About ATCO Interiors
ATCO Interiors is a Melbourne-based interior, custom joinery and fit-out business delivering functional, innovative and high-quality solutions for residential and commercial environments.
Our work includes custom furniture, cabinetry, wardrobes, storage solutions, commercial joinery and tailored interior fit-outs. We work closely with our clients from the initial design and concept stage through to manufacturing and installation.
As our projects and custom furniture requirements continue to grow, we are seeking a qualified and experienced Industrial Designer specialising in Furniture Design to join our team on a full-time basis.
About the Position
The Industrial Designer – Furniture Design will be responsible for researching, conceptualising, designing and developing custom furniture, cabinetry, joinery and related interior products for ATCO Interiors' residential and commercial projects.
The successful candidate will work closely with clients, management, suppliers, cabinetmakers, joiners, production personnel and installation teams to transform client requirements and design concepts into functional and commercially viable products suitable for manufacture.
This is a hands-on design role involving the complete product development process, from initial client brief and concept development through to detailed technical documentation, material selection, production coordination and review of finished products.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Consulting with clients, management and relevant project stakeholders to determine the objectives, requirements and constraints of furniture, cabinetry, joinery and other product design briefs.
- Researching and analysing functional, ergonomic, aesthetic, technical and commercial requirements for custom furniture and related interior products.
- Developing original and practical design concepts for custom furniture, cabinetry, wardrobes, shelving, storage systems, workstations and other residential and commercial interior products.
- Preparing preliminary sketches, design concepts, layouts, diagrams, 3D models, computer-generated drawings and visual presentations to communicate proposed designs.
- Developing furniture and product designs that appropriately balance aesthetics, functionality, ergonomics, durability, available space, client requirements and manufacturing considerations.
- Preparing detailed technical drawings, specifications, dimensions, material schedules and other documentation required for the manufacture of approved furniture and joinery products.
- Selecting and recommending appropriate materials, finishes, hardware, fittings, components and manufacturing methods according to the intended functionality and design of each product.
- Using CAD, 3D modelling, rendering and other relevant design software to develop and refine furniture and product designs.
- Translating approved concepts into accurate design documentation and specifications suitable for custom or project-based manufacturing.
- Working collaboratively with cabinetmakers, joiners, suppliers and production personnel to determine appropriate construction and manufacturing solutions.
- Evaluating the feasibility and manufacturability of proposed designs, taking into consideration material utilisation, construction techniques, production processes, assembly methods, hardware requirements and installation requirements.
- Preparing, reviewing and coordinating prototypes, samples, material selections and finishes where required before final production.
- Reviewing prototypes and manufactured components to ensure that the finished products meet approved designs, specifications, functional requirements and expected quality standards.
- Modifying and refining furniture and joinery designs in response to client feedback, site conditions, production requirements and technical constraints.
- Liaising with suppliers regarding suitable boards, laminates, hardware, fittings, finishes and other components required for furniture and joinery products.
- Providing technical design clarification and resolving design-related issues that may arise during manufacturing, assembly or installation.
- Monitoring the production of designed furniture, cabinetry and joinery products to ensure consistency with approved drawings, specifications and overall design intent.
- Working with project and installation teams to ensure designed products are suitable for the intended space and can be practically installed within residential and commercial environments.
- Reviewing existing furniture and product designs and identifying opportunities to improve functionality, aesthetics, material efficiency, manufacturing processes and overall product quality.
- Maintaining accurate design files, technical drawings, specifications, revisions, product documentation and other records throughout the design and production process.
- Ensuring all design work is completed in accordance with relevant quality requirements, project specifications and ATCO Interiors' standards.
Qualifications and Experience
To be considered for this position, applicants must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Product Design or another closely related field; and
- A minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience in Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Product Design, custom furniture/joinery design or a closely related design environment.
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Experience in furniture, cabinetry, joinery or related product design and development.
- Ability to take a product from an initial concept through design development to detailed technical and production documentation.
- Experience using relevant CAD, 3D modelling, rendering and design software.
- Strong technical drawing and design documentation skills.
- Knowledge of furniture construction, materials, finishes, fittings, hardware and manufacturing processes.
- Understanding of ergonomics, aesthetics, functionality and design-for-manufacture principles.
- Ability to interpret client requirements and translate them into practical and commercially viable design solutions.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality design outcomes.
- Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with clients, suppliers, cabinetmakers, joiners, production personnel and project teams.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple design projects and deadlines.
What We Offer
ATCO Interiors offers the successful candidate:
- A permanent, full-time position.
- 38 hours of work per week.
- An annual salary of AUD $79,000 – $85,000 plus superannuation.
- Opportunity to work on a diverse range of residential and commercial projects.
- Exposure to the complete design, product development and manufacturing process.
- Opportunity to design customised furniture, cabinetry, joinery and interior products.
- A collaborative working environment involving design, manufacturing and installation teams.
- Opportunity for professional development and long-term career progression within the business.
How to Apply
If you are a creative and technically capable Industrial Designer with experience in furniture or product design and are interested in developing innovative, functional and high-quality furniture and joinery solutions, we would like to hear from you.
Please submit your current resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications, relevant professional experience and suitability for the position.
Pay: $79,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
