DESIGN TEAM LEADER

Kali Buchanan Interior Design; Prairie Village (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

KBID is seeking a Project Design Lead to mentor a team of designers and drive projects from concept to completion in a fast-paced firm setting.

The role emphasizes leadership, client-facing presentation, and coordinating with consultants to deliver cohesive, well-documented design solutions.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of interior design experience, with mentoring or leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and guide team members, fostering growth, accountability, and strong design instincts.
• Lead with a hands-on approach, reviewing work and providing constructive feedback.
• Present design direction and intent to clients, consultants, and internal teams.
• Manage multiple projects from concept through construction, keeping timelines and budgets on track.
• Coordinate with consultants and design partners for cohesive documentation.
• Source and specify finishes, furniture, and materials that elevate design intent.
• Serve as primary client contact, building trust through clear communication.

Skills

Mentoring

Leadership

Client presentation

Team collaboration

Time management

Design critique

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design

NCIDQ or Registered Architect (KS/MO)

Tools

Revit

Enscape

InDesign

Bluebeam

Photoshop

Microsoft Excel

Word

Job description

As a Project Design Lead at KBID, you will manage and mentor a team of designers while driving projects from concept through completion. Our small firm setting allows you to work across a variety of project types, from high end single family homes to commercial spaces. This role is ideal for someone who is deeply design driven, thrives under deadlines, and genuinely enjoys the people side of the work, whether that means mentoring a junior designer, presenting to a client, or coordinating with a consultant team.

Responsibilities:

Mentor and guide team members, fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and strong design instincts.

Lead with a hands on approach, reviewing work and providing clear, constructive feedback that elevates the whole team.

Confidently present design direction and creative intent to clients, consultants, and internal teams.

Project Management & Execution

Manage multiple projects simultaneously, keeping timelines, budgets, and KBID’s process on track from concept through construction.

Coordinate closely with consultants and design partners to ensure cohesive, well executed design and documentation.

Source and specify finishes, furniture, and materials that elevate the design intent of each project.

Client & Team Experience

Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, building trust through clear communication and responsiveness.

Foster strong working relationships across the office, consultants, and trade partners.

Bring energy and organization to team meetings and project check ins, keeping everyone aligned and on schedule.

Qualifications:

NCIDQ or Registered Architect (KS &/or MO) required.

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or related field from an accredited university.

7+ years of interior design experience, with experience managing or mentoring team members.

Strong presentation and communication skills, comfortable leading conversations with clients, consultants, and internal teams.

Proven ability to keep projects and people on deadline without sacrificing design quality.

High proficiency in Revit, Enscape, InDesign, Bluebeam, Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, and Word.

Strong graphics and visualization skills to effectively communicate design ideas.

Excellent organizational, time management, and written and verbal communication skills.

Self starting, detail focused, and driven to grow within a collaborative team environment.