At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.
Success at SOM Means
- Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.
- Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.
- Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.
- Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.
- Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.
- Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.
Position Summary
The Product & FF&E Coordinator provides project, operational and administrative support for SOM's Global Product Design & FF&E Practice. Working closely with the Product & FF&E Manager &/or Director, the Coordinator helps maintain the systems, resources and processes that enable the practice to support projects worldwide. The role coordinates documentation, digital resources, manufacturer communications, archive research and product development activities while ensuring information
remains organized, accurate and accessible.
The Coordinator plays an important role in maintaining the day-to-day operations of the practice, allowing project teams and practice leadership to deliver high-quality design solutions efficiently and consistently.
Position Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day coordination and operational support for the Global Product Design & FF&E Practice.
- Maintain organized project records, schedules and documentation to support efficient practice operations.
- Assist with preparation of presentation materials, product information and design documentation.
- Coordinate meetings, action items and communications between internal teams and external manufacturing partners.
- Maintain and organize the practice's furniture specification resources, digital libraries, product information and reference materials.
- Support the maintenance of Revit content, product databases, digital assets and specification documentation.
- Ensure resources remain current, accurate and accessible to project teams across the firm.
- Assist in organizing practice priorities, tracking initiatives and coordinating deliverables across multiple concurrent activities.
- Coordinate product samples, finish information and manufacturer documentation in collaboration with the firm's Materials Library and external manufacturing partners.
- Assist project teams by gathering product information, preparing documentation and coordinating responses to best support project FFE needs..
- Support project-specific product research and furniture investigations as directed by the Product & FF&E Manager &/or Director.
Product Design & Development
- Coordinate the development of licensed and custom furniture and product initiatives from concept through implementation.
- Facilitate communication between designers, manufacturers and internal project teams throughout the product development process.
- Coordinate design reviews, prototype evaluations, technical feedback and implementation schedules.
- Support product launches and the ongoing evolution of SOM's licensed product portfolio.
FF&E Strategy & Project Support
- Provide strategic FF&E support to project teams during planning, design and implementation.
- Assist project teams in identifying opportunities for custom furniture, licensed products and innovative FF&E solutions appropriate to individual project goals.
- Support complex and high-profile projects requiring specialized product knowledge or manufacturer coordination.
Leadership Responsibilities
- Acts as a key operational partner in implementing the firm’s global FF&E strategy.
- Builds collaborative relationships that enable knowledge sharing, design excellence and effective project delivery while supporting the broader objectives of the Global Product Design & FF&E practice.
- Mentors and supports junior staff involved in specifications, documentation, and coordination.
- Ensures project scope & deliverables exceed all contract requirements.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Strong understanding of furniture, product design and FF&E processes.
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design initiatives.
- Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
- Strong communication and relationship management skills.
- Ability to balance multiple priorities across numerous concurrent initiatives.
- Knowledge of furniture manufacturing methods, materials and production processes.
- Familiarity with specification development and digital resource management.
- Understanding of Revit, specification platforms and digital design tools.
- Ability to identify opportunities that improve design quality, project delivery and practice efficiency.
- Commitment to design excellence and continuous improvement.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Industrial Design, Architecture or a related discipline.
- 2-4 years of professional experience in furniture design, product development, FF&E or related design practice.
- Experience coordinating manufacturers and external design partners.
- Experience supporting multidisciplinary design teams.
- Strong presentation, communication and organizational skills.
- Experience within an international design or architecture practice preferred.
Are you ready to join a team of creative professionals working on transformational projects around the world? Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to build a better future with SOM.
Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $70,000 to $80,000.
For more about SOM: www.som.com
Portfolios must be submitted for all design and project management positions (Architecture, Interiors, City Design, Graphics, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed. Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.
