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.
Personal specification
Technical competencies
Essential
- 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
- Commercial awareness: Develops an understanding of project budgets, programme constraints, client requirements, and the commercial drivers behind successful fit-out delivery.
- Leadership skills: Communicates effectively and demonstrates commitment to working as part of an integrated project team.
- Effective communication skills: Able to adapt communication to different audiences and produce clear written documentation under supervision. Maintains positive relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers, and colleagues while promoting the GRAHAM brand.
- Customer focus: Recognises the importance of understanding client needs and contributing to the delivery of high-quality interior environments that exceed expectations.
- Influencing: Builds positive working relationships with stakeholders and demonstrates an ability to collaborate effectively to achieve project objectives.
- Initiative: Demonstrates a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving. Seeks opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, and contribute positively to project success.
- Team player: Works collaboratively, supports colleagues, and contributes towards achieving project and business objectives. Demonstrates integrity, commitment, and professionalism.
- Negotiation: Shows a willingness to learn how effective coordination and communication support successful collaboration across the supply chain and project teams.
About you
GRAHAM routes to becoming a Design Manager
Industrial placements
Our industrial placements can last from 3-12 months, dependent on your college/university curriculum. 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.
We are only able to consider applications from individuals who are eligible to live and work in the UK, as per Home Office regulations. Please check your eligibility with the regulations before applying. Individuals with a current time restricted right to work in the UK, should contact the Human Resources team in the first instance. A basic disclosure may be requested if security clearance is required by 3rd party clients and a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position. Our Access NI/Vetting and Barring Scheme Policy and Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is available upon request.
GRAHAM reserves the right to carry out checks to ensure the validity of an applicant’s experience and/or qualifications and we expect all applicants to comply with any such requests for information. Failure to do so or evidence of any falsification of information will lead to either removal from the recruitment process or if already in employment potential termination of contract through the company disciplinary procedure.
