Associate Director, Interior Design

The Role

We seek a talented and proactive Associate Director, Interior Design, to be a pivotal force within our studio. You will serve as the project leader and primary design executor on key accounts, translating conceptual visions into detailed, buildable reality. In this role, you will act as a direct extension of the Design Director, providing critical support in client management, team coordination, and design development. Success means delivering exceptional work, mentoring growing talent, and becoming a trusted creative leader.

Key Responsibilities:

Design Development & Project Leadership

. Lead the design development and documentation phases for multiple projects, ensuring the Design Director's vision is realized.

. Develop and produce compelling presentations, including mood boards, material palettes, furniture plans, and 3D visualizations for client reviews.

. Help to generate comprehensive construction documents, detailed FF&E specifications, and custom millwork drawings and detailing.

. Resolve complex design and technical challenges proactively, collaborating with architects, consultants, and vendors.

. Manage project timelines, deliverables, and budgets in coordination with the Project Manager.

Client & Team Collaboration

. Serve as a primary day-to-day client contact, building strong relationships and managing communication with professionalism and clarity.

. Lead internal project meetings and actively participate in client presentations, articulating design rationale.

. Mentor and provide clear direction to intermediate and junior designers, reviewing their work and fostering their professional growth.

. Collaborate effectively with FF&E, branding, and architectural teams to ensure a fully integrated design.

Technical Execution & Quality Control

. Oversee the FF&E process: sourcing, specification, procurement, and installation logistics.

. Conduct site visits, review submittals, and address RFI's, ensuring adherence to design intent throughout construction.

. Uphold and advance studio standards for documentation, detailing, and materials innovation.

. Maintain current knowledge of materials, products, codes, and sustainability standards.

Qualifications & Experience:

. Bachelor's or master's degree in interior design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture.

. 18+ years of professional interiors design experience, with a proven track record on medium to large-scale projects in Hospitality, Retail, Workplace, Public Space design.

. Professional certification (or registered architect license) is strongly preferred but not required.

. Mastery of design software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite and visualization tools.

. Extensive experience developing FF&E specifications, budget, and schedules.

. Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills.