Turf, a 2023 AZ Award Winner, is seeking an Architectural Designer to join their team in Chicago, United States. Reporting to the Manager, Design Services, the Architectural Specialties (AS) CAD Designer (Level I) collaborates with clients, contractors, and the Design and Production Teams to drafting interior product solutions at an architectural scale with the company’s premium and standard product lines. The incumbent works from construction documents to translate the client’s initial drawings into something that can be easily manufactured and installed while evaluating and rationalizing design intent. 

Responsibilities

• Develops drawings and documentation through the lifecycle of projects from Design to Engineering and stewards the drop into Production. 
• Owns projects from assignment through to install, ensuring successful implementation at every stage and clean handoffs. Works together with the various departments as needed and coordinates time and project need with teammates. 
• Communicates schedule and project needs to the Manager, Design Services to ensure accurate loading and scheduling, while also managing schedules and project timelines. 
• Always delivers quality work. 
• Verifies product layout and use; communicates with the various project and process leads to ensure accuracy. 
• Follows company design drawing standards; creates all project drawings, drafting, and documents for Design, Engineering, and Production. 
• Seeks peer review for projects to evaluate and verify product use.  
• Gets involved in client meetings with the Manager, Design Services to discuss feedback and maintain product requirements. 
• Packages the complete product specification for Design, Engineering, and Production. 
• Advocates and balances the client’s best interests with the company’s interests. 
• Ensures projects stay on track and on time at all phases. 
• Develops custom design solutions and products for custom and boutique projects in tandem with the Manager, Design Services.  Serves as a maker who validates through prototyping all proposed custom solutions and their feasibility for mass manufacture. 
• Seeks peer review for projects and customizations to evaluate and verify product use.  
• Works on internal special projects in tandem with the project or process leads.  
• Follows best practices in digital housekeeping of project files and documentation, ensuring accuracy and organization. 
• Maintains a physical presence and assistance on the Production and Assembly floor at the Gilberts facility as scheduled. 
• Contributes to a positive and productive studio /workspace environment, actively finding ways to build upon or contribute to our studio culture. 
• Works on internal product development or special projects in tandem with the project or process leads.  

Requirements

• Knowledge of Windows Applications, including Microsoft Office and operating systems.  
• Comfortable in high tolerance CAD/CAM production via CNC, as well as the production of shop drawings. Knowledge of digital fabrication techniques as well as CNC and/or prototyping experience is necessary. 
• Ability to read and translate construction documents, ideation and form development, knowledge of materials and manufacturing process, firsthand experience in mock-ups, prototyping & mechanical aptitude.  
• Able to prioritize and manage project deadlines.  
• Proficient in Rhino 3D
• Excellent communication and people skills; collaborator.  
• Initiative-taker with a strong ability to multi-task and juggle multiple responsibilities. 
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in architecture, industrial design, or a related field. 
• Minimum 1-3 years’ (Level I) experience in architecture and/or product design.