Designer & Project Manager

About Hawthorne House

Founded in 2003 by interior designer Lisa Ellis, Hawthorne House is a full-service furnishings and lighting showroom in Athens, Georgia. It serves the design trade, homeowners, and vacation and investment property owners. The firm provides expert guidance from concept to completion through its Concierge, To-the-Trade, and Encore programs. Its services include furniture and lighting selections, window treatment consultation and workroom services, procurement, and white-glove delivery and installation.

Our client, Hawthorne House, is seeking a Designer & Project Manager to join its Athens team. This hybrid role combines design and client selections with hands-on project coordination, from the first consultation through final installation. The position also includes filling in for the workroom as needed. The right person is detail-oriented, organized, and adaptable, and enjoys the variety that comes with a boutique, collaborative environment.

Design

• Conduct in-person and virtual consultations to clarify project scope, budget, and client goals

• Prepare furniture plans and floor plan layouts

• Curate and present furniture, lighting, accessory, and window treatment selections that fit each client's goals, budget, and timeline

• Recommend materials, finishes, and fabrics, applying value engineering where appropriate

• Support trade clients, including designers, architects, and industry professionals, with selections and product resources

• Help maintain showroom presentation and samples

Project Management

• Manage projects from discovery and consultation through procurement, delivery, and installation

• Create and maintain project budgets, timelines, and schedules

• Place, track, and follow up on orders with vendors and manufacturers

• Coordinate deliveries and installations, and oversee white-glove installations on site

• Keep clients, showroom staff, vendors, and design partners informed throughout each project

• Keep accurate project records, documentation, and client follow-up

• Anticipate and resolve issues with orders, timelines, or logistics before they affect the client

Workroom Support

• Fill in for the workroom as needed to keep projects on schedule

• Help coordinate window treatment and other workroom projects with the showroom and project teams

• Check that finished work meets design specifications and quality standards

• Follow safe work practices and keep the work area organized

• Previous experience in interior design, furnishings, or a related design field

• Project management or project coordination experience, preferably with residential or commercial furnishings projects

• A strong eye for design, materials, quality, and craftsmanship

• Excellent organization and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines at once

• Clear, professional communication with clients, vendors, and team members

• Strong problem-solving skills and a calm, proactive approach under pressure

• Comfortable with standard computer and office software; experience with design or layout software is a plus

• Must live in or near Athens, Georgia

• Able to work a hybrid schedule, with regular time in the office/showroom and on site for deliveries and installations

• Able to stand for extended periods, bend, and lift moderately heavy items when supporting the workroom or installations

• Reliable transportation

• Opportunity to grow with a respected, long-established design firm

• Close collaboration with an experienced design and showroom team

• Varied, hands-on work across design, project management, and the workroom