Cabinet Design Architect / Designer

Job Summary

The Cabinet Design Architect/Designer translates client requirements and architectural drawings into precise, manufacturable cabinet designs. This role bridges sales, engineering, and production — ensuring every design is aesthetically sound, structurally viable, and optimized for CNC manufacturing while meeting material and tolerance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Client Interface

• Develop cabinet and mill work designs from client briefs, architectural drawings, or interior design concepts (kitchens, wardrobes, wall units, commercial fit-outs)

• Prepare 2D/3D renderings and mood boards to present design concepts to clients for approval

• Conduct or review site measurements to ensure designs fit actual spatial conditions

• Advise clients on material selection, finishes, hardware, and design feasibility within budget

• Technical Drawing & Engineering

• Produce detailed shop drawings, cut lists, and cabinet schedules using CAD/cabinet design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Mozart Software, PolyBoard, or similar)

• Ensure all designs comply with the company's established tolerance standards for MDF and plywood (thickness, squareness, dimensional accuracy)

• Specify joinery methods, fasteners, and assembly techniques appropriate to each design

• Generate CNC-ready nesting files/programs, or hand off accurate specifications to CNC programming staff

• Production Coordination

• Collaborate with production and quality control teams to confirm designs are manufacturable within current machine capabilities

• Review prototypes/first-run samples against design intent and flag deviations

• Update designs based on production feedback (material waste, assembly difficulty, structural issues)

• Maintain a library of standard cabinet modules, templates, and reusable design components to improve production efficiency

• Cross-Functional & Administrative

• Work with the sales/CRM team to convert approved quotes into finalized production-ready designs

• Maintain accurate design documentation and revision history in the company's project management/ERP system

• Support costing/estimation teams with accurate material takeoffs

• Stay current on design trends, hardware innovations, and manufacturing techniques relevant to cabinetry

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree/HND in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)

• 3+ years experience in cabinet/furniture design, millwork, or joinery — CNC manufacturing environment preferred

• Proficiency in CAD software; cabinet-specific design software strongly preferred

• Strong understanding of wood-based panel materials (MDF, plywood, particleboard) and their manufacturing tolerances

• Excellent spatial reasoning and attention to detail

• Ability to read and interpret architectural/interior design drawings

• Key Competencies

• Precision and quality-mindedness

• Client-facing communication skills

• Collaborative — comfortable working across design, sales, and shop-floor teams

• Problem-solving under production constraints (cost, material, machine capability)