Project Designer Jobs in Michigan

Location: East Lansing, Michigan, United States

Position Summary

Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS) is seeking an Interior Designer I to evaluate, analyze, design and coordinate interior environments in accordance with university, federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations and guidelines. This position will facilitate programmatic needs and oversight of design process, manage the RHS signage program, project budgets, and coordinate installation/construction and closeout. This position will also assist with project management as needed on a project-by-project basis, including new construction alterations and renovation projects—from programming through final completion.

Key Responsibilities:

• Consults with and/or coordinates with administrators, staff, MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF) personnel and external contractors and vendors engaged in construction and design projects.
• Reviews plans and inspects sites to develop criteria and evaluate client needs and recommendations for interior projects.
• Provides support to RHS PPO PIA II staff for drawings, interiors, and specifications as needed.
• Manages signage standards and packages for all RHS buildings and projects.
• Coordinates and oversees small projects and moves with MSU units and agencies such as Office of Planning and Budgets/Facility Planning and Space Management, IPF, RHS, Environmental Health and Safety.
• Monitors construction schedule. Coordinate communications with customer(s) and other campus departments affected by the process of interiors projects.
• Oversees adherence to university, federal, state and local rules, regulations, guidelines and laws in the design and installation of interiors. Coordinates and/or oversees installations.
• Researches, develops, recommends and reviews project furniture selections and estimates for PPO. Prepares cost estimates and designs for offices, food service areas, lounges, apartments, banquet rooms, classrooms, public areas.
• Produces working drawings using AutoCAD, Sketchup or similar design software for presentation boards or documents of design solutions as needed.
• Estimate, prepare and ensure vendor/contractor compliance with specifications.
• Perform and oversee on-site same vendor/contractor inspections—coordinate trades.
• Conducts research on potential products or designs.
• Maintains currency in the field of Interior Design through coursework, workshops, seminars, outside reading and related ongoing learning activities.
• Manages all interior and furniture catalogs and samples for RHS and updates interior library annually.
• Participates as a member of the LRAP and Standards committee.
• May have project manager responsibilities as defined by the department.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

All positions in RHS are designated as critical status. In the event of a university closure, modification, or suspension of operations due to snow or other emergency conditions, you will be expected to make all reasonable attempts to report to work as scheduled for the duration of the closure/suspension. If you have an approved remote work agreement to work a portion of your normally scheduled work hours remotely, you may be called upon to work onsite to serve the MSU community. If you have a permanent, on-going, and/or pervasive condition that may impede your ability to work onsite, please contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) at rcpd.msu.edu/get-started.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Interior Design or Architecture; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in design research, presentation and planning techniques, estimating, and preparing specifications, and a demonstrated knowledge of AutoCAD/CAP software specification programs, SketchUp or similar rendering software, furniture construction techniques, the materials used in interior design, systems furniture specification and installation coordination, ergonomics, health/fire/safety codes and computer knowledge including word processing and database; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This position requires or will require prior to the completion of the probationary period knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations, and the ability to use e-mail and the Internet.

Desired Qualifications

• Valid vehicle operator's license where needed to perform duties of the position.
• Building Codes & Compliance: Deep understanding of local zoning laws, ADA requirements, and general building codes.
• Drafting & Modeling: High proficiency in 2D and 3D modeling platforms such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and 3D rendering animation software.
• Project Management Software: Hands-on experience with construction tracking and procurement software like Procore, Design Manager, or enterprise Asana/Monday blueprints.
• Budgeting & Procurement: Strong understanding of general accounting principles, purchasing processes, and vendor/subcontractor management.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume, cover letter, three (3) professional references.

Work Hours

Standard hours (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm) with occasional nights and weekends.

Summary of Physical Demands

The duties for the position will require lifting, pushing, and pulling 50 lbs. or more and frequent lifting and carrying objects that weigh 25 lbs. or more.

Summary of Health Risks

Driving a university vehicle that does not require a commercial license. Working in a noisy environment (at or above 85 decibels).

Bidding eligibility ends June 23, 2026 at 11: 55 P.M.