What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Interior Designer position at NorthITE?
Job Title: Senior Interior Designer
Location: Mesa, AZ (Hybrid)
Duration: Fulltime
High-End Residential
The Role
We are hiring an experienced Senior Interior Designer to own projects from concept through install. This is a hands-on, full-lifecycle role for a designer who is equally confident drafting in CAD or Revit, reading a set of construction drawings on site, sourcing furnishings, and managing a full FFE schedule. You will be a senior point of contact internally and a calm, polished presence in front of clients and trades. Working under the creative direction of Founder & Principal Designer, you will manage multiple projects seamlessly while delivering an unparalleled client experience from concept through installation. We are looking for someone self-directed and detail-obsessed who leads with confidence and kindness, pairs exceptional creative instincts with strong technical expertise, is passionate about new builds, building materials, and the technical requirements behind them — and can hit the ground running.
What You’ll Own
- Lead the design and documentation of residential projects from concept through construction and install.
- Produce accurate, well-organized drawings — floor plans, elevations, millwork, lighting and electrical plans, and construction details.
- Collaborate with architects, builders, and trades; review shop drawings; conduct site visits; and resolve field conditions as they arise.
- Source and specify furniture, fixtures, lighting, textiles, and finishes that meet the design intent, budget, and lead-time requirements.
- Build and manage complete FFE schedules — specifications, procurement, purchase orders, tracking, and reconciliation.
- Develop concept boards, material palettes, and presentation packages that communicate the vision clearly to clients.
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships, keeping every stakeholder informed and cared for.
- Supervise load-in, lighting installation, and styling days to a flawless, photo-ready finish.
- Prepare samples, maintain the sample library, and support design presentation work as needed.
- Plan and estimate project budgets with a focus on accuracy; negotiate vendor pricing and estimates where applicable.
- Work with vendors on the selection and creation of custom pieces; coordinate and contract out services to other vendors in collaboration with the team.
- Coordinate schedules, sourcing, pick-ups, and measurement appointments in collaboration with the team.
- Maintain operations in our project management system, flag where updates or enhancements are needed, and keep the studio informed through regular project updates.
What You Bring
- 5 years of residential interior design experience, ideally in a high-end or custom studio.
- Expert-level proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, or SketchUp (a must) — you can produce a clean, dimensioned, build-ready set independently.
- Hands-on construction experience — you understand building methods, can read and redline drawings, and are comfortable on an active job site.
- Proven sourcing ability with a sharp eye and an established sense of vendors, trade resources, and quality.
- Full-cycle FFE experience — specification, procurement, and tracking through delivery and install.
- Excellent organization and follow-through; you manage details across many projects without dropping anything.
- Warm, professional communication — you make clients and collaborators feel prioritized while holding healthy project boundaries.
- Degree in interior design, architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience considered.
- Leadership presence — you can command the attention of a room and take control where needed between clients and vendors, with full accountability and ownership across every aspect of your projects.
- Refined client and project management skills and excellent time management — you multitask across projects, ask for support when needed, and lead project progress.
- Working knowledge of custom furniture processes, stock furniture and industry partners, and custom window treatments, specialty fabrics, and the workroom process.
- Deep knowledge of finishes, materials, color selections, and specifications across both building materials and furnishings/soft goods — including design requirements and build order for high-end luxury residential properties.
- Strong working knowledge of precise budget management and concepts.
- Range across many aesthetics and eras, grounded in a timeless palette.
- A collaborative spirit that takes redirection positively; a positive, glass-half-full attitude with a killer sense of humor; and a strong desire to put client needs above all else.
- Ability to travel where required.
Nice to Have
- Experience with 3D rendering or visualization tools (SketchUp, Revit, Enscape, or similar).
- Familiarity with design-management and procurement platforms (e.g., Programa, Notion).
- Knowledge of local AZ trades, codes, and permitting.