Director of Interior Design - Houston/Austin
A national design organization is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Director of Interior Design to guide its interior design practice across multiple regions. This leader will champion design excellence in environments that support wellness, education, research, and innovation. Working in close partnership with interdisciplinary teams-including architecture, engineering, and planning-you will help shape a cohesive vision for human‑centered, high‑impact spaces.
In this executive role, you'll define strategic priorities for the interior design discipline, cultivate top-tier talent, and advance the firm's design influence across markets and project types.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and support interior design managers, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing studio culture.
- Oversee discipline-wide operations, including staffing strategies, project delivery standards, and professional development initiatives.
- Mentor and coach staff, promoting career growth, skill-building, and leadership readiness.
Project & Operational Oversight
- Ensure projects meet expectations for design quality, client satisfaction, profitability, and consistent delivery processes.
- Monitor discipline capacity and financial performance, including utilization, revenue, and project forecasts.
- Partner with internal teams to establish project fees, contracts, and resource plans.
- Identify staffing gaps and contribute to hiring strategies for high‑impact roles.
Culture, Representation & Thought Leadership
- Encourage a sense of ownership among team members in project delivery, staffing decisions, and client engagement.
- Represent the interior design discipline in professional forums, client development activities, and industry events.
- Champion the firm's design identity through mentorship, collaboration, and the advancement of innovative ideas and practices.
Qualifications
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interior Design or a related field.
- Professional registration, licensure, or certification required.
Experience & Skills
- 15+ years of experience in the design industry, ideally with expertise in healthcare, higher education, or science/technology environments.
- Proven leadership history overseeing a design discipline or large interior design teams.
- Strong strategic mindset paired with financial, operational, and analytical experience.
- Exceptional communication and relationship‑building abilities.
- Expertise with design and graphic software tools (e.g., Revit, CAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite); familiarity with project management systems is a plus.
- Demonstrated ownership mindset and collaborative leadership style.
Work Environment & Benefits
The organization offers a supportive and inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to make meaningful contributions to the firm's success. Benefits typically include:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible time-off policies
- Parental leave
- Hybrid work options
- Opportunities for volunteer involvement
- Retirement plan with employer contributions
- Modern and collaborative studio spaces
Organizational Values
The firm emphasizes:
- Collaboration: Collective success and teamwork.
- Purpose-driven work: Delivering thoughtful, solution-oriented design.
- Continuous learning: A culture that prioritizes growth and knowledge-sharing.
- Ownership mentality: Empowering individuals to think strategically and act proactively.
- Well-rounded team members: Valuing humility, motivation, and strong interpersonal skills.
FAQs
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