Interior Designer

We create personalized spaces that elevate your well-being, promote, innovation, and transform the communities in which we live.

Custer creates exceptional workspaces that empower people to do their best work. Established in 1981, Custer now serves multiple territories reaching outside of West Michigan as a premier dealership of Steelcase furniture. Throughout four decades, our capabilities have expanded to offer interior solutions for small business, education, healthcare, and corporate clients. Custer designs and builds environments that maximize productivity and a sense of purpose, drawing on extensive research and established expertise. Providing full-service solutions including workplace strategy, design, integrated technology, commercial flooring, custom-tailored solutions and

furniture, Custer delivers spaces that support a better way of working

We are looking for an Interior Designer that has a passion for bringing spaces to life.

As our Interior Designer, you’ll take the lead in transforming client visions into dynamic, functional environments — from initial concept through final installation. You’ll apply strategic design thinking and technical expertise to craft cohesive spaces that seamlessly blend commercial furniture, custom solutions, and finish packages. With strong communication skills and an eye for detail, you’ll produce clear architectural drawings, lead interactive design sessions, and collaborate with clients, internal teams, vendors, and trades to ensure each project’s success.

Beyond design, you’ll play a key role in project execution — conducting site visits, coordinating construction timelines, and planning phased installations. You’ll manage multiple projects simultaneously, stay organized under pressure, and bring a proactive mindset to every challenge. If you're driven by quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement, this is your opportunity to make an impact and grow within a dynamic, client-focused team.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrates a deep understanding of design thinking principles and applies strategic design methodologies across projects
• Translates abstract concepts and client vision into functional, creative design solutions using a broad range of programming information and tools
• Designs holistically across the built environment — integrating commercial furniture, custom solutions, and interior finish packages to deliver cohesive project outcomes that align with client goals and project scope
• Creates clear, detailed architectural drawings that communicate design intent and support project execution
• Follow established design processes while demonstrating confidence to suggest alternative solutions when appropriate. Speaks up in group settings and contributes meaningfully to team discussions
• Designs with an understanding of applicable codes, life safety standards, and best practices, ensuring compliance in all project deliverables
• Identifies site conditions, raises concerns appropriately, and communicates solutions clearly to clients, project managers, and trade partners
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, creating clear and accurate drawings for trades coordination and client understanding
• Leads interactive, technology-driven design sessions with clients, delivering persuasive and engaging live design experiences
• Communicates candidly and objectively, setting realistic expectations with internal teams, sales partners, and clients while consistently meeting deadlines
• Displays a high level of attention to detail, proactively raising potential concerns, asking clarifying questions, and seeking feedback for improvement
• Seeks opportunities to grow personally and professionally, bringing ideas and areas of interest to leadership for development
• Organizes and delivers effective digital presentations, showcasing design solutions with clarity and impact
• Identifies opportunities within projects to expand scope and create additional value for the client and business
• Demonstrate attentiveness and responsiveness in communication, maintaining appropriate turnaround times for deliverables
  
  

Project Management Expectations

• Actively participate in construction and site meetings, representing the design team and contributing to project coordination discussions
• Collaborate with internal team members to conduct Pre-Install Readiness Meetings to ensure alignment across project stakeholders prior to installation
• Break down large-scale project scopes into manageable work plans, establishing clear milestones, task, assignments, and timelines
• Conduct final audit of all design work prior to order placement to ensure accuracy
• Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects at varying stages simultaneously, maintaining focus, organization, and attention to detail across a dynamic workload
  
  

Qualifications Deep knowledge of the design process, project lifecycle, and contract structures, with a proven ability to evolve operational models and tools that improve the customer experience

• Ability to follow established design and project management processes while demonstrating confidence to suggest alternative solutions when appropriate
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills — able to articulate design ideas clearly and engage confidently with clients, internal teams, and trade partners.
• Strong presenter and storyteller with the ability to represent design vision and Custer’s brand confidently in both executive and public settings
• Experience in client-facing roles, including strategic consultation, presentations, and cultivating long-term business relationships
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects, timelines, and tasks simultaneously across different project phases.
• High attention to detail and accuracy — ensuring design deliverables, specifications, and installation drawings are thorough and complete.
• Self-motivated with a desire for continuous learning and professional growth — brings ideas and areas of interest forward for development opportunities
• Adaptable and responsive to dynamic project needs and client expectations, maintaining flexibility in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Business Development, and Operations to drive integrated strategies and influence business outcomes
• Technically proficient in industry-standard software, including AutoCAD, SketchUp, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and project collaboration tools
• Project management experience is a plus
• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed
  
  

Education / Experience / Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in interior design or related field, required
• NCIDQ certification, highly preferred
• 4-6 years of experience in the commercial design industry, required, 6+ year