FF&E Designer

Position Overview:

The FF&E Designer will carry projects from concept through installation, building strong relationships with purchasing agents, vendors, and the broader design team along the way. They will work closely with our FF&E Team and design leadership across project types, including hotels, food and beverage, multifamily residential, and mixed-use developments.

Responsibilities

FF&E Development & Selections

• Develop FF&E selections across custom and running line products; conduct vendor research and evaluate brand standards

• Assist the design team with material and sample coordination (non-architectural finishes)

• Create and maintain FF&E schedules, issuance dates, and project trackers in Asana

• Develop space planning studies and preliminary FF&E layouts to support design direction

• Collaborate with the brand storyteller on styling, accessories, and art selections

Documentation & Specifications

• Write specifications in DesignSpec; produce spec reports and quantity and room type matrices

• Develop custom specifications from scratch; experience writing original specs beyond template completion is required

• Create custom FF&E shop drawings in Revit and CAD; extensive experience in furniture drafting is essential, beyond software proficiency alone

• Develop FF&E presentation packages in InDesign

• Maintain organized, accurate project documentation throughout all phases: Concept, SD, DD, and CA

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with the Technical Design team to ensure FF&E coordination with architecture and interiors

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with purchasing agents and vendor representatives

• Participate in weekly FF&E team meetings; contribute to shared standards, templates, and lessons learned

• Provide operational guidance to design team, owners, operators, and FF&E representatives on schedule, budget, and quality

• Join purchasing agent calls and represent FF&E interests with clarity and professionalism

Construction Administration

• Manage FF&E CA activities including submittals, RFIs, and furniture plan revisions

• Travel to project sites for furniture, accessories, and styling installations as needed
  

Candidate Requirements

• 1–5 years of FF&E experience in a design studio, hospitality firm, or purchasing agency setting

• Hands-on experience with hospitality, multifamily, or mixed-use project types

• Familiarity with the full FF&E lifecycle from concept through installation

• Familiarity with the full FF&E lifecycle from concept through installation

• Exposure to vendor and purchasing agent relationships a plus

Technology

• Revit and AutoCAD proficiency required; used for custom FF&E shop drawings and coordination

• SketchUp experience a plus for early concept studies and client presentations

• Experience with DesignSpec or comparable spec writing software required

• Adobe Creative Cloud familiarity expected; InDesign proficiency is a strong plus for FF&E package production

Skills & Qualities

• Knowledge of furniture styles, eras, makers, and designers 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable presenting to clients, vendors, and operators

• Highly organized and deadline-driven; able to manage multiple project streams simultaneously

• Collaborative by nature, you work well within a team and across disciplines

• Flexible and solutions-oriented; you adapt when the scope shifts and help others do the same

• A genuine interest in the craft of design and the business of making things happen

Compensation & Benefits

Curioso offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience, along with a full benefits package including:

• Group health, dental, and vision coverage with a monthly employer stipend

• 401(k) with annual Safe Harbor employer contribution

• Paid time off, studio holidays

• Access to industry events, trade shows, and conferences, and factory visits

Location: Must be located in Chicago, Illinois (US) or Merida, Yucatán (MX), or willing to relocate.