Description
Design and specify color, material, and finish (CMF) systems for interiors and products, creating palettes and surface treatments that meet brand, performance, cost, sustainability, and user requirements from concept through production.
- • Estimate material quantities and finish costs; prepare CMF boards and proposals for stakeholder approval.
- • Consult with clients and cross-functional teams to define CMF goals, budget, brand cues, and performance needs.
- • Advise on color harmony, textures, coatings, and material selections to support durability, maintenance, and aesthetic intent.
- • Select or develop materials, finishes, textiles, and coatings; source samples and manage procurement.
- • Create CMF strategies that balance aesthetics, manufacturability, maintenance, and experience goals (e.g., productivity, brand impact).
- • Coordinate with vendors and fabricators for custom materials, surface treatments, and finish applications.
- • Produce CMF mood boards, digital renderings, and physical palettes to communicate intent.
- • Apply CMF solutions across interiors and products, including transportation, retail, workplace, and consumer goods.
- • Collaborate with architects, industrial designers, engineers, contractors, and manufacturers to integrate CMF into designs and production.
- • Create and review finish schedules, specifications, submittals, and annotated drawings for accurate implementation.
- • Use CAD, PLM, and visualization tools to develop CMF specifications and documentation.
- • Specify materials that meet safety, fire, slip resistance, VOC, and ADA-related surface requirements where applicable.
- • Review samples, mockups, and installations to verify color, gloss, texture, and material performance against specifications.
- • Prioritize sustainable materials and low-impact finishes; document certifications, recycled content, and end-of-life pathways.
- • Research emerging materials, coatings, processes, and color trends; maintain and curate a materials library.
- • Research regulatory, flammability, and environmental compliance requirements to inform CMF decisions.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
