Design Director

Rhythm Careers; New York (NY); On-site; USD 155,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhythm Careers is partnering with a nationally recognised interior design and architecture studio in Manhattan, seeking a Design Director to own the studio's creative vision and lead a talented design team through luxury residential projects.

You will oversee design direction from concept to installation, manage client presentations, select finishes and FF&E, and collaborate with project management and operations to ensure quality, budgets and timelines.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in high-end residential interior design or interior architecture.
• 5+ years leading and developing a design team.
• Strong creative identity and ability to lead design direction.
• Extensive knowledge of luxury residential interiors, millwork, lighting, finishes and FF&E.
• Strong technical understanding from concept through construction documentation and installation.
• Advanced AutoCAD skills with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Excellent client-facing, presentation and leadership skills.
• Commercial awareness including budgets, resource planning and profitability.
• Knowledge of New York design resources, showrooms and artisans.
• SketchUp, Revit; NCIDQ certification advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the studio's creative vision across all projects.
• Oversee design concepts, material palettes, finishes and FF&E selections.
• Lead client presentations and build relationships with private clients.
• Mentor and develop a multidisciplinary design team.
• Review design presentations, construction documents, specs and shop drawings.
• Oversee multiple projects ensuring design quality, budgets and timelines.
• Coordinate procurement and project delivery with PM, Purchasing and Operations.
• Contribute to studio strategy, recruitment, training and growth.
• Represent the studio at industry events, press and awards submissions.

Skills

Design leadership

Client presentations

Team mentorship

Budget awareness

Education

NCIDQ certification

Tools

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

SketchUp

Revit

Job description

Design Director | Luxury Residential Interiors Rhythm Careers is partnering with a nationally recognised interior design and architecture studio in Manhattan, specialising in bespoke luxury residential interiors, high-end apartments and large-scale development projects.This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an experienced Design Director to take ownership of the studio's creative vision, lead a talented design team and play an influential role in the continued growth of the practice.Working directly alongside the Founder, you will oversee design direction across the portfolio, maintain exceptional creative standards and guide projects from concept through to installation.

The Role

• Establish and lead the studio's creative vision across all projects.
• Oversee design concepts, material palettes, finishes and FF&E selections.
• Lead client presentations and build strong relationships with private clients.
• Mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team of Senior, Intermediate and Junior Designers, Interior Architects and Drafters.
• Review design presentations, construction documents, specifications and shop drawings.
• Oversee multiple projects, ensuring design quality, budgets and timelines remain aligned.
• Work closely with Project Management, Purchasing and Operations to coordinate procurement and project delivery.
• Contribute to studio strategy, recruitment, training and business growth.
• Represent the studio through industry events, press and awards submissions.

About You

• 12+ years' experience in high-end residential interior design or interior architecture.
• 5+ years' experience leading and developing a design team.
• A strong creative identity and proven ability to lead design direction.
• Extensive knowledge of luxury residential interiors, custom millwork, lighting, finishes and FF&E.
• Strong technical understanding of projects from concept through construction documentation and installation.
• Advanced AutoCAD skills, alongside Adobe Creative Suite.
• Excellent client-facing, presentation and leadership skills.
• Commercial awareness, including project budgets, resource planning and profitability.
• Knowledge of New York's design resources, showrooms and specialist artisans.
• SketchUp, Revit, NCIDQ certification and an established network within the luxury residential market would be advantageous.

The Opportunity

• $155,000–$190,000 base salary, depending on experience.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, with 75% company-paid.
• 401(k) plan.
• Paid holidays and PTO.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Summer Fridays, finishing at 4pm.
• Professional development support and team events.

Working arrangements

Full-time, in-person position based in Manhattan.Monday to Thursday: 9am–6pmFriday: 9am–4pm