Associate Principal Designer, Interiors

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Dallas, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking an Associate Principal, Interiors to join its growing team in Dallas. The role anchors design excellence across interiors and architecture, leading project teams from programming through construction administration.

You will mentor talent, develop business opportunities, and collaborate with leadership to deliver sustainable, high-quality spaces for health, education, and civic projects. Strong communication and licensure experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• 12 years of experience in a relevant design firm environment.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and team collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to manage client presentations and cross-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead interior design projects from programming to construction administration.
• Collaborate across disciplines and offices to deliver innovative interiors.
• Present design concepts to stakeholders and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture

Interior Design Certificate holder or Registered Architect

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Rhino

Enscape

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.

HDR is seeking an Associate Principal, Interiors, to join our growing team and continue the legacy of delivering creative design solutions that enhance the health and human condition for our clients and communities. HDR is home to world‑class expertise, and the Associate Principal will act as the key connection to these capabilities for our clients.

An Associate Principal upholds the highest standards of design excellence and innovation, with an entrepreneurial approach to Interiors and Architecture as an integrated component of the firm's overall design strategy. Responsibilities include collaborating across disciplines, market sectors, and regional offices to deliver groundbreaking projects. The role involves presenting and documenting design concepts to stakeholders, leading teams through the interior design process from programming to construction administration, developing professional networks, pursuing new business opportunities, honing your craft, mentoring talent, and providing leadership to project teams and individuals. As an Associate Principal, you will lead by example, inspire your team, and actively promote our collaborative culture.

Associate Principal, Interiors at HDR, with mentorship and guidance from Interiors Leadership, will participate in the following:

• Partner with Interiors and Office Leadership to support operational plans and processes that meet project excellence goals.
• Participate in strategic marketing pursuits, client interviews, and presentations to Win New Projects/Clients.
• Advocate for the improvement and maintenance of project excellence.
• Serve as a Role Model and Mentor, positively motivating, challenging and inspiring others to pursue Design Excellence.
• Schedule and sponsor both Formal and Informal Design Reviews.
• Establish and support Office Environments and cultures that promote Design Excellence and HDR's brand.
• Promote HDR to potential candidates and assist with the interview process for new hires when appropriate.
• Co-Lead Design, Technical, and Management objectives with a commitment to the successful completion of multiple projects, in alignment with HDR's Design Philosophy.
• Demonstrate Technical Expertise in the creation and completion of documents and details across all phases of a project.
• Advocate for Sustainable approaches and practices that promote healthy environments and the well‑being of occupants.
• Collaborate and Co-createideas and concepts within a team, and across disciplines in the successful delivery of projects at all scales and complexity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Registration/Licensure at the local level
• Ability to lead teams, develop presentations and present to clients
• Emerging knowledge and experience within the local and regional market
• Active member in industry associations
• Sustainability Credentials/Accreditations/Certificates in the country you reside
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, Enscape
• Stronger consideration will be given to candidates with Health, Science, Higher Education and/or Civic experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture (from an accredited school) or closely related field
• Active Interior Design Certificate holder or Registered Architect in the country you reside
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in relevant design firm environment
• Experience with Microsoft Office programsSkilled in Revit and Bluebeam
• Demonstrate skills in team leadership, collaboration, mentoring, motivational/organizational and people skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

Industry

Interiors

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Health-ARC

Job Posting

Jul 7, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.