Interior Designer 1

Job Title: Interior Designer I

Job Type: Full time, exempt

Salary: $90,000-$105,000 annually

Studio VARA is seeking a talented and motivated Interior Designer I to join our growing interiors team. This role is ideal for a design-minded professional with at least three (3) years of experience who is eager to contribute across all phases of the design process while continuing to develop technical, project management, and leadership skills.

The Interior Designer I will work closely with project leads and Principals to support project delivery, design development, documentation, client presentations, and project coordination. We are looking for someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, collaborative, and passionate about creating integrated environments that elevate the experience of living.

What You’ll Do:

● All-Phase Project Support: Partner with Design Leads and Principals across all project phases—from Concept, Schematic Design, and Design Development through to Procurement Documentation and Procurement Administration.

● Design Visualization: Create compelling, visually appealing presentations, mood boards, graphics, and renderings to communicate design concepts effectively for client reviews and internal design critiques.

● Technical Drawing Production: Produce and coordinate accurate construction documents, detailing, and technical drawings in accordance with office CAD/BIM standards (including plans, interior elevations, reflected ceiling plans, lighting plans, and furniture layouts). Efficiently incorporate redline markups.

● FF&E Sourcing & Specification: Research, source, and specify sustainable and high-end furnishings, lighting, finishes, materials, millwork, window coverings and rugs.

● Procurement & Financial Administration: Create and manage proposals, purchase orders, and invoices within Studio Designer. Create and track project budgets and schedules utilizing Excel and Google Sheets.

● Vendor & Order Coordination: Interface directly with vendors, fabricators, showrooms, and consultants to coordinate pricing quotes and lead times. Process, expedite, and track furniture orders for multiple projects simultaneously.

● Delivery & Installation Logistics: Proactively anticipate project needs to set up, coordinate, and oversee on-site client deliveries and final furniture installations.

● Studio & Team Contribution: Actively participate in office culture, assist with the organization and management of the materials library, and support or mentor junior team members as opportunities arise.

What You’ll Need:

● Degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture with 2-3 years of professional firm experience, preferably within custom residential and commercial design.

● Working knowledge of Studio Designer, AutoCAD or Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and Excel/Google Sheets.

● Strong design, rendering, and presentation skills; proven experience sourcing and specifying high-end furnishings, lighting, finishes, and custom millwork.

● Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, handle rigid timelines, troubleshoot problems independently, and take full ownership of project tasks.

● Superior written and verbal English communication skills with a highly collaborative, "can-do" attitude—bringing resourcefulness, a keen eye for detail, and a commitment to quality to the team.

● A valid California Driver’s License and the physical ability to lift up to 10 lbs, work at a computer for 8 hours a day, and occasionally work last-minute overtime to meet deadlines.

● Preferred: Deep knowledge of San Francisco-based design vendors, showrooms, and fabricators.

About Us:

Studio VARA is a dynamic, creative, collaborative, award-winning design studio encompassing Architecture, Urban, and Interior Design. We have the feel of a start-up, and the depth of experience and professionalism of a larger office with plenty of room for growth.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome diversity in the workplace. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.