Interior Design and Furniture Specialist

Special Instructions to Applicants: In PDF form, applicants should attach a (1) resume, (2) cover letter, and (3) portfolio of relevant work in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in how we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary

Rice Real Estate Company, Facilities and Capital Planning is seeking an experienced and innovative Interior Design and Furniture Specialist to join our Campus Planning and Design Team. This role involves overseeing the design, layout, and furniture selection for various university spaces—including classrooms, offices, and common areas—while ensuring functionality, aesthetic appeal, and alignment with the university’s mission.

The specialist will collaborate with academic, administrative, and student services departments to create inviting, productive, and creative environments that support the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. A strong focus on sustainability, accessibility, and innovative design solutions will be essential in shaping spaces that are both inspiring and adaptable.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented interior and furniture design subject matter expert who collaborates with architects, contractors, and suppliers to create cohesive, functional, and visually striking spaces. With expertise in materials, spatial design, and sustainable solutions, they bring architectural visions to life through innovative and human-centered interiors.

Working Conditions

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration (1 Day/Week Remote). Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary range is $90,000 to $106,400 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. 

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in interior design, Architecture, or a related field
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• 3 years of professional experience in interior design
  • In lieu of the education/experience requirement, additional related education and/or experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills:

• Highly effective written and oral communication skills to address a wide variety of audiences
• Ability to productively assemble, engage, and lead cross-functional teams
• Demonstrates project management ability to employ integration, scope, time management, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement components
• Ability to balance customer expectations with project reality
• Demonstrates resilience, diplomacy, influence, relationship building, and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations
• Keen grasp of interpersonal and impact awareness
• Depth of knowledge in technical discipline/domain needed to deliver projects
• Knowledge of interior design principles, materials, finishes, and color theory
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, or similar)
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders
• Strong understanding of sustainable design practices and accessibility standards
• Bringing fresh ideas and unique design concepts to life, ensuring precision in every element from textures to lighting
• Experience working in a higher education environment is preferred but not required

Preferences

• LEED accreditation or similar sustainable design certification
• Experience with contract negotiation and vendor management
• Knowledge of university-specific space planning standards and furniture requirements

Essential Functions

• Lead interior design projects for a variety of campus spaces, including classrooms, offices, lounges, libraries, and meeting rooms, ensuring designs are in line with university standards for interior design, graphics, and furniture
• Develop and implement furniture plans that meet the needs of different departments and spaces. Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to source high-quality, durable, and cost-effective (indoor and outdoor) furniture that meets the university's functional and aesthetic goals. Prepare presentations to demonstrate optionality for campus customers
• Conduct space assessments, in collaboration with the Space Management team, and work with department heads to optimize room layouts, maximizing space utilization while maintaining functionality and aesthetic appeal
• Oversee and manage interior design projects of various scales from concept through design, including working with contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure timely and successful execution. Oversee installation and collaborate on punch list and quality control processes
• Develop and advise on project budgets. Provide value optimization strategies where appropriate
• Ensure all design plans incorporate sustainable practices and adhere to university guidelines regarding accessibility, health, and safety standards
• Work closely with academic and administrative departments to understand their specific space needs and requirements. Offer expert design advice and support on furniture selection and interior design matters
• Regularly assess the condition of indoor and outdoor furniture and interiors across campus, identifying opportunities for upgrades, repairs, or replacement as needed
• Keep up-to-date with the latest trends in interior design and furniture, as well as innovations in technology and sustainability that can be applied to the campus environment
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.