Interior Design Assistant

We are seeking a detail-oriented Interior Design Assistant to support healthcare facility planning, design, and activation efforts within a federal environment. Working under the direction of the VA Supervisory Interior Designer, this role contributes to the successful execution of interior design projects across major construction and activation initiatives.

• Support the development and execution of interior design solutions for a variety of healthcare and administrative spaces, including patient care areas, offices, conference rooms, waiting areas, and support spaces.
• Prepare detailed AutoCAD drawings, plans, sketches, color schemes, and presentation materials to communicate design intent.
• Analyze architectural drawings and develop Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) plans, incorporating building systems, materials, code requirements, and traffic flow.
• Review and interpret design documents to ensure compliance with VA standards, including the Technical Information Library (TIL).
• Develop and manage procurement packages, including Statements of Work (SOW), technical specifications, Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCE), drawings, schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Support budgeting, financial tracking, and market research related to FF&E procurement.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal stakeholders to manage delivery, installation, and activation schedules.
• Assist with major project activations, including move planning, transition support, and workflow coordination.
• Oversee and assist with installation of furniture, signage, artwork, and equipment; help direct installation teams and ensure alignment with design intent.
• Develop and track punch lists, coordinating completion with vendors, installers, and project stakeholders.
• Maintain the Interior Design Resource Library, including drawings, specifications, procurement documents, and project records.
• Track and assist with management of activation-related orders, including furnishings, accessories, equipment, and supplies.
• Support planning efforts such as:
  • “Day-in-the-life” scenarios
  • Move planning and scheduling
  • Project meetings and documentation
• Assist in creating and maintaining activation project schedules and reporting updates to the project team.
• Coordinate with stakeholders including Contracting, Logistics, Environmental Management Services (EMS), OI&T, Engineering, and end users.
• Support transition planning by helping assess current operations, define future workflows, and identify gaps, overlaps, and operational improvements.
• Document meeting outcomes and maintain design and project collateral.
• Apply working knowledge of applicable standards, including ABAAS, VA Barrier Free Design Guide, TIL, ICC, OSHA, and NFPA.
• Communicate effectively with contractors, vendors, and government personnel to support project success.

Requirements

• Familiarity with patient-centered care environments in healthcare settings
• Proficiency in:
  • AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to review and interpret blueprints and technical specifications
• Skilled in field measurements and producing scaled drawings
• Strong organizational and coordination skills with attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with design teams, contractors, and stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as:
  • NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification)
  • Project Management Certification
  • Evidence-Based Design Accreditation (EDAC)
  • LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
• Experience with Revit and/or Microsoft Project
• Knowledge of furnishings selection, specification, procurement, and placement
• Familiarity with healthcare facility design, VA standards, and activation processes