We are seeking an experienced design leader to partner closely with the Senior Director of Interior Design to translate strategic vision into exceptional design outcomes, strong project delivery, and sustainable studio growth. As the key link between senior leadership and project teams, the Director plays a pivotal role in shaping design quality, team performance, and client satisfaction.
The role combines hands on creative leadership with strong people and business management. You will champion the firm's design philosophy, act as Creative Lead on flagship projects, and ensure design integrity from concept through execution. At the same time, you will oversee studio operations, including resourcing, staffing, financial performance, and project delivery, ensuring work is delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards.
You will mentor and develop design talent, foster a collaborative and high performing studio culture, and be acutely engaged with clients.
The Role
The Head of Design, Interior Design is the creative and operational leader for the studio. This role is responsible for translating the strategic vision and business objectives set by the Senior Director into exceptional creative output and project delivery. The Design Director acts as the Senior Director's key partner in driving design excellence, client satisfaction, and studio growth, with a primary focus on the day-to-day leadership of people, projects, and design ethos.
- Reports directly to the Senior Director of Interiors, acting as the principal partner in managing the creative and operational success of the studio.
- Collaborates closely with the Senior Director to align studio output with firmwide strategic goals, providing ground level intelligence and executing on key initiatives.
- Key interface between senior leadership and the project teams, ensuring clear communication and effective implementation of vision and standards.
Strategic Implementer:
- Translates Strategy into Action: Takes the broader business market and creative goals set by the Senior Director and develops specific plan, design directives, and team priorities to achieve them withing their domain.
- Acts as the Senior Director's eyes and ears on the studio floor, providing vital feedback on team morale, project challenges, client sentiment, and market opportunities.
- Manages the financial health of projects and team in alignment with the financial targets and KPIs established by the Senior Director. Flags risks and opportunities proactively.
Creative Lieutenant:
- Champions the firm's design philosophy and quality standards, ensuring all work produced under their purview meets or exceeds the bar set by senior leadership.
- Serves as the Creative Lead on the studio's most significant projects, ensuring design integrity from concept to installation. Presents this work to the Senior Director for high-level review and strategic input.
- Is the primary driver for turning the Senior Director's high-level creative vision into tangible, presentable, and buildable design solutions.
Operational Manager:
- Oversees all project workflows, resource allocation, staffing, and scheduling for the team, resolving issues before they escalate to the Senior Director.
- Responsible for the recruitment, management, mentorship, and performance reviews of all design staff within the studio (Senior Designers, Designers, etc.) Develops future leaders.
- Guarantees that projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the client's satisfaction, protecting the firm's reputation and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
Creative & Design Leadership
- Lead design charettes, reviews, and critiques to ensure the highest quality of work.
- Finalize and approve all major design presentations, drawing sets, and FF&E packages before they go to client or Senior Director review.
- Foster innovation and continuous improvement in design processes and outputs.
Client & Business Development
- Serve as the main point of contact for key clients on a day-to-day, managing expectations and ensuring strategic alignment.
- Troubleshoot complex project and client issues, escalating only when necessary to the Senior Director.
- Ensuring rigorous quality control across all project phases.
Team Development & Studio Management
- Directly manage and mentor a team of Designers, Senior Designers, and Project Managers.
- Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, continuous learning, and design excellence.
- Oversee studio workload planning and resource allocation in collaboration with project managers.
- Cultivate a positive, productive, and creative studio culture.
Strategic Support & Business Contribution
- Contribute to annual planning, budget forecasting, and goal setting for the interiors practice.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement, new services, or market expansion.
- Prepare reports and analysis for the Senior Director on studio performance, project status, and market trends.
Pre-requisites and Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's or master's degree in interior design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture.
- 20+ years of experience in design, with at least 5 years in a director-level or equivalent leadership role.
- Professional certification (or a registered architect license) is strongly preferred but not required.
- Extensive portfolio of showcasing deep expertise in retail centres, workplace, hospitality, etc. from concept through execution.
- Proven track record of leading design teams on complex, high value projects from programming to post-occupancy.
- Exceptional client presentation and relationship management skills.
- Mastery of design software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite and visualisation tools.
Ideal Candidate Possesses:
- A distinct and articulate design point of view.
- Strategic business mindset with the ability to translate design vision into commercial success.
- Gravitas and executive presence to inspire teams, win clients, and represent the firm externally.
