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 millwork 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, Mozaik 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
Qualifications
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).