Design Director

At IA Interior Architects, the Design Director sets a clear vision for design excellence and leads the studio in delivering innovative, high-performing environments. This role partners closely with clients, project teams, and firm leadership to translate business and human needs into design solutions that are strategic, aspirational, and executable.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients by understanding their business objectives, culture, performance goals, budgets, and schedules, and translating those insights into clear design vision.
• Lead and elevate design quality across the studio, ensuring consistency, rigor, and innovation in all design outcomes.
• Direct and present design concepts for key projects and accounts, articulating ideas through clear storytelling, data-informed narratives, and compelling visual communication.
• Oversee the development of space plans, design concepts, documentation, and furniture packages for priority projects and pursuits.
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and technical leaders to ensure design intent, documentation, and furniture deliverables are fully coordinated and aligned with client goals.
• Mentor and develop designers at all levels through regular feedback, coaching, and leadership, fostering a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• In partnership with studio leadership, lead training initiatives, design reviews, and team-building efforts that support IA’s design standards and best practices.
• Maintain strong industry and client relationships while identifying opportunities for business development, new pursuits, and thought leadership.
• Partner with design and marketing teams to guide project photography, storytelling, and award submissions that reflect IA’s brand and design excellence.
• Foster collaboration across studios and disciplines to ensure alignment with IA’s firmwide standards, processes, and strategic objectives.

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION:

• Champion the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies, including AI-enabled design and visualization tools, to enhance creativity, efficiency, and design insight.
• Guide teams in using AI to support research, precedent analysis, test fits, visualization, and iterative design exploration while maintaining design integrity and authorship.
• Collaborate with firm leadership to evaluate, test, and implement digital tools and workflows that improve design quality, coordination, and client experience.
• Encourage a culture of learning and adaptability around new technologies, automation, and data-driven design practices.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Degree from an accredited architecture or interior design program.
• Licensed Architect and/or Interior Designer preferred.
• 15 years of progressive experience in workplace design, including leadership of complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Exceptional storytelling, presentation, and client engagement skills.
• Advanced expertise in concept development, space planning, and 3D visualization.
• Deep understanding of all phases of design, from concept through contract administration.
• Extensive knowledge of building systems, architectural detailing, local and state codes, and ADA requirements.
• Strong command of contract furnishings, finishes, and equipment (FF&E).
• Advanced proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of AI-assisted design, visualization, and productivity tools, with the ability to guide teams in their effective and responsible use.