Director of Design

RiseMe; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Formcraft seeks a Director of Design to shape the vision and creative direction of the design studio. This leader collaborates with the Design Principal to set high standards, foster exploration, mentor designers, and engage executive teams to articulate a workplace vision aligned with culture and business goals.

The role is active across select large, complex projects, guiding teams from concept through construction while safeguarding design integrity and driving strategic client conversations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related discipline.
• 10–15+ years of related professional experience with demonstrated leadership in commercial interior design.
• Proven ability to provide design leadership on large and complex projects and lead multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong design expertise with demonstrated ability to provide design direction, critique, and mentorship to design teams.
• Strong client relationship, presentation, and communication skills, with experience leading client-facing design discussions and presentations.
• Experience with QA/QC and oversight of design deliverables through all phases of a project.
• Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam Revu, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• NCIDQ Certification or architectural licensure preferred.
• LEED Accreditation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Shape the creative direction of the Design Studio, championing a culture of design exploration, collaboration, and constructive critique.
• Lead design reviews at key project milestones, providing clear direction and quality oversight of concepts, presentations, documentation, and the built work.
• Serve as the design lead on select large and complex projects, establishing the design vision with clients, guiding teams from concept through construction, and protecting the strength of the design.
• Build strong client relationships, lead design conversations at all levels, including executive leadership teams, and translate client goals and feedback into compelling design solutions.
• Support Business Development in pursuit strategy, prospective client meetings, interviews, and presentations, clearly communicating Formcraft’s design approach, thinking, and value.
• Partner with the Design Principal to advance the studio’s design direction, mentor designers and emerging leaders, and strengthen design skills across the team.
• Represent Formcraft’s design practice through industry events, professional relationships, and other opportunities to build visibility for the studio.
• Collaborate with internal and external marketing partners on project photography, portfolio content, awards, and other initiatives that communicate the studio’s work.
• Collaborate with Principals and leaders across design, preconstruction, and construction to align design ambition with project goals, budget, schedule, and delivery.
• Represent the firm in a professional manner consistent with firm values and culture.

Skills

Design leadership

Mentorship

Client relations

Presentations

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related discipline

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Bluebeam Revu

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

The Director of Design shapes the vision and creative direction of Formcraft’s design studio. Working closely with the Design Principal, this leader sets a high standard for design, advances a studio culture of exploration and thoughtful critique, and mentors designers across the firm. They engage clients at a strategic level, helping them articulate a workplace vision that connects to their culture, business objectives, and ways of working.

This is an active design leadership role across select large and complex projects. The Director may serve as the design lead, guiding teams from early concept through construction, establishing a project vision with clients, and directing key design decisions throughout the process. They encourage teams to explore new approaches, materials, technologies, and workplace ideas while working closely with preconstruction and construction partners to carry the design intent through delivery.

The ideal candidate brings a strong design point of view, a forward-thinking approach to workplace design, and the ability to develop innovative ideas that elevate the work. They are a confident and compelling storyteller, comfortable engaging executive leadership teams and able to clearly communicate the thinking and value behind a design. They bring a strong presence to the room, provide thoughtful critique, and develop the creative strengths of others.

Responsibilities

• Shape the creative direction of the Design Studio, championing a culture of design exploration, collaboration, and constructive critique.
• Lead design reviews at key project milestones, providing clear direction and quality oversight of concepts, presentations, documentation, and the built work.
• Serve as the design lead on select large and complex projects, establishing the design vision with clients, guiding teams from concept through construction and protecting the strength of the design through each phase.
• Build strong client relationships, lead design conversations at all levels, including executive leadership teams, and translate client goals and feedback into compelling design solutions.
• Support Business Development in pursuit strategy, prospective client meetings, interviews, and presentations, clearly communicating Formcraft’s design approach, thinking, and the value it brings to clients.
• Partner with the Design Principal to advance the studio’s design direction, mentor designers and emerging leaders, and strengthen design skills across the team.
• Represent Formcraft’s design practice through industry events, professional relationships, and other opportunities to build visibility for the studio.
• Collaborate with internal and external marketing partners on project photography, portfolio content, awards, and other initiatives that communicate the studio’s work.
• Collaborate with Principals and leaders across design, preconstruction, and construction to align design ambition with project goals, budget, schedule, and delivery.
• Represent the firm in a professional manner consistent with firm values and culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related discipline.
• 10–15+ years of related professional experience, with demonstrated leadership in commercial interior design.
• Proven ability to provide design leadership on large and complex projects and lead multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong design expertise with demonstrated ability to provide design direction, critique, and mentorship to design teams.
• Strong client relationship, presentation, and communication skills, with experience leading client-facing design discussions and presentations.
• Experience with QA/QC and oversight of design deliverables through all phases of a project.
• Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam Revu, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated analytical thinking, creative problem solving, and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• NCIDQ Certification or architectural licensure preferred.
• LEED Accreditation preferred.