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, Sketch. Up, Mozart Software, Poly. Board, 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)