Design Director

Business of Home; New York (NY); On-site; USD 155,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, and vision coverage (

401(k) and commuter benefits

Job summary

Ovadia IDA in New York City is seeking a Design Director to own the creative vision and lead the studio's design team in Manhattan. You will set the aesthetic point of view, approve concepts and materials, and mentor designers from senior to junior levels.

The role involves overseeing multiple concurrent projects, ensuring design intent aligns with budgets and schedules, and representing the studio in client presentations and industry awards. Regular NYC travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Design vision and leadership: set the design point of view for projects.
• Lead design reviews, approve concepts, finish palettes, and FF&E.
• Lead client presentations with clarity and confidence.
• Mentor Senior, Intermediate, and Junior Designers and interior team.
• Oversee design across multiple projects, ensuring budgets and schedules.

Job description

We are looking for a Design Director to own the creative vision of the firm and lead the people who bring it to life. This is the senior design seat at Ovadia IDA, reporting to our founder. You will set the aesthetic point of view for every project that leaves this studio, give final approval on design concepts and materials, and mentor a talented team toward work they are proud of. The role calls for a strong aesthetic voice, the confidence to stand behind it, and the generosity to develop that same voice in others.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

• Design vision and creative leadership: Set and protect the design point of view, guiding concept development so every project tells a cohesive, considered story
• Lead design charrettes and reviews, and give final approval on concepts, finish palettes, and FF&E selections
• Lead client presentations with clarity and confidence

Team leadership and mentorship:

• Uplift, teach, and inspire the design staff. This is the heart of the role
• Mentor Senior, Intermediate, and Junior Designers along with our interior architects and drafters
• Set goals, milestones, and KPIs, and participate in hiring

Project delivery and quality control:

• Oversee design across a portfolio of concurrent projects, keeping work aligned with budgets, contracts, and schedules
• Review construction documents for constructability and quality
• Partner with Purchasing and PM so the design intent survives the build

Standards and company leadership:

• Refine CAD, drawing, and specification standards, and teach them to the team
• Contribute at leadership meetings and represent the studio in press and awards

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU:

• Base salary of $155,000 to $190,000, commensurate with experience
• PTO, paid holidays, and Summer Fridays
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (75% company-paid)
• 401(k), pre-tax commuter benefits, and professional development support

In-person role in our Manhattan studio, with regular NYC, Deal, Long Island Travel