Interior Design Director | Hospitality | Naples, FL

We’re seeking a Design Director with a strong creative vision and a background in high-end commercial interiors to lead projects from initial concept through final installation. This role brings together interior architecture, curated furnishings, refined materials, and thoughtful detailing to create distinctive spaces and memorable client experiences.

The ideal candidate combines exceptional design sensibility with strong client leadership, technical knowledge, and the ability to guide a project team. From developing concepts and delivering polished presentations to managing project budgets and overseeing installation, you’ll play a central role in shaping the design process and ensuring every project meets the highest standards of quality and service.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of significant projects, mentor designers, build trusted client relationships, and contribute to the continued growth of a collaborative design practice.

Role and Responsibilities

Lead Design and Project Delivery: Direct projects from initial programming and concept development through space planning, interior architecture, furniture layouts, documentation, specifications, and final installation.

Develop Creative Vision: Translate client goals into distinctive design concepts, cohesive material palettes, curated furnishings, and thoughtfully detailed interiors.

Lead Client Relationships: Build trust through polished presentations, clear communication, and confident design leadership. Anticipate client needs and guide decisions around design, budgets, and project priorities.

Manage Project Scope and Budgets: Develop scopes of services, fee proposals, and project estimates, balancing design ambition with project requirements, schedules, and budgets.

Oversee Materials and Specifications: Research, evaluate, and specify materials, finishes, furnishings, and products that support the design vision while meeting requirements for cost, durability, execution, and code compliance.

Guide and Mentor the Team: Provide creative direction, technical guidance, and day-to-day leadership to Job Captains, CAD Designers, and other design team members.

Coordinate with Project Partners: Collaborate with architects, engineers, specialty consultants, vendors, and contractors to maintain design quality and ensure coordinated project delivery.

Oversee Procurement and Installation: Review merchandise orders, coordinate with vendors and project teams, and direct installations to ensure the completed space reflects the approved design vision.

Manage Project Quality and Communication: Maintain organized project documentation and keep firm leadership informed of progress, key decisions, emerging risks, and priorities.

Support Business Development: Participate in new-business meetings, present the firm’s design perspective, identify prospective projects, and recognize opportunities to expand relationships with existing clients.

Continue Design Development: Stay current with design trends, materials, products, and industry developments through research, professional events, and continuing education.

Experience and Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from an accredited four-year college or university.

Minimum of 8 years of full-time professional interior design experience.

A compelling portfolio demonstrating leadership in high-end commercial interiors, interior architecture, custom or curated furniture packages, refined material selections, and sophisticated client presentations.

Strong design sensibility and the ability to develop distinctive, cohesive interiors that respond to client goals.

Experience leading projects from concept through documentation, procurement, and installation.

Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and coordinate a multidisciplinary project team.

Strong client relationship management skills, including the ability to lead presentations, communicate design decisions, and manage expectations.

Experience developing project scopes, fee proposals, estimates, and budgets.

Strong knowledge of building codes, life safety requirements, and sustainable design principles.

Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Microsoft 365, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Exceptional organizational, communication, presentation, and project management skills.

A collaborative, professional approach with a commitment to design quality and client service.

What You’ll Bring

Creative leadership: You have a distinct design point of view and the ability to translate ideas into sophisticated, cohesive interiors.

Client confidence: You communicate with polish and clarity, build lasting relationships, and guide clients through complex design decisions.

Project ownership: You can balance creative ambition with budgets, schedules, technical requirements, and execution.

Team leadership: You enjoy mentoring designers, providing constructive direction, and helping others deliver their best work.

Attention to detail: You understand how materials, furnishings, detailing, and installation come together to create a finished experience.

Business-minded thinking: You recognize opportunities to strengthen client relationships, develop new business, and contribute to the firm's continued growth.

Work Environment

Team: Join a collaborative, close-knit interior design firm of approximately 20 people.

Schedule: Full-time, in-office five days per week.

Project Exposure: Lead high-end commercial interior design projects for discerning clients, with an emphasis on sophisticated interiors, curated furnishings, and thoughtful detailing.

Culture: A professional, team-oriented environment that values design excellence, collaboration, and exceptional client service.

Leadership Opportunity: Guide project teams, mentor design professionals, and contribute to the creative direction and continued growth of the firm.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: $100,000 - 125,000 dependent on experience and qualifications.

Healthcare: Employer-sponsored health insurance.

Paid Time Off: 15 days of PTO.

Retirement: 401(k) with company match.

Bonus: Discretionary bonus opportunities.

Professional Development: Educational resources and opportunities for continuing education and professional growth.

Note: At this time we are not accepting remote applicants, nor are we able to provide sponsorship.