What are the responsibilities and job description for the Interior Lead Designer position at Elmington?
Elmington Affordable is one of the top affordable housing developers in the U.S. As the owner and builder, we envision and create homes that offer a great quality of life. Residents and stakeholders put their trust in us, and we carry out our promise of building housing that enhances the fabric of the community.
Position Summary
The Interior Lead Designer will play a critical role in shaping the interior design vision across a growing national portfolio. This role offers high ownership and autonomy, with responsibility spanning from initial concept through final installation. The Interior Lead Designer will be both a creative leader and a strong operator—capable of independently leading design efforts while managing the logistical and executional details required for successful project delivery.
Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and self-directed Interior Lead Interior Designer to lead interior design projects across multifamily, hospitality, and model unit environments. This role blends design leadership with hands-on project management and procurement oversight. The Interior Lead Designer will influence internal design standards, contribute to procurement strategies, and partner closely with internal teams, vendors, and installation partners to deliver high-quality, on-time, and on-budget interiors.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Execution
We’re creating a different kind of company at Elmington. We promise we will never be ordinary—which we hope you can see reflected in this role. You will be challenged to think creatively, take ownership, and execute at a high level. There will be days that stretch you, and expectations will be high. That said, Elmington is not for everyone. But if you believe in yourself, enjoy meaningful challenges, and appreciate working with exceptional people, Elmington could be the last company you ever work for.
Elmington is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. Hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
Position Summary
The Interior Lead Designer will play a critical role in shaping the interior design vision across a growing national portfolio. This role offers high ownership and autonomy, with responsibility spanning from initial concept through final installation. The Interior Lead Designer will be both a creative leader and a strong operator—capable of independently leading design efforts while managing the logistical and executional details required for successful project delivery.
Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and self-directed Interior Lead Interior Designer to lead interior design projects across multifamily, hospitality, and model unit environments. This role blends design leadership with hands-on project management and procurement oversight. The Interior Lead Designer will influence internal design standards, contribute to procurement strategies, and partner closely with internal teams, vendors, and installation partners to deliver high-quality, on-time, and on-budget interiors.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Execution
- Lead the interior design vision for projects from concept development through final installation
- Fully model interior spaces and present design concepts using SketchUp, Revit, and other design software
- Develop polished presentation materials that clearly communicate the design intent to internal teams and stakeholders
- Select, specify, and source furniture, finishes, fixtures, and accessories aligned with project goals
- Balance design vision with durability, functionality, and budget constraints
- Apply a strong understanding of multifamily, hospitality, and model unit design best practices
- Source and specify commercial-grade furnishings and finishes suitable for high-use environments
- Help develop, influence, and maintain internal design standards and specifications
- Own projects from design approval through installation, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met
- Manage procurement schedules, budgets, and vendor coordination
- Coordinate logistics including shipping, receiving, warehousing, and delivery schedules
- Manage communication and coordination with contractors, vendors, and installation partners
- Oversee white-glove deliveries, warehouse receiving, and installation teams
- Lead and oversee on-site installation activities to ensure successful execution of the approved design
- High proficiency in design and modeling software, including SketchUp and Revit
- Strong ability to communicate design concepts through presentations and visual materials
- Deep experience with furniture selection, specification, and procurement
- Proven ability to independently lead and execute design projects from concept through installation
- Experience in multifamily, hospitality, or model unit design strongly preferred
- Strong project management experience, including budgeting, scheduling, and logistics coordination
- Experience sourcing and specifying commercial-grade furnishings and finishes
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Frequently sit, stand, and walk
- Regularly required to talk or hear
- Frequently required to use hands or fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls
- Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
- Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus
- Noise level is typically moderate
- Temperature in the workplace is typically moderate, though the ability to withstand seasonal climate variations may be required during site visits
- Travel up to 20% of the time, including site visits, installations, and vendor coordination.
We’re creating a different kind of company at Elmington. We promise we will never be ordinary—which we hope you can see reflected in this role. You will be challenged to think creatively, take ownership, and execute at a high level. There will be days that stretch you, and expectations will be high. That said, Elmington is not for everyone. But if you believe in yourself, enjoy meaningful challenges, and appreciate working with exceptional people, Elmington could be the last company you ever work for.
Elmington is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. Hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.