HDJ Furniture Ltd is a bespoke furniture and joinery company specialising in the design, manufacture and installation of high-quality fitted furniture.
We design and manufacture bespoke kitchens, wardrobes, media units, alcove cabinetry, home offices, bathroom furniture and other fitted joinery from our workshop in Molesey.
We are looking for a Junior Furniture Designer to join our team.
This is a junior position, so previous experience within the furniture or joinery industry is not essential. We expect to provide training in furniture construction, materials, hardware and our manufacturing methods.
However, good working knowledge of both SketchUp and LayOut is essential. Applicants should already be comfortable producing accurate 3D models in SketchUp and creating clear, dimensioned drawings using LayOut.
The position will combine furniture design and technical drawing with general administrative responsibilities supporting the day-to-day running of the business.
As you gain experience, you will take increasing responsibility for developing projects from initial client requirements through to drawings ready for manufacture.
Main ResponsibilitiesFurniture Design & Drawing
- Producing accurate 3D furniture designs using SketchUp
- Producing dimensioned drawings and drawing sets using LayOut
- Developing designs from client briefs, site measurements and reference images
- Preparing drawings and visuals for client approval
- Making design revisions following client feedback
- Developing approved designs into accurate manufacturing drawings
- Specifying materials, finishes, fittings and hardware
- Working with our cabinet makers to ensure designs are practical and efficient to manufacture
- Assisting with site surveys and measurements where required
- Following projects through design, manufacture and installation
Administration
Alongside design work, you will assist with a variety of general administrative tasks, which may include:
- Preparing and updating project documentation
- Maintaining project files and records
- Producing and updating spreadsheets
- Contacting suppliers and obtaining prices
- Organising material and hardware information
- Communicating with customers and suppliers by email and telephone
- Updating project schedules and internal records
- Assisting with purchasing and general workshop administration
- Other reasonable administrative tasks required as part of the day-to-day running of a small business
Essential Skills
Applicants must have:
- Good working knowledge of SketchUp
- Good working knowledge of LayOut
- The ability to produce accurate, organised 3D models
- The ability to produce clear, professional and dimensionally accurate drawing sets
- Good general computer skills
- Good numerical and spatial awareness
- Strong attention to detail
- Good written and verbal communication
- Good organisational skills
- Confidence using spreadsheets, email and general office software
- A willingness to learn furniture construction and manufacturing methods
Desirable Experience
Experience in the following would be beneficial but is not essential:
- Furniture or cabinetry design
- Interior design
- Bespoke joinery
- Technical drawing
- Site surveying
- Furniture manufacturing
- Rendering and visualisation
- Microsoft Excel
- Purchasing or general administration
A qualification in furniture design, product design, interior design, architecture or a related subject would be useful, but practical ability is more important to us than a particular qualification.
Training & Development
We don't expect the successful applicant to arrive with detailed knowledge of cabinet construction.
You will be taught how we construct our furniture, the materials and hardware we use, and how drawings need to be prepared for our workshop.
Because our furniture is manufactured in-house, you'll be able to work directly with the people building your designs and develop a practical understanding of furniture construction rather than designing purely from behind a desk.
As your knowledge develops, we would expect you to become increasingly independent and take greater responsibility for your own projects.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who is accurate, organised and practical, as well as creative.
This role will suit someone who enjoys designing but is equally comfortable dealing with the technical and administrative side of projects. Because we're a small business, everyone needs to be willing to get involved with different tasks when required.
We're particularly interested in someone who wants to develop a long-term career in bespoke furniture design and learn how high-quality fitted furniture is actually designed and manufactured.
How to Apply
Please send us:
- Your CV
- A portfolio or examples of your SketchUp work
- Examples of drawings produced using LayOut
- A short introduction explaining why you're interested in the position
Please note: SketchUp and LayOut experience is essential for this position. Applications without examples demonstrating this experience may not be considered.
Pay: £26,500.00-£35,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
