Millwork Detailer / Technical Designer

About DL English Design Studio

D L English Design Studio is a commercial design and fabrication company specializing in custom architectural millwork, décor elements, signage, and branded environments for retail, grocery, hospitality, and commercial interior projects.

Our work requires close coordination between design, project management, fabrication, purchasing, vendors, and installation. We are seeking a Millwork Detailer / Technical Designer who can translate design intent and project requirements into accurate, buildable shop drawings, installation details, and CNC-ready production files.

Position Summary

This is a full-time position onsite at Pacoima, CA

This role supports custom commercial millwork and related fabrication scopes, including cabinetry, wall paneling, counters, fixtures, décor elements, signage, and specialty fabricated items.

The ideal candidate is technically capable, detail-oriented, and able to work from architectural drawings, design direction, field information, and production requirements without needing every detail pre-defined. This role requires practical judgment, independent investigation of unverified specialty products and materials, and an understanding of how technical information moves from design into procurement, fabrication, and installation.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Deep knowledge of commercial custom millwork, cabinetry construction, commercial grade materials, means and methods, installation systems, and commercial project workflows.
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency interpreting complex architectural blueprints, sections, and structural details.
• Software & CNC: Strong proficiency in drafting software and preparing CNC-ready 2D/3D files with a solid understanding of machining geometry and tolerances.
• Problem Solving: Sound technical judgment with a proven ability to proactively identify design conflicts and develop practical detailing solutions.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills to articulate complex technical ideas clearly to both internal production teams and external clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting: Prepare detailed, accurate, and construction-ready shop and installation drawings for custom millwork, décor, signage, and specialty items, ensuring alignment with design intent and field dimensions.
• Technical Specifications: Clearly define materials, finishes, hardware, mounting conditions, clearances, and fabrication/installation details.
• Material Vetting: Research and review manufacturer data for specialty materials, hardware, and fixtures to verify performance, availability, cost, and compatibility; document findings and recommend alternatives when necessary.
• Production Support: Prepare material takeoffs, cut lists, and hardware schedules to support procurement and fabrication.
• CNC Programming: Create and maintain CNC-ready cutting and machining files (including profiles, pockets, and nesting layers) from approved drawings.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate closely with internal and external teams including project managers, purchasing, CNC operators, DLE fabrication, and outside fabricators to ensure production readiness and resolve programming or site-specific issues.

Required Technical Skills

• AutoCAD
• SketchUp
• Adobe Illustrator
• Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
• PDF markup and editing
• Ability to produce clean, organized 2D shop and installation drawings
• Ability to prepare CNC-ready 2D files (DWG/DXF or shop-compatible formats) with accurate geometry, units, layers, cutouts, drilling, and part identification

Preferred Additional Technical Skills

• Fusion 360, Inventor, or similar 3D/CAD software

• CAM programming, CNC nesting, CNC router operation, or other digital fabrication experience

  d