Grid Thirteen - Design Assistant
Location: Leeds
Department: Design
Reports To: Creative Director / Senior Design Team / Project Manager
About Grid Thirteen
Grid Thirteen is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary kitchen & furniture design company known for creating exceptional, design-led interiors. We work on prestigious, high-end projects across a range of scales, combining technical precision, creativity, and craftsmanship to deliver spaces that exceed expectations.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking a motivated and creative Design Assistant to join our growing design team on a structured two-year training programme. This role offers a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience across the full project lifecycle, from concept design and bespoke furniture detailing to project pricing and scheduling.
You will work closely with the Senior Designers and the Project Manager to support high-end bespoke furniture and interior projects, developing both your creative and commercial design skills in a professional, design-led environment.
About the Role
You will assist the design team in bringing interior projects to life, while also gaining insight into the commercial and logistical aspects of project delivery. You will contribute to the creation of bespoke furniture and interior schemes, attend design and project review meetings, and help manage project schedules and budgets under the guidance of the lead designers and project manager.
The role combines creative design support with exposure to project pricing, programming, and coordination, providing a comprehensive foundation for a career in design.
The training program offers the opportunity of European supplier training and attending international House Fairs and design exhibitions along with required software training.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the senior design team in developing bespoke furniture concepts, detailed drawings, and technical specifications.
* Prepare presentation materials for client meetings, including mood boards, 3D visuals, and specification packs.
* Attend internal and client design and project review meetings, taking notes and assist in the tracking of project actions.
* Work with the Project Manager to assist in project programming and scheduling, ensuring milestones and deadlines are met.
* Assist in preparing project pricing, including materials, furniture, finishes, and labour estimates.
* Source materials, finishes, and components for bespoke furniture and interior schemes.
* Participate in site visits to observe installations, ensure design intent is maintained, and support handover processes.
* Attend supplier technical handover meetings.
* Maintain the design library, sample boards, and supplier databases.
* Support ongoing project administration, including documentation control and communication with suppliers and contractors.
Essential Skills & Attributes
* A degree (or equivalent) in Interior Architecture & Design, Furniture Design, Interior Design Product Design, or a related field.
* Interest in bespoke furniture design, interior detailing, and project delivery.
* Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
* Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
* Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office; willingness to learn design and project management software (AutoCAD, InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite).
* Positive attitude with eagerness to develop both creative and commercial design skills.
Desirable
* Experience with design documentation, FF&E, or bespoke joinery detailing.
* Experience with Winner software
* Exposure to project pricing, scheduling, or project management in design or interiors.
* Previous experience in a design studio, furniture workshop, or interiors environment.
* Full UK driving license and flexibility for site visits and supplier meetings.
What We Offer
* A structured two-year training programme with mentorship from senior designers and the Project Manager.
* Hands-on experience in bespoke furniture design, project pricing, and scheduling.
* Exposure to the full project lifecycle, from concept development to installation.
* Attendance at design and project review meetings to develop professional insight into design decision-making.
* Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
* A creative, collaborative, and supportive working environment.
* Opportunity to develop a design portfolio, gain practical project experience, and build a career in interiors or furniture design.
Availability
We’re ideally seeking someone to start in March to allow for training and onboarding, however this can be discussed and adjusted for the right candidate.
This role is ideal for a recent design graduate seeking a role that blends creativity with commercial and project management experience, providing the foundations for a successful design career.