Associate Principal, Interiors

HDR; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking an Associate Principal, Interiors to lead design efforts across all project phases, from programming through construction administration. You will guide the interior design team, manage client relationships, and ensure collaboration with project stakeholders.

Strong presentation skills and a mastery of Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp/Rhino, and the Adobe Creative Suite are required. Ideal candidates have 10+ years in design, NCIDQ certification, and a state interior design license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture is required.
• NCIDQ certificate holder is preferred.
• ID license in state where applicable is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead design across all project phases from programming through construction administration.
• Direct and mentor interior design team and coordinate with stakeholders and clients.
• Present design concepts using Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp/Rhino and the Adobe Creative Suite.

Skills

Project leadership

Client communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture

NCIDQ certificate

ID license in state where applicable

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

SketchUp/Rhino

Adobe Creative Suite

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

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 the 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.

Job Title

Associate Principal, Interiors

Responsibilities

Be responsible for design in all phases of a project, and demonstrate a master level knowledge of the interior design process from programming through construction administration. S/he also leads the interior design team on projects of any size or complexity, in addition to delegating to and supervising the work of others. Must have professional communication, presentation, and client management skills, along with the ability to clearly document and present design concepts to all project stakeholders and industry peers. This individual must be a team player focused on collaboration with the ability to maintain a consistently positive attitude despite challenging circumstances.

It is critical that the Associate Principal, Interiors be able to leverage technology to present and document their ideas. This individual will not always have direct design support, especially if located in one of HDR's smaller offices. So the ability to produce presentation materials and associated documentation is an important component of this position. Therefore, a strong working knowledge of Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp/ Rhino (or similar), the Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• LEED AP
• WELL AP

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in relevant design firm environment
• NCIDQ certificate holder
• ID license in state where applicable

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

Other Locations

Industry

Interiors

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Interiors

Job Posting

Aug 8, 2026

Employment Equity

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

We are an affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

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