Whitemore & Thwaytes are looking for an interior design assistant to join their talented team based in Penrith, Cumbria. A rare opportunity to “learn the trade” from a talented team.
The Company
Whitemore & Thwaytes is an established supplier of interior design services, soft furnishings, furniture, fabrics, paint and lighting. Our specialism is style that will not date. We work alongside our clients to help make their homes truly theirs – interpreting their needs and introducing them to a wide range of design ideas whilst working within their budget. We have an extensive show-room with a wide selection of pattern books, along with lighting and furniture samples.
All soft furnishings are produced in our own high quality workroom and we are able to draw together a strong team of crafts-people and suppliers to undertake larger projects.
The company is led by Maureen Whitemore. Maureen has a lifetime of experience in the soft furnishing industry, serves as a director of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers and is renowned for her commitment to training and skills development in the industry.
The role.
The assistant designer will work along-side Maureen, assisting in selecting interior design schemes for clients and providing administrative support. Specific duties will be:
• Attending meetings with clients and ensuring follow-up such as ordering of samples, fabrics and components;
• Liaising with the Business Coordinator on quotations and progress of work;
• Liaising with clients on design schemes and project execution;
• Maintaining showroom displays and the pattern book collection;
• Maintaining the company’s profile on social media;
• Entering data to the company accounting system and processing on-line sales enquiries.
Training will be provided as appropriate to the qualifications and prior experience of the successful applicant. Subject to qualifications, experience and aptitude, the successful applicant will, after a suitable induction period, be encouraged to act independently in developing and expanding the business.
This is a full-time employment position. Hours of work are 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. The position is hourly-paid with opportunity for occasional over-time as business need arises.
Experience and Qualifications required
We are looking for someone with an interest in interior design, a love of high-quality soft-furnishings and good organisational and communication skills. A qualification and/or prior experience in interior design is preferable but not essential, as training will be given to an applicant with the right aptitude. The successful applicant is likely to have good sense of colour and texture, spatial awareness and practicality.
As elements of the role will be client-facing, candidates must be presentable and of a personable nature, with a good telephone manner and competence in written correspondence.
The successful applicant will be computer literate, able to use basic office applications such as word-processing and spreadsheets. Training will be provided in data-entry to the company accounting system.
A full, clean UK driving license is required.
Please reply with a CV to enquiries@whitemoreandthwaytes.co.uk