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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Glass Designer Assistant

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

DesignArchitectureManufacturingEngineering

🎯 Role Definition

The Glass Designer Assistant is a foundational role at the intersection of creative artistry and precision engineering. This position serves as the critical right-hand to Senior Glass Designers and Project Managers, providing essential support throughout the entire project lifecycle—from initial concept sketches to final fabrication drawings. You are the person who helps translate ambitious ideas into tangible, manufacturable realities, ensuring that every detail is captured, every specification is met, and every project moves forward smoothly. This role is perfect for a detail-oriented and technically-minded creative who is eager to learn the intricacies of architectural, decorative, or product-based glass design and fabrication.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Recent Graduate (Industrial Design, Architecture, Fine Arts)
  • CAD Technician / Drafter
  • Art or Design Studio Intern

Advancement To:

  • Glass Designer / Product Designer
  • Project Manager (Design/Fabrication)
  • Lead CAD Designer / BIM Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Architectural Technologist
  • Product Development Specialist
  • CNC Programmer / Digital Fabricator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Collaborate directly with Senior Designers to develop initial concepts into detailed 2D and 3D models using software such as AutoCAD, Rhino, and SolidWorks.
  • Produce highly detailed and accurate shop drawings, fabrication packages, and installation guides for custom glass features, including partitions, balustrades, and art installations.
  • Translate architectural plans, sketches, and client specifications into precise manufacturing-ready technical drawings.
  • Create and manage 3D digital models and renderings for client presentations, design reviews, and internal feasibility studies.
  • Assist in the preparation of design presentations, mood boards, and material sample boards for client meetings and project proposals.
  • Perform detailed site measurements and surveys as needed, translating field data accurately into design documents.
  • Review and interpret structural engineering reports and architectural drawings to ensure glass designs are compliant and integrated correctly.
  • Liaise with fabricators, suppliers, and installers to clarify design details, answer technical questions, and ensure production aligns with design intent.
  • Manage and organize the digital file library, including drawing revisions, project documentation, and standard detail blocks, maintaining strict version control.
  • Participate in the research and selection of glass types, hardware, finishes, and interlayer technologies based on project requirements, aesthetics, and budget.
  • Assist in creating bills of materials (BOMs) and material take-offs for procurement and estimating purposes.
  • Support the prototyping process by preparing files for CNC cutting, 3D printing, or waterjetting, and assisting with hands-on mock-up assembly.
  • Conduct quality control checks on fabricated glass components, comparing finished pieces against technical drawings to ensure accuracy and quality standards.
  • Prepare clear and concise Request for Information (RFI) documents to resolve design ambiguities with clients, architects, or engineers.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain and organize the physical materials library, including glass samples, hardware examples, and finish swatches.
  • Assist in documenting project progress through photography and detailed notes for marketing and archival purposes.
    " - Provide general administrative support to the design team, such as plotting drawings, preparing transmittals, and archiving completed project files.
  • Keep abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and new materials within the glass and architectural design industries.
  • Support the creation of marketing collateral, including project case studies and portfolio updates, by providing relevant drawings and renderings.
  • Aid in the setup and maintenance of studio equipment, including large-format printers, plotters, and computers.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced CAD Proficiency: Expertise in 2D and 3D modeling with a strong preference for AutoCAD and Rhino 3D. Familiarity with SolidWorks or Revit is a plus.
  • Technical Drawing: Demonstrated ability to create comprehensive and precise shop drawings, construction documents, and fabrication details.
  • Adobe Creative Suite: Competency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating presentations, renderings, and graphic layouts.
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  • 3D Visualization: Skill in creating photorealistic renderings using V-Ray, KeyShot, or similar rendering engines.
  • Knowledge of Materials: A solid understanding of different glass types (e.g., tempered, laminated, low-iron), fabrication processes (e.g., cutting, polishing, tempering), and associated hardware.
  • Measurement & Surveying: Ability to take accurate field measurements and translate them into usable design data.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for precision and accuracy, ensuring that no detail, no matter how small, is overlooked in drawings and documents.
  • Proactive Problem-Solving: The ability to anticipate potential design or fabrication issues and creatively find effective solutions before they become major problems.
  • Clear Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaborating effectively with internal teams, clients, and external vendors.
  • Time Management & Organization: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet tight deadlines.
  • Collaborative Spirit: A genuine team player who thrives in a collaborative environment and is eager to support colleagues and learn from senior staff.
  • Adaptability & Eagerness to Learn: A flexible mindset and a strong desire to absorb new information, techniques, and software in the ever-evolving field of glass design.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree or Technical Diploma in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree (B.Arch, BFA, BS in Industrial Design or Architectural Technology).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Architecture / Architectural Technology
  • Industrial Design
  • Fine Arts (Sculpture, Glass)
  • Engineering Technology / Mechanical Drafting

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years in a design, drafting, or studio assistant role. A strong portfolio demonstrating technical drawing skills can substitute for direct professional experience.

Preferred: Prior internship or work experience within an architectural firm, custom fabrication shop, interior design studio, or manufacturing environment focused on glass, metalwork, or millwork.

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