Senior Federal & Workplace Design Specialist

3 months ago

On-Site

Full Time

First Management

Capitol Heights, Maryland, United States

Job Overview

We are seeking a design-driven, highly technical Senior Federal & Workplace Design Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will lead complex design scopes, guide design strategy, and serve as a vital technical, product, and process resource for the broader team, with a specialized focus on GSA, public sector, and government contract projects. Representing a top-tier U.S. commercial furniture dealer handling premier brands like Haworth, Steelcase, Kimball, and Teknion, you will translate intricate client requirements into highly sophisticated, compliant, and high-performance commercial and federal workplace environments.

As a seasoned professional, you will manage detailed contract-aligned documentation, navigate complex product compliance, and mentor junior designers. Partnering with sales leadership, Account Executives, and government stakeholders, you will produce innovative workspace solutions, space plans, and polished visual presentations that win business and secure high-visibility contracts.

Key Responsibilities

• Advanced Visuals & Plans: Lead the development of detailed CET drawings, complex furniture plans, product specifications, high-quality 3D visuals, and presentation materials.
• GSA & Code Alignment: Lead detailed space planning efforts, integrating complex systems furniture, architectural plans, site conditions, commercial codes (ADA, LEED, WELL), and specific government procurement requirements.
• Documentation & Installation Packages: Produce and oversee detailed installation drawings and contract-aligned specification packages, ensuring absolute accuracy, constructability, and alignment with project intent.
• Accuracy & Field Coordination: Conduct field verifications, inventories, and onsite measurements. Identify and resolve discrepancies between plans, specifications, field conditions, and installation requirements.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Partner strategically with Account Executives, VP of Sales, clients, manufacturer representatives, and internal teams to shape project vision and solve complex design challenges.
• Client Representation: Represent the design function confidently and professionally in client-facing meetings, government presentations, and complex coordination discussions.
• Project Oversight: Provide proactive, regular updates to Design Managers, Team Leads, and Sales leadership while helping steer project direction, risks, and priorities.
• Mentorship: Mentor Designer I and Designer II team members through drawing reviews, technical guidance, product knowledge, and process coaching.
• Quality Control: Drive and contribute to design standards, workflow improvements, internal reporting, and quality control practices to ensure all deliverables are flawless before release.
• Market Insight: Stay ahead of product innovations, workplace ergonomics, manufacturer resources, and sustainability considerations, sharing insights across the team.

Qualifications:

• Education: Preferred Bachelor's degree from a FIDER or CIDA-accredited design program or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience: 5+ years of progressive industry experience, including responsibility for complex commercial interiors, furniture dealership projects, workplace design solutions, or GSA/government contract projects.
• Software Expertise: Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD (complex drawing production, specifications, and revisions) and high comfort/familiarity with CET Designer (Configura) or ProjectSpec.
• Product & Sector Knowledge: Advanced expertise in systems furniture, ancillary solutions, finish selections, and a strong knowledge of GSA requirements and government project processes.
• Mindset & Soft Skills: Excellent organization, judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills. Works with significant autonomy and acts as a senior technical and process resource for project teams.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay and Benefits.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge design technology.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, supportive team that values work-life balance.
• Play a key role in design operations-your impact on company growth will be evident.
• Join a culture that values your contributions and equips you with the tools to succeed.
• Be part of an innovative team that continuously learns and adapts.

Benefits

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Preferred Skills

Attention to detail and accuracy

Client-facing communication

Problem-solving and adaptability

AutoCAD proficiency

CET Designer (Configura) or ProjectSpec

Systems furniture architecture (Haworth, Steelcase, etc.)

GSA and government contract compliance

Space planning and 3D rendering

Technical documentation and installation packages

Mentorship and leadership

High autonomy and judgment

Strategic collaboration