Design Director

Design Director, Workplace Interiors
New York, NY | Permanent, Full-Time
$150,000 to $180,000, negotiable based on experience

We're partnering with a well-established, growing architecture and interior design firm on a senior hire for their New York studio. The studio focuses on interior architecture for corporate and real estate clients, with a strong portfolio of workplace, amenity and building repositioning projects and a loyal base of repeat clients.

This is a senior creative leadership role for someone who wants to shape the design direction of a studio while staying close to the work. You'll lead the design vision, guide and mentor a team that is eager to grow, look after key client relationships and play an active part in winning new work.

What you'll do

• Set and champion the design vision for the studio, and be a leading voice for design across the firm.
• Lead project teams from concept through construction, making sure documentation and delivery meet a high standard.
• Stay hands on with project work, balancing leadership and oversight with delivery.
• Mentor and develop designers at all levels, and give clear direction and support.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, and grow repeat and referral business.
• Drive business development, including pursuing new opportunities and working with marketing on proposals and presentations.
• Represent the firm at industry events.
• Monitor project budgets and profitability.
• Work with technical and operations teams to bring design, technical and practical considerations together.

What you'll bring

• A degree in Interior Design or Architecture from an accredited program.
• 12+ years of experience in commercial design, with a proven background in corporate interiors and workplace design.
• Strong knowledge of materials, furnishings, construction methods, building codes and contract administration.
• The ability to review construction documents and specifications for design intent and quality.
• Experience leading teams and managing multiple projects at once.
• Excellent client-facing, presentation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Revit, Enscape, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. Newforma is a plus.
• A professional license is preferred. NCIDQ, LEED or WELL accreditation is a plus.

Why this role

This is a chance to step into a true design leadership seat at a firm that is growing and invests in its people. It's big enough to offer real structure and a strong client base, and small enough that your ideas and leadership will make a visible difference.

Verto People is a specialist architecture and interior design recruitment agency, and we are recruiting for this role on behalf of our client. Our client is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.