Associate Director, Interior Design

A career at SAA gives you the opportunity to be part of a team that makes a real difference to people’s lives; creating places and spaces that form meaningful experiences in the way people connect with their communities.

From the moment of ideation to the exhilaration of creation, you will be amongst passionate and talented colleagues from around the globe, working together to make a mark in the evolution of our urban societies.

At SAA, we continually strive to enrich the greatest endeavour of all – human life – the quality of which all good designs are benchmarked against. And in this endeavour, we share with you the opportunity to give true meaning to the work that sustains it.

SAA. Building Dreams, Enriching Lives.

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.

Pre-requisites and Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in interior design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture.
• At least 10 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.

Real Impact, Made Together 

SAA is a member of the Surbana Jurong (SJ) Group, a diverse and collaborative collective of problem solvers for the built environment, continually reimagining ways to create a smart and sustainable future. 

As one of SJ’s 10 member companies, SAA is part of a global network of professionals in more than 120 offices in over 40 countries. 

How to apply

Please click on the “Apply” button and attach your latest CV/resume and portfolio (for Architects only) before submitting your application. 

To find out more about SAA, please visit our website at https://saaarchitects.com.sg