Design Director (Commercial Interiors)

Pembrooke & Ives; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 174,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Paid public holidays

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Pembrooke & Ives in New York City seeks a Design Director to lead the design quality, project economics, team performance, and client experience on high-profile commercial engagements. This senior role blends creative direction with operational oversight and mentoring of the design staff.

You will oversee schematic design through construction documents, drive partnerships with developers and brokers, and help shape the firm’s presence via pitches, editorial placements, and awards.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in commercial interior design or interior architecture.
• 4+ years in a senior leadership or studio director role.
• Demonstrated portfolio across multiple commercial projects.
• Deep proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite; comfort with 3D visualization tools.
• Strong command of commercial building codes and accessibility requirements.
• Proven ability to manage projects from concept and programming through construction administration with external consultants.
• Experience managing project economics: fee negotiation, budget tracking, and margin accountability.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills; polished client-facing presence.
• New York City or related market experience and existing client relationships preferred.

Responsibilities

• Follows the creative direction and design standards for all commercial projects from concept through construction administration.
• Leads schematic design, design development, and construction documents on complex engagements.
• Integrates interior architecture with decorating and FF&E across project phases.
• Serves as the primary client relationship owner for commercial accounts.
• Represents Pembrooke & Ives in pitches, presentations, and industry forums; grows the commercial pipeline.
• Identifies and cultivates strategic partnerships with developers, brokers, corporate real estate clients, and hospitality operators.
• Leads, mentors, and develops the commercial design team across all levels.
• Manages project scheduling and utilization planning; ensures margin-conscious delivery.
• Establishes SOPs, drawing standards, and quality control; collaborates with Design and Decorating/FF&E teams.
• Participates in firm-wide leadership discussions and contributes to market visibility through editorial placements and awards.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Communication

Presentation skills

Budgeting / project economics

Strategic partnerships

Education

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

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

3D visualization

Job description

The Design Director is a senior creative and operational authority on all commercial engagements, accountable for design quality, project economics, team performance, and client experience. This is a full-time position based in New York City, with some flexibility to work from home.

Role Description

• Follows the creative direction and design standards for all commercial projects, from concept through construction administration, ensuring every project reflects Company values: Elegance, Curation, and Integrity.
• Leads schematic design, design development, and construction documents on complex, high-profile commercial engagements.
• Integrates interior architecture seamlessly with decorating and FF&E across project phases.

Client and Business Development:

• Serves as the primary client relationship owner for commercial accounts, from first meeting through project closeout.
• Represents Pembrooke & Ives in pitches, presentations, and industry forums; helps grow the commercial pipeline.
• Identifies and cultivates strategic partnerships with developers, brokers, corporate real estate clients, and hospitality operators.

Team Development and Operations:

• Leads, mentors, and develops the commercial design team across all levels (Senior through Junior).
• Manages project scheduling and utilization planning.
• Drives adherence to disciplined phasing, proactive client communication, and margin-conscious delivery.
• Establishes and refines commercial-specific SOPs, drawing standards, and quality control protocols.
• Collaborates across Design and Decorating/FF&E teams to share knowledge and resource talent where appropriate.
• Participates in firm-wide leadership discussions, including strategic planning, culture, and professional development.
• Contributes to the firm’s visibility in the commercial market through editorial placements, speaking engagements, and award submissions.
• Provides mentorship and growth pathways for rising talent in the firm.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in commercial interior design or interior architecture, with 4+ years in a senior leadership or studio director role.
• Demonstrated portfolio across multiple commercial projects and typologies.
• Deep proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite; comfort with 3D visualization tools.
• Strong command of commercial building codes and accessibility requirements.
• Proven ability to manage projects from concept and programming through construction administration in conjunction with external consultants.
• Experience managing project economics: fee negotiation, budget tracking, and margin accountability.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills; polished client-facing presence with all parties of commercial projects.
• Experience with large scale presentations to membership groups through multiple phases of projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or other relevant degrees.
• Experience working in or with boutique luxury or high-end design firms where craft and client service are primary differentiators preferred.
• New York City or other targeted geographic market experience and existing client relationships preferred.

Salary Range

$190,000.00 - $220,000.00 (depending on experience) + Performance-Based Bonus

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave Plans
• Paid Public Holidays
• Hybrid Work Schedule (Office Based in Midtown, Manhattan)