Design Assistant

About Us

Nystrom Design is a boutique, residential interior design firm located in the San Francisco Design Center.  We believe in a collaborative and supportive environment where creative input is valued at every level. As a small but nimble team, we offer a unique opportunity to gain comprehensive, hands-on exposure to the interior design industry.

We are currently seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Design Assistant to join our studio part-time. This role is specifically designed to support our signature "Reinvent Your Room" service package while offering mentorship to an aspiring designer.

Student Benefits & Learning Opportunities

• Direct Mentorship: Work 1-on-1 with the Principal Designer, learning the inner workings and business operations of a boutique firm.
• Portfolio Building: Gain tangible opportunities to create client-facing presentation materials and concept boards that you can add to your professional portfolio.
• Real-World Experience: Experience the full lifecycle of residential projects—from initial concept development and sourcing to final delivery and styling.
• Academic Flexibility: We understand the demands of design school. We offer flexible hours (12–16 hours per week) that can be easily structured around your studio and class schedule.
• Potential for Growth: This position could evolve until a full-time position  

Core Responsibilities

Creative & Design Support

• Assist in creating conceptual mood boards, color palettes, and material schemes.
• Develop and refine digital assets, including CAD drafting, space planning, and elevation drawings.
• Source furnishings, fabrics, wallcoverings, and fixtures that align with project aesthetics and program requirements.

Project Coordination & Vendor Liaison

• Communicate with vendors, showrooms, and fabricators to request pricing, lead times, and custom quotes.
• Request, collect, and organize material samples for client presentations.

Studio Operations & Administration

• Maintain and organize the studio’s materials library
• Attend select client and vendor meetings, taking detailed notes and tracking action items.
• Provide general, light administrative and technical support to keep the studio running smoothly.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Currently enrolled in (ideally Junior or Senior standing) or recently graduated from an accredited college-level Interior Design or Architecture program.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in AutoCAD, 3D rendering software, Google Suite, Asana, Dropbox, Microsoft Office, and comfort learning and integrating new software as needed. 
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable reaching out to industry vendors and showroom representatives.
• Traits: Highly organized, proactive, eager to learn, and possesses a strong visual eye for balance, color, and detail.
• Logistics: Ability to work part-time out of our Potrero Hill studio and to transport oneself to job sites throughout the Bay Area.

How to Apply

If you are ready to jumpstart your design career and gain meaningful, real-world experience, we would love to hear from you!

Please submit your Resume and a Brief Cover Letter and Visual Work Samples (such as CAD drawings, mood boards, or student project sketches) to info@ellennystromdesign.com with the subject line ‘Creative and Curious’.