Senior Interior Designer

Synectics Inc.; Oakville; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Synectics Inc. is seeking a Senior Interior Designer in Oakville, Ontario. The role leads commercial interior design projects through construction, coordinating with consultants, contractors, and clients.

The ideal candidate guides design concepts, mentors junior staff, and maintains high design quality. This in-person position requires a strong leadership mindset and collaborative skills. The firm specializes in commercial interiors, hospitality, restaurants, and retail, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Interior Design, Architecture, or related discipline.
• NCIDQ certification is an asset.
• BCIN qualification is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead interior design projects from client brief through construction.
• Develop design concepts and project direction.
• Present to clients and coordinate with consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Mentor junior and intermediate designers and maintain design standards.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Client presentations

Project coordination

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or Architecture

NCIDQ certification asset

BCIN qualification asset

Tools

Enscape

Lumion

Microsoft Office / Google Workspace

Job description

SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER

Location: Oakville, Ontario

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: 10+ years in commercial interior design

Work Location: In Person

About The Role

A growing multidisciplinary design studio specializing in commercial interiors, hospitality, restaurants, retail, and experiential spaces is seeking an experienced Senior Interior Designer to join its team. The studio works across the full project lifecycle, from concept development and branding through detailed design, permitting, procurement, and construction coordination.

THE ROLE

The Senior Interior Designer will lead commercial interior design projects from the initial client brief through construction and project completion.

This is a hands-on leadership position suited to an experienced designer who is comfortable developing creative concepts, reviewing technical drawings, presenting to clients, coordinating consultants, attending construction sites, and mentoring junior and intermediate designers.

The ideal candidate is a design thinker, technical problem-solver, project leader, and team mentor who can work independently while collaborating closely with principals, designers, consultants, contractors, and clients.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership

• Lead interior design projects from initial client brief through construction.
• Develop overall design concepts and project direction.
• Create functional, compelling, and commercially viable design solutions.
• Develop space planning, material palettes, FF&E, lighting concepts, millwork, and interior details.
• Prepare and lead client presentations.
• Translate client requirements into clear design concepts and deliverables.
• Maintain design consistency and quality throughout all project phases.
• Balance creativity with budget, schedule, functionality, and constructability.

Project Leadership

• Take ownership of assigned projects and manage design deliverables from concept through completion.
• Establish project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Coordinate with principals, project designers, consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Identify potential project issues and proactively develop solutions.
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule and to established quality standards.
• Maintain organized project documentation and communication.

Technical Design & Documentation

• Lead and oversee detailed construction drawing packages.

Review And Coordinate

• Floor plans
• Reflected ceiling plans
• Interior elevations
• Millwork drawings
• Finish plans
• Finish schedules
• Interior details
• Furniture layouts
• Lighting coordination
• Signage coordination
• Review drawings for accuracy, completeness, coordination, and constructability.
• Coordinate architectural, structural, MEP, kitchen, lighting, signage, and other consultants.
• Review shop drawings and material submissions.
• Provide technical direction to junior and intermediate designers.
• Ensure design intent is maintained throughout documentation and construction.

Client Management

• Lead client meetings and design presentations.
• Develop strong and professional client relationships.
• Understand client goals, expectations, budgets, and timelines.
• Communicate design decisions and project requirements clearly.
• Manage design feedback and incorporate revisions effectively.
• Represent the studio professionally throughout the project lifecycle.
• Help identify opportunities for repeat business and long-term client relationships.

Consultant & Contractor Coordination

• Coordinate with consultants and external project stakeholders.
• Participate in consultant coordination meetings.
• Review consultant drawings and identify potential design conflicts.
• Coordinate with contractors during construction.
• Respond to design-related RFIs and clarification requests.
• Participate in site meetings and site visits.
• Review site conditions and assist in resolving design and construction issues.
• Conduct design reviews to ensure projects are executed according to approved design intent.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead and mentor junior and intermediate designers.
• Delegate project tasks based on project requirements and team capabilities.
• Review drawings, presentations, concepts, and technical deliverables.
• Provide constructive feedback and technical guidance.
• Support the professional development of team members.
• Help establish and maintain design standards and workflows.
• Contribute to internal training, Lunch & Learns, Revit training, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Materials & Procurement

• Research and specify materials, finishes, furniture, fixtures, lighting, and architectural products.
• Maintain strong knowledge of current commercial materials and suppliers.
• Review product specifications and samples.
• Coordinate with procurement teams.
• Review vendor information and quotations where required.
• Ensure selected products meet design, budget, performance, and project requirements.

Construction & Project Close-Out

• Participate in site visits throughout construction.
• Review construction progress from a design perspective.
• Provide design clarification to contractors and trades.
• Identify discrepancies between drawings and site conditions.
• Assist with deficiency reviews.
• Support project close-out and ensure design-related issues are resolved.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of professional experience in commercial interior design, architecture, or a related field.
• Degree or diploma in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience with commercial interior projects.
• Experience in hospitality, restaurants, retail, mixed-use, and other commercial environments is highly valued.
• Proven ability to independently lead projects from concept through construction completion.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction and interior detailing.
• Strong knowledge of materials, finishes, millwork, lighting, furniture, and architectural products.
• Strong understanding of the Ontario Building Code and accessibility requirements.
• Experience coordinating with consultants, contractors, vendors, and project stakeholders.
• Experience leading and mentoring design teams.
• Excellent client presentation and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• NCIDQ certification is an asset.
• BCIN qualification is an asset.

Candidates without NCIDQ or BCIN may still be considered based on their experience, technical knowledge, design ability, and project leadership capabilities.

Software Skills

Strong proficiency in:

• Revit
• AutoCAD
• Adobe Creative Suite
• SketchUp
• Enscape, Lumion, or similar visualization software
• Microsoft Office / Google Workspace

Experience with AI tools, visualization technology, VR, and emerging design technologies is considered an asset.

What We Are Looking For

DESIGNER

You have a strong design eye and understand how to create spaces that are functional, memorable, and commercially successful.

LEADER

You can take ownership of projects, guide a team, delegate effectively, and make confident design decisions.

TECHNICAL THINKER

You understand how design concepts translate into drawings, details, materials, construction, and ultimately a built space.

CLIENT-FACING

You are confident presenting ideas, communicating with clients, managing feedback, and building long-term relationships.

PROBLEM SOLVER

You identify potential issues early and take ownership of developing practical solutions.

COLLABORATOR

You enjoy working with architects, engineers, contractors, vendors, designers, and clients to bring projects together.

MENTOR

You enjoy sharing knowledge and helping junior and intermediate designers develop their skills.

INNOVATOR

You are curious about new materials, technologies, AI, visualization tools, and improved ways of delivering design projects.

What Success Looks Like

Within your first year, you will be expected to:

• Independently lead assigned commercial projects.
• Manage client design meetings and presentations.
• Lead and mentor junior and intermediate designers.
• Review and maintain the quality of design and technical documentation.
• Coordinate effectively with consultants and contractors.
• Resolve design and construction issues proactively.
• Maintain project schedules and deliverables.
• Contribute to design standards and internal systems.
• Help elevate the overall design and technical capabilities of the team.

WHY JOIN?

This is an opportunity to do more than produce drawings. You will have the opportunity to lead projects, shape experiences, work directly with clients, mentor a growing team, explore new technologies, and contribute to the growth of a dynamic design studio.

The team works across exciting commercial and hospitality projects and values:

• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Learning
• Technology
• Ownership
• Growth