Retail & Interior Design Assistant

About The Workshop & The Shop \n

The Workshop is a Seattle-based design and construction business focused on creating thoughtful, beautiful, and functional homes. Our work combines interior design, renovation, and construction, with our retail storefront serving as a place for clients and homeowners to explore materials, finishes, and solutions for their homes.

\n

We are looking for a part-time Retail & Interior Design Assistant to become an integral part of both The Shop and our design projects.

\n

This is a great opportunity for someone who is interested in interior design, architecture, construction, retail, or the home industry and wants hands-on experience working directly with clients and seeing how a design business operates from concept through completion.

About the Role\n

This is a hybrid position. Part of your time will be spent working in the storefront, helping customers and clients find products and materials for their homes. The other part will involve assisting with active interior design projects and supporting the day-to-day work of the designer.

\n

You will have the opportunity to work on real residential projects and learn about everything from material selections and design presentations to estimating, sourcing, client communication, and project organization.

Responsibilities\n

The Shop — Retail & Customer Experience

\n

• \n
• Welcome customers into the store and create a warm, helpful experience
• \n
• Help customers explore paint, wallpaper, tile, flooring, hardware, and other home finishes
• \n
• Answer questions and provide product information
• \n
• Help clients identify materials and products that fit their project and aesthetic
• \n
• Maintain an organized, beautiful, and well-presented showroom
• \n
• Assist with inventory, samples, displays, and product organization
• \n
• Process sales and assist with basic store operations
• \n
• Learn about the products and brands we carry so you can confidently speak with customers
• \n

\n

Interior Design Projects

\n

• \n
• Assist with residential interior design projects from concept through completion
• \n
• Create mood boards and visual presentations
• \n
• Help assemble client design packages and presentations
• \n
• Research and source furniture, lighting, materials, finishes, and accessories
• \n
• Organize samples and material selections
• \n
• Assist with estimates, quotes, and pricing
• \n
• Help prepare product and purchasing information
• \n
• Research vendors, products, lead times, and availability
• \n
• Assist with client communication and follow-up
• \n
• Help organize project information and keep design projects moving forward
• \n
• Participate in occasional site visits, installations, and project-related errands
• \n

What We're Looking For\n

We are looking for someone who is:

\n

• \n
• Interested in interior design, architecture, construction, or the home industry
• \n
• Creative and visually oriented
• \n
• Friendly, confident, and comfortable talking with customers
• \n
• Organized and detail-oriented
• \n
• Comfortable learning new software and technology
• \n
• Able to manage multiple tasks and stay organized
• \n
• A strong communicator
• \n
• Curious and willing to learn
• \n
• Comfortable working independently once trained
• \n
• Reliable and professional
• \n

\n

Design experience is a plus, but we are more interested in finding someone with a great eye, strong organizational skills, curiosity, and a genuine interest in design.

\n

Students studying interior design, architecture, construction, art/design, or a related field are especially encouraged to apply. Recent graduates are welcome as well.

What You'll Learn\n

This position offers exposure to the full interior design and renovation process, including:

\n

• \n
• Client relationships
• \n
• Retail and showroom operations
• \n
• Interior design
• \n
• Material and finish selection
• \n
• Product sourcing
• \n
• Mood boards and presentations
• \n
• Estimating and quoting
• \n
• Vendor relationships
• \n
• Residential renovation
• \n
• Construction
• \n
• Installation
• \n
• The business side of running a design studio
• \n

\n

You'll work directly alongside the designer and gain experience that goes well beyond what you would typically get in a traditional retail position.

Schedule\n

Part-time, approximately 15–25 hours per week, with flexibility around a student's class schedule.