Furniture / Industrial Designer

About the Company

OMA is an international architecture and urbanism practice founded in 1975 with offices in Rotterdam, New York, Hong Kong, and Brisbane, OMA has produced a broad portfolio of projects over the past five decades, employing a team of more than 200 architects, designers, and researchers with a diverse range of experience and expertise. AMO, a research and design studio, often works in parallel with OMA’s clients, enriching architecture with intelligence drawn from a wide range of other disciplines.

About the Role

OMA New York is looking for an experienced Furniture / Industrial Designer to work directly with the Partner-in-charge on the development of a new furniture line.

The role will span the full design process, from initial concept and research through prototyping, technical development, and production. We are seeking candidates with exceptional design sensibility, originality, and a strong understanding of furniture, materials, fabrication, and manufacturing processes.

The ideal candidate will translate conceptual ideas into compelling, buildable pieces through sketches, physical studies, 3D modeling, visualization, technical drawings, and prototypes, while working closely with fabricators, manufacturers, engineers, and other specialists to realize the designs.

Demonstrated Experience

• Developing strong concepts, narratives, and design strategies into original and compelling furniture designs;
• Developing furniture and product designs from initial concept through design development, prototyping, fabrication, and production;
• Developing and evaluating design options through sketching, 3D modeling, visualization, and physical prototyping;
• Exploring materials, construction techniques, fabrication methods, assembly, finishes, and detailing;
• Producing detailed design and technical information for prototypes and manufacturing;
• Reviewing technical drawings, shop drawings, material samples, mock-ups, and prototypes;
• Working directly with fabricators, manufacturers, craftspeople, engineers, and suppliers to refine and realize designs;
• Considering material selection, manufacturing processes, quality, durability, and cost throughout the design process. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Architecture, or a related discipline;
• Minimum of 4–7 years of relevant professional experience in furniture, industrial/product design, or a closely related field;
• Strong conceptual, graphic, and design talent illustrated in a comprehensive portfolio;
• Demonstrated experience developing furniture or products from concept through prototyping and production;
• Strong understanding of furniture construction, materials, manufacturing processes, and fabrication techniques;
• Excellent command of Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite;
• Strong rendering and visualization skills;
• Proficiency in AutoCAD;
• Ability to produce and review detailed technical drawings with a high degree of accuracy;
• Confidence working collaboratively in a dynamic, international environment;
• Strong communication and organizational skills;
• Fluency in English.

Preferred

• Experience with SolidWorks and/or other product-development modeling software;
• Experience with KeyShot or comparable rendering software;
• Experience working directly with furniture manufacturers, fabricators, and workshops;
• Knowledge of a broad range of materials and production processes, including wood, metal, upholstery, composites, and plastics;
• Experience developing prototypes and overseeing sample reviews;
• Experience manufacturing furniture or products internationally;
• Experience coordinating with engineers and specialist consultants;
• Knowledge of contemporary furniture design, manufacturing, and material innovation.

What We Offer

• Full-time employment based in our New York office;
• A competitive salary, commensurate with experience, accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), health insurance, and 20 vacation days per year, in addition to U.S. public holidays;
• A collaborative and supportive work environment within OMA’s New York team;
• Career growth opportunities in a globally recognized firm within the creative and architectural industry.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following documents via our online form:

1. A cover letter explaining your motivation for working at OMA.
2. Your CV/resume.
3. A portfolio (in PDF format, max. 30 pages) showcasing your design work.

Please note that applications without a portfolio will not be considered and applications containing only QR codes/website links will not be reviewed.

OMA values diversity and offers equal opportunities for all applicants. We do not discriminate based on Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.