Director of Design

DMC Recruitment Group; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work

Phone allowance

Medical and dental

Life & LTD insurance

Employee assistance program

Professional development allowance

Team building activities

Job summary

DMC Recruitment Group partners with a Vancouver-based design firm seeking a Director of Design to lead complex commercial interiors. The role blends creative direction with project leadership, mentoring the design team and engaging clients to shape an integrated interior strategy.

You will steer pitches, maintain industry relationships, and ensure quality standards across a diverse portfolio while embracing a hybrid work model in Vancouver, BC.

Qualifications

• Exceptional verbal presentation skills to convey creative ideas to clients.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative, professional work ethic.
• Growth oriented and curious with a willingness to embrace learning opportunities.
• Creative not only in terms of design but also in their approach to problem solving and pitching.
• Technical proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Suite, Scheduling software and Microsoft Office.
• Thorough knowledge of BC Building Codes and Building Bylaws.
• Expertise in space planning, design, functional programming and workplace standards development.
• Knowledge of various materials relating to finishes, furnishings and construction.
• Strong competency in interior design specifications, calculations, and industry standards.
• Demonstrated success in delivering workplace projects.
• Strong mentorship and leadership skills with a high level of emotional intelligence.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to shift priorities in order to meet key deadlines.
• Solid knowledge of the project management concepts of budget, scope and schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead major design pitches and strategically important projects.
• Stay informed on latest trends and innovations in workplace strategy and design.
• Establish creative direction, design standards and expectations for quality.
• Determine project delivery method (internal, external or hybrid) with Client Relations.
• Collaborate with sales and participate in business development activities.
• Mentor the design team and advocate for resources and development.
• Represent design within the leadership team and maintain client relationships.
• Create and present inspirational concept and design development materials.
• Guide project direction and provide design leadership for the team.
• Coordinate external design resources and partners as needed.
• Maintain an active database of external design partners.
• Mentor and develop design staff to strengthen capabilities.
• Ensure department performance and health; assist with other duties as required.

Skills

Verbal presentation

Communication skills

Growth mindset

Creative problem solving

Interior design expertise

BC Building Codes

Space planning

Workplace standards

Mentorship

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design

Diploma in Interior Design

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Adobe Suite

Scheduling software

Microsoft Office

Job description

• 10+ Years Tenant Improvement, Workplace, and Institutional Experience

• Vancouver, BC
• 10+ Years Tenant Improvement, Workplace, and Institutional Experience
• Salary: $120-140K+

DIRECTOR OF DESIGN

Location: Vancouver, BC

Type: Full-time Permanent, hybrid

Compensation: $120,000 - $140,000+

About Our Client

We are proud to partner with a confidential Client, an established firm in the design industry specializing in commercial interior environments, to seek a Director of Design to join their team in Vancouver. Our Client brings together multifaceted services to provide clients with an integrated approach to creating functional, thoughtfully designed spaces. With a collaborative and people-focused approach, their team works closely with their clients to understand their evolving needs and deliver tailored environments that support productivity, collaboration, and growth. Our Client values creativity, quality, strong client relationships, and a collaborative team culture.

About The Role

The Director of Design provides creative leadership and design direction across a diverse portfolio of commercial interior design projects, integrating research, strategy, and client needs into cohesive design solutions. The role serves as a mentor to the design team, supporting the development of creative and professional capabilities while contributing to business development through networking, relationship building, and engagement within the broader design community. Acting as a key client contact throughout the design phase, the Director brings strong interior design expertise, project management capabilities, and a clear creative vision. Success in this role requires the ability to communicate design concepts with confidence and influence through compelling presentations, storytelling, and client engagement, helping prospective and existing clients understand the value of the team's approach and ultimately supporting successful project opportunities.

• Design Leadership: Leads major design pitches and strategically important projects
• Industry Knowledge: Stays informed on latest trends and innovations in workplace strategy and design
• Creative Direction: Establishes creative direction, design standards and expectations for quality
• Resource Strategy: Determines in partnership with Client Relations whether projects should be delivered internally, externally or through a hybrid model
• Business Development: Collaborates with the sales team and participates in business development activities
• Team Advocacy: Advocates for the needs, resources and development of the Design team
• Leadership: Represents design within the leadership team;
• Client Relationships: Works closely with valued clients to build positive and professional relationships
• Design Presentations: Creates inspirational concept and design development presentations and presents clearly and concisely to clients in collaboration with the project team
• Project Leadership: Guides project direction and provides design leadership for the project team
• External Resources: Coordinates and manages external design resources for the successful completion of design deliverables as required
• External Partnerships: Maintains an active database of external design partners
• Project Support: Supports the project team toward successful project completion
• Mentorship & Development: Mentors and influences the design team to strengthen creativity and professional capability
• Department Performance: Maintains accountability for the overall performance and health of the Design department
• General Responsibilities: Assists with undertaking other duties and responsibilities as required

WHAT YOU BRING

• Exceptional verbal presentation skills with the ability to convey creative ideas and concepts successfully to clients
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a focus on customer service and a collaborative, professional work ethic
• Growth oriented and curious with a willingness to embrace learning opportunities
• Creative not only in terms of design but also in their approach to problem solving and pitching
• Technical proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Suite, Scheduling software and Microsoft office
• Thorough knowledge of BC Building Codes and Building Bylaws
• Expertise in space planning, design, functional programming and workplace standards development
• Knowledge of various materials relating to finishes, furnishings and construction
• Strong competency in interior design specifications, calculations, and industry standards
• Demonstrated success in delivering workplace projects
• Strong mentorship and leadership skills with a high level of emotional intelligence
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to shift priorities in order to meet key deadlines
• Solid knowledge of the project management concepts of budget, scope and schedule

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• 10+ years of experience in interior design (commercial and/or institutional project experience preferred)
• Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Interior Design
• Outstanding Commercial Interior Design portfolio including award winning designs
• Established base of industry contacts
• RID designation or actively working towards designation

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU

• Compensation: $120,000 - $140,000+
• Extended Medical and Dental, Life & LTD insurance, Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Allowance
• Phone Allowance
• Flexible and hybrid work environment
• Office closure between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Team building activities
• And more!

If you're looking for a role where you can lead the creative direction of meaningful projects, mentor designers, and continue building an impressive portfolio of commercial interiors, we'd love to hear from you!