Contract Senior Interior Designer (Temp-to-Perm) | Multifamily + Hospitality | Washington, DC Area

We’re seeking a Senior Interior Designer with a strong conceptual eye, a confident design sensibility, and the ability to take projects from the first client conversation through completion. This is an opportunity to join a small, collaborative interior design studio known for creating bold, layered interiors that balance personality, polish, and purpose.

The work is primarily multifamily, with opportunities to contribute to and help grow the studio’s hospitality portfolio. Projects include both ground-up developments and renovations, with work spanning markets across the country.

The ideal candidate is creative, self-directed, technically capable, and dependable. You can translate a client’s vision into a compelling design concept, develop that concept into a cohesive project, and follow through on the details needed to bring it to life.

Note: After an initial three-month contract/probationary period, this role will transition from an hourly role to a full-time permanent position with full benefits.

Role and Responsibilities

• Lead Design from Concept to Completion: Take ownership of projects from initial client meetings and concept development through design documentation, coordination, and final delivery.
• Develop Compelling Design Concepts: Translate project goals and client needs into distinctive interiors, including material palettes, finishes, furnishings, lighting, and overall design direction.
• Manage Projects Independently: Drive projects forward, coordinate priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high standard of design quality throughout each phase.
• Collaborate with Clients and Project Teams: Participate in client meetings, communicate design ideas clearly, and coordinate with architects, consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Develop Design Documentation: Translate design concepts into clear, coordinated drawings and documentation using Revit or AutoCAD.
• Support Construction and Installation: Work through technical details, resolve design questions, and help ensure the original design intent carries through to completion.
• Contribute to Studio Growth: Bring ideas, initiative, and a collaborative mindset to a small team, with opportunities to take on greater leadership and mentorship responsibilities over time.
• Expand Across Project Types: Contribute primarily to multifamily projects, with opportunities to support hospitality work as the studio continues to grow in that market.

Experience and Qualifications

• 5–10 years of professional interior design experience, ideally within a design-focused architecture or interior design firm.
• Experience with multifamily, hospitality, or other large-scale commercial interiors; multifamily experience is particularly valuable.
• A strong conceptual design sensibility and the ability to develop original, cohesive design directions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects from initial concept through documentation and completion.
• Proficiency in Revit or AutoCAD.
• Strong understanding of interior materials, finishes, furnishings, lighting, and detailing.
• Experience coordinating with clients, architects, consultants, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize work, manage deadlines, and follow through on commitments.
• Clear communication skills and the confidence to present and explain design decisions.
• A professional, responsible, and collaborative approach to work.
• NCIDQ certification is not required.

Work Environment

• Project Types: Primarily multifamily, including ground-up developments and renovations, with opportunities to contribute to hospitality projects.
• Project Locations: Work spans markets across the country. Office is based in Bethesda, MD
• Team: Join a small, close-knit studio
• Schedule: Hybrid, with approximately 2–3 days per week in the office. Attendance is also expected for client meetings, team gatherings, and relevant site visits or project events.
• Growth: Opportunity to take on increasing design responsibility and potentially advance into a Design Director role.

Salary and Benefits

• Hourly Rate for 3-month contract: $35-55/hour, transitioning to an Annual Salary: $85,000–$110,000, depending on experience.
• Bonuses: Discretionary bonus opportunities.
• Retirement: 401(k) with a 3% employer match.
• Paid Time Off: Five weeks of paid vacation and sick time.
• Healthcare: 50% employer-paid healthcare coverage, with a strong benefits plan.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for successfully completed professional exams.