Director of Interior Design / Interior Design Manager

Hybrid – Orange County, CAAgathus Studios is seeking a strategic and self-driven Director of Interior Design (or Interior Design Manager, depending on experience) to lead our design department, supervise a growing team of designers, help refine the operational infrastructure of the studio, and oversee our gallery/showroom operations.This is a senior leadership position suited for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced design environment and understands how to balance creative refinement with operational discipline. We’re looking for a leader who is:Proactive, resourceful, and solutions-orientedExtremely organized with a natural ability to see both the details and the big picturePositive and steady under pressure, modeling calm leadership for the teamSelf-motivated and comfortable owning and being accountable for entire processesA critical thinker who anticipates challenges before they become problemsCollaborative, yet confident enough to guide and directWe strongly prefer candidates who live locally or within close proximity to Costa Mesa, as this role requires regular in-person collaboration.Key Responsibilities:1. Client Intake & OnboardingTriage incoming design client inquiriesConduct design consultation callsPrepare and follow-up on investment proposals and design agreementsCollect and organize client onboarding and discovery materials2. Team Leadership & ManagementLead, mentor, supervise, and hold accountable a team of designers, coordinators, and interns.Model a positive, solutions-oriented attitude that sets the tone for the department.Provide clear direction, constructive feedback, and structured coaching to elevate the team’s output.Lead weekly team meetings and ensure alignment on priorities, standards, and milestones.Serve as the point of escalation for issues and maintain steady leadership under pressure.3. Project Oversight, Scheduling & ResourcingMaintain a bird’s-eye view of all interior design projects—timelines, milestones, designer allocation needs, and dependencies.Build, manage, and enforce project schedules.Ensure designers stay on track with deadlines and deliverables through proactive check-ins.Anticipate risks or bottlenecks early and propose solutions before they impact timelines.Coordinate with leadership on project pipeline planning and workload balance.4. Design Direction & Quality ControlWork closely with leadership to supervise design development from early concepts through final presentations.Review drawings, FF&E, renderings, and client-facing deliverables with an eye for detail and brand consistency.Maintain high standards of presentation, file organization, and documentation.5. Systems, Processes & InfrastructureDevelop, refine, and document SOPs, workflows, templates, and departmental processes.Improve the flow of information across different teams and partners.Implement project management tools and improve internal communication systems.Create documentation, checklists, and onboarding materials that scale with the department.Identify inefficiencies and propose thoughtful improvements that streamline workflow.6. Client & Presentation SupportSupport and occasionally lead client presentations and key discussions.Ensure that all decks, materials, boards, and samples are refined, organized, and on-brand.Communicate design intent, project status, and deliverable expectations with clarity, confidence, and professionalism.7. Gallery / Showroom ManagementOversee gallery operations, layouts, vignettes, and merchandising to maintain an elevated, on-brand environment.Support client appointments and walk-throughs.8. Cross-Department CollaborationWork closely with:PrincipalsProject ManagersExecutive AssistantOperations & Logistics TeamsTrade partners, including vendors, fabricators, and contractorsStrong communication, follow-through, and collaboration are essential.This job description highlights the primary duties of the role but is not an exhaustive list. Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on studio needs.Qualifications:Required3–5 years of managerial experience at a Senior Manager or Director level within an interior design environment (high-end residential preferred).Proven experience supervising teams, enforcing standards, and managing performance.Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, develop schedules, and maintain a global view of priorities.Extremely organized with strong systems thinking and documentation skills.Emotionally intelligent and respectful communicator.Strong design eye and ability to guide design direction.Comfortable with giving and receiving constructive feedback and handling tough conversations.Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills.Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, or Adobe Creative Suite.Tech-savvy with ability to adopt new systems quickly.Role will require site visits and meetings in both Los Angeles and Orange County (possibly surrounding counties as well). Must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license and vehicle registration, and the ability to arrive on time for scheduled visits.PreferredShowroom or gallery management experienceExperience developing SOPs, processes, and departmental workflowsLuxury residential design or architecture backgroundFamiliarity with content creation or photography directionInterior design certification or architecture licensePreference for candidates living near or within commuting distance of Costa MesaSales experiencePhysical Requirements:Ability to lift up to 50 lbsAbility to navigate office, gallery, and occasional jobsite environmentsOccasional evening/weekend availability for events, installs, or shootsCompensation & Benefits:Competitive salary commensurate with experienceHealth insurancePaid time off (holidays, sick leave, accrued vacation)401(k) with employer matchDiscretionary bonusesSignificant growth opportunities as the department expandsMileage reimbursementHow to Apply:Please send your resume, portfolio, and two professional references (including at least one former direct supervisor) to careers@agathus.com with the subject line: “Interior Design Director/Manager – [Your Name]”.

Salary : $80,000 - $120,000