Design Director

Design Director

Location: Seattle, WA

At IA Interior Architects, the Design Director sets a clear vision for design excellence and leads the studio in delivering innovative, high-performing environments. This role partners closely with clients, project teams, and firm leadership to translate business and human needs into design solutions that are strategic, aspirational, and executable.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients by understanding their business objectives, culture, performance goals, budgets, and schedules, and translating those insights into clear design vision.
• Lead and elevate design quality across the studio, ensuring consistency, rigor, and innovation in all design outcomes.
• Direct and present design concepts for key projects and accounts, articulating ideas through clear storytelling, data-informed narratives, and compelling visual communication.
• Oversee the development of space plans, design concepts, documentation, and furniture packages for priority projects and pursuits.
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and technical leaders to ensure design intent, documentation, and furniture deliverables are fully coordinated and aligned with client goals.
• Mentor and develop designers at all levels through regular feedback, coaching, and leadership, fostering a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• In partnership with studio leadership, lead training initiatives, design reviews, and team-building efforts that support IA's design standards and best practices.
• Maintain strong industry and client relationships while identifying opportunities for business development, new pursuits, and thought leadership.
• Partner with design and marketing teams to guide project photography, storytelling, and award submissions that reflect IA's brand and design excellence.
• Foster collaboration across studios and disciplines to ensure alignment with IA's firmwide standards, processes, and strategic objectives.

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION:

• Champion the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies, including AI-enabled design and visualization tools, to enhance creativity, efficiency, and design insight.
• Guide teams in using AI to support research, precedent analysis, test fits, visualization, and iterative design exploration while maintaining design integrity and authorship.
• Collaborate with firm leadership to evaluate, test, and implement digital tools and workflows that improve design quality, coordination, and client experience.
• Encourage a culture of learning and adaptability around new technologies, automation, and data-driven design practices.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Degree from an accredited architecture or interior design program.
• Licensed Architect and/or Interior Designer preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in workplace design, including leadership of complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Exceptional storytelling, presentation, and client engagement skills.
• Advanced expertise in concept development, space planning, and 3D visualization.
• Deep understanding of all phases of design, from concept through contract administration.
• Extensive knowledge of building systems, architectural detailing, local and state codes, and ADA requirements.
• Strong command of contract furnishings, finishes, and equipment (FF&E).
• Advanced proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of AI-assisted design, visualization, and productivity tools, with the ability to guide teams in their effective and responsible use.

Interior Architects, Inc. (IA) provides equal opportunity in all aspects of recruitment and employment to all persons without regard to their race, color, creed, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital status, nationality, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, uniformed service member and to promote the full realization of equal employment opportunities.