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 m