Design Director

IA Interior Architects; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

IA Interior Architects seeks a Design Director to set a clear vision for design excellence and lead the studio in delivering innovative, high-performing environments in Seattle.

You will partner with clients, project teams, and leadership to translate business and human needs into strategic, aspirational, and executable design solutions. Expect leadership of multidisciplinary teams and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited architecture or interior design program.
• Licensed Architect and/or Interior Designer preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in workplace design, including leadership of complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with clients, translating objectives into design vision.
• Elevate design quality across the studio with rigor and innovation.
• Direct and present design concepts for key projects and accounts.
• Oversee space plans, concepts, documentation, and furniture packages.
• Coordinate with PMs and technical leads for aligned deliverables.
• Mentor designers through feedback, coaching, and leadership.
• Lead training, design reviews, and team-building aligned with IA standards.
• Develop industry relationships and pursue new business opportunities.
• Guide project photography, storytelling, and award submissions reflecting IA brand.
• Foster collaboration across studios to meet firm-wide standards.

Skills

Storytelling

Client engagement

Presentation

Concept development

Space planning

3D visualization

Building systems knowledge

FF&E knowledge

Leadership

AI guides teams

Education

Architecture or interior design degree

Licensed Architect/Interior Designer preferred

15+ years workplace design leadership

Tools

Revit

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

At IA Interior Architects, the Design Director sets a clear vision for design excellence and leads the studio in delivering innovative, high-performing environments. This role partners closely with clients, project teams, and firm leadership to translate business and human needs into design solutions that are strategic, aspirational, and executable.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients by understanding their business objectives, culture, performance goals, budgets, and schedules, and translating those insights into clear design vision.
• Lead and elevate design quality across the studio, ensuring consistency, rigor, and innovation in all design outcomes.
• Direct and present design concepts for key projects and accounts, articulating ideas through clear storytelling, data-informed narratives, and compelling visual communication.
• Oversee the development of space plans, design concepts, documentation, and furniture packages for priority projects and pursuits.
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and technical leaders to ensure design intent, documentation, and furniture deliverables are fully coordinated and aligned with client goals.
• Mentor and develop designers at all levels through regular feedback, coaching, and leadership, fostering a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• In partnership with studio leadership, lead training initiatives, design reviews, and team-building efforts that support IA’s design standards and best practices.
• Maintain strong industry and client relationships while identifying opportunities for business development, new pursuits, and thought leadership.
• Partner with design and marketing teams to guide project photography, storytelling, and award submissions that reflect IA’s brand and design excellence.
• Foster collaboration across studios and disciplines to ensure alignment with IA’s firmwide standards, processes, and strategic objectives.

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

• Champion the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies, including AI-enabled design and visualization tools, to enhance creativity, efficiency, and design insight.
• Guide teams in using AI to support research, precedent analysis, test fits, visualization, and iterative design exploration while maintaining design integrity and authorship.
• Collaborate with firm leadership to evaluate, test, and implement digital tools and workflows that improve design quality, coordination, and client experience.
• Encourage a culture of learning and adaptability around new technologies, automation, and data-driven design practices.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Degree from an accredited architecture or interior design program.
• Licensed Architect and/or Interior Designer preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in workplace design, including leadership of complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Exceptional storytelling, presentation, and client engagement skills.
• Advanced expertise in concept development, space planning, and 3D visualization.
• Deep understanding of all phases of design, from concept through contract administration.
• Extensive knowledge of building systems, architectural detailing, local and state codes, and ADA requirements.
• Strong command of contract furnishings, finishes, and equipment (FF&E).
• Advanced proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of AI-assisted design, visualization, and productivity tools, with the ability to guide teams in their effective and responsible use.