SketchUp Designer for Fitted Furniture & Storage Projects

Freelance SketchUp Designer Needed for Bespoke Furniture & Storage Projects (Ongoing Work)

I run a growing bespoke carpentry business in Kent, UK, specialising in fitted furniture and clever storage solutions. I’m looking for an experienced SketchUp designer to support ongoing projects on a freelance basis.

This is not a one-off project. My goal is to build a long-term working relationship with a designer who understands furniture construction and can assist with multiple projects throughout the year.

Projects Include

• Fitted wardrobes
• Under-stairs storage
• Alcove cupboards and media units
• Home offices
• Utility room cabinetry
• IKEA hack furniture projects
• Hallway and boot room storage
• Bespoke storage for awkward spaces

Most projects are designed specifically for each client and built on site using MDF, MFC and hardwood trims.

Information Provided

For each project I will normally supply:

• Site measurements
• Hand sketches
• Client requirements
• Site photographs
• Construction notes

Typical Deliverables

Depending on the project, I may require:

• SketchUp 3D models
• Design development
• Client presentation drawings
• Dimensioned plans and elevations
• Technical construction drawings
• Basic material schedules
• Cut-list assistance
• Drawing revisions following client feedback

Construction Knowledge Required

The ideal candidate should understand practical furniture construction rather than simply producing attractive models.

Experience with the following is highly desirable:

• 18mm MDF carcass construction
• 9mm rebated backs
• Shaker-style doors
• Overlay doors and fillers
• Soft-close hinges
• Drawer systems
• Push-to-open hardware
• Sloping ceiling furniture
• Under-stairs storage layouts
• Built-in furniture installation methods

Knowledge of Blum, Häfele, Hettich or Accuride hardware would be beneficial.

Ideal Candidate

You should:

• Be highly proficient in SketchUp
• Have experience designing fitted furniture or cabinetry
• Understand joinery and furniture construction
• Work accurately from measurements and sketches
• Have excellent attention to detail
• Communicate clearly and professionally
• Meet agreed deadlines

Experience with SketchUp Layout, CutList plugins and rendering software would be an advantage.

Paid Trial Project

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to complete a small paid trial project.

This will typically involve creating a SketchUp model and basic drawing package for a fitted wardrobe, under-stairs storage unit or similar furniture project.

When Applying Please Include

• Examples of fitted furniture, cabinetry or joinery projects
• SketchUp portfolio examples
• Years of experience
• Typical turnaround times
• Hourly rate or fixed-price structure
• Confirmation that you can work from hand sketches and site measurements

I am looking for quality, accuracy, practical construction knowledge and reliability rather than simply the lowest price.

If you have experience designing furniture that can realistically be built by a carpenter on site, I would be very interested to hear from you.

Thanks Julian