Design Director

About This Role

Directing the design department and overseeing client work across four design teams is the core of this senior leadership role. It suits an accomplished and highly organized Design Director who can maintain exceptional design standards, navigate complex client relationships, and drive projects forward.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Design Department
• Protect Design Quality
• Own the Client Experience
• Drive Revenue & Profitability
• Manage Projects & Accountability
• Collaborate Across the Company
• Oversee all design projects, clients, deadlines, and deliverables across four design teams
• Manage workloads, priorities, schedules, and accountability to keep projects moving forward
• Review and approve design concepts, space plans, selections, specifications, and presentations before they reach clients
• Mentor designers in design, organization, presentation, selling, time management, and client communication
• Maintain visibility across all projects and proactively identify issues before they become problems
• Build strong client relationships and step in confidently when senior-level attention or problem resolution is needed
• Lead important client presentations, design reviews, and product selection meetings
• Drive revenue and profitability by identifying opportunities to expand project scope, increase furnishings and product sales, and introduce additional services
• Monitor project budgets and financial performance while maintaining exceptional design and service
• Provide hands-on design, sourcing, space planning, and AutoCAD support when needed
• Collaborate closely with purchasing, operations, project management, installation, and business development
• Implement systems that improve organization, communication, efficiency, and accountability

Requirements

• Significant experience in high-end residential interior design
• Proven success managing designers and multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Exceptional design judgment and a sophisticated understanding of luxury residential interiors
• Strong knowledge of space planning, furnishings, finishes, specifications, construction documentation, and project execution
• Strong AutoCAD capabilities and proficiency in relevant design and presentation software
• Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable creating structure and accountability
• A confident, decisive leader who follows through and solves problems
• Excellent client-facing, presentation, negotiation, and communication skills
• Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to manage different personalities and challenging situations