture procurement and expediting.
Strong communication skills are essential, as you will liaise with showroom representatives, vendors, and receiving warehouses. Additionally, you will play a key role in the office, upholding a professional studio environment, and ensuring a high level of organization in our design processes.
The ideal candidate is a team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment, possesses technical proficiency in design software, and demonstrates an eye for detail. A passion for high-end residential design and an eagerness to learn and grow within the industry are highly valued.
If you are solution-oriented, tech-savvy, and enthusiastic about supporting a dynamic design team, we would love to hear from you!
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Proactively assist studio members with a diverse range of tasks including; development of preliminary space planning, design concept studies and sketches, design presentations, moodboards, furniture plans & elevations, specifications packages (finishes, interior architecture, FF&E), and procurement oversight.
Assist in preparation of specifications and schedules packages for all furniture, lighting, finishes, art and accessories.
Support in obtaining quotes and creating and issuing client proposals and purchase orders.
General procurement oversight and project expediting. Help to manage warehouse setup and related internal and external communication and coordination.
Assist the design team with orders on behalf of the client and follow up with orders to assure we are aware of current lead times or any delays/issues.
Prepare documents, consisting of floor plans, furniture plans, elevations, details and studies, materials and finishes; adhering to regulations and guidelines applicable to the interior space.
Work with Senior Designer and Principal to update schedules, budgets, meeting agendas, meeting notes, purchase orders, specifications, folders and files, archiving, project materials and submittals, resource library, vendor contacts and more.
Coordination and correspondence with various consultants, vendors, manufacturers, fabricators, installers and contractors.
Assist in overall maintenance of materials library (sorting fabrics samples, organizing finish samples, updating labels and catalogs, and more).
Run errands to showrooms, act as liaison between the Company and vendors.
Create accurate and properly dimensioned drawings. Ensure drawings contain clear and concise information for contractors while adhering to office standards when drafting AutoCAD drawings.
Maintain a professional tone in phone and email communications, both internally and externally
Support day-to-day operations.
Uphold the Studio’s visual presence by ensuring the office remains clean, tidy, and organized.
Provide excellent communication with team members and complete tasks in a timely manner.
Be a team player and pitch in where possible.
Continually seek learning opportunities, ask questions, and enjoy the process!
Maintain and manage installation kits and supplies.
REQUIREMENTS
A degree in Interior Design (BA, BS, or MA preferred) from an accredited university.
1-4 years of experience in interior design for high-end residential design. Knowledge of trade resources and vendors (SF Design Center is a plus).
Excellent presentation skills, including space planning and drawing.
Proficiency in Studio Designer preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
Proficiency in Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets).
Proficiency in AutoCAD.
Proficiency in Adobe Suite.
Experience with purchasing and budgets.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Optimistic, solution-oriented, organized, detailoriented, tech-savvy, fast learner.
Accountable team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Passion for design and art!
Complete tasks and provide information in a timely manner.
Respond to phone calls and emails within 24 hours.
Manage projects professionally, upholding the company’s reputation.
Embrace continuous learning, ask questions, and enjoy the process!
Be a team player and contribute where possible.
Arrive punctually for work and meetings.
Maintain a professional appearance, as it reflects our clients’ trust in our design expertise, particularly when meeting with clients and vendors.
Refer to the company handbook for a comprehensive outline of expectations.
Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience relevant to this role.
Sullivan Design Studio
883 Santa Cruz Avenue, Suite 201, Menlo Park, CA 94025
