GRAHAM Academy – Design Coordinator Summer Placement Student - Interior Fit Out

Job Summary

At GRAHAM, we are committed to developing future talent and providing meaningful opportunities for students to gain industry experience. We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Design Coordinator Summer Placement Student to join our Interior Fit-Out team for an 8-week placement.

During the placement, you'll assist with reviewing drawings, coordinating project documentation, attending design meetings, and supporting the team in delivering high-quality interior environments.

You'll gain exposure to live projects and learn how design solutions are developed, communicated, and implemented on site.

Key Responsibilities

Design Coordination & Support

• Assist in the development and coordination of interior fit-out design proposals.
• Support the design team in preparing and reviewing drawings, specifications, finishes schedules, and technical submissions.
• Coordinate design information between architects, consultants, subcontractors, and project teams.
• Help ensure design solutions are practical, buildable, compliant, and aligned with client requirements.

Project Documentation

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project design documentation.
• Assist with the preparation of technical reports, presentations, meeting minutes, and design trackers.
• Support the review and management of RFIs, drawing revisions, and design change requests.

Site Visits & Project Delivery

• Undertake site visits to develop an understanding of interior fit-out processes and project delivery.
• Observe and assist with the implementation of design solutions on-site.
• Support site teams in ensuring works are completed in accordance with approved designs and specifications.

Technical Assistance

• Provide support to the Design Team throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assist in resolving design-related queries from project teams, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Gain an understanding of interior finishes, furniture coordination, building services integration, and space utilisation.

Requirements:

Technical Competencies

Essential Criteria:

• Currently studying a higher or degree-level qualification in Architectural Technology, Architecture, or a related discipline. 
• Strong interest in interior fit-out, design, and construction. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Some knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, or similar design software. 
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications. 

Desirable

• Understanding of commercial interior environments and fit-out projects. 
• CSCS Card. 
• Full UK Driving Licence. 
• Exposure to BIM processes and design coordination platforms. 

Behavioural Competencies

Essential:

• Commercial Awareness: strong business acumen combined with the creativity and vision to meet customer needs and GRAHAM business requirements.
• Leadership skills: Communicates and gains team commitment to a vision, able to motivate staff and provide direction and vision.
• Effective Communication skills: Able to adapt communication to audience and create detailed written documents and reports. Able to maintain and manage communication links with a variety of stakeholders. Presents a professional image and promotes the Brand.
• Customer Focus: Takes time to question and understand the real, underlying needs of the customer, beyond those initially expressed. Always works closely with customers, developing an independent view of their needs and acting in their long term interest
• Influencing: Identifies and builds relationships with those who will be useful now and in the future in achieving strategic business objectives.
• Initiative: is able to work alone to get results in an effective way. Understands and seeks to minimise waste in resources and processes. Adopts and encourages others to adopt new ways of working. Ability to work unsupervised.
• Team Player: Always willing to be involved in other activities to achieve company objectives. Works collaboratively and uses influence to gain resolution of issues. Demonstrates honestly, loyalty and commitment.

Please submit a comprehensive and targeted CV, which clearly and logically details how you fulfil both the essential and if relevant, desirable criteria. Failure to provide adequate information may result in your application being rejected. All applicants must also complete an online monitoring form. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early, should we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

The Recruitment Process:

• The closing date for applications will be January 2027
• Interviews will commence in February 2027.
• Successful candidates will be notified in March 2027.
• All successful applicants will have joined the business by September 2027, if not before.

This job description is intended to give the post holder an appreciation of the role envisaged and the range of duties to be undertaken. It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed with the post holder at regular intervals.

Placements

On your placement you will be given the support, guidance and experience which will lay the foundations for a great future in a Construction career. Show us what you can do and your placement could lead to a company scholarship award and an offer of employment when you graduate. 

Benefits

• Car Allowance
• Subsidised Private Medical Cover
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Living away from home allowance (where appropriate)
• Contributory Pension
• 35 Days' annual leave (Including Public Holidays)

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