Interior Design Manager

Holly & Smith Architects; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Holly & Smith Architects in New Orleans seeks an Interior Design Manager to lead the Interiors Studio, blending design vision with production management and client service.

The role emphasizes conceptual design, project coordination across disciplines, staff mentorship, quality control, and ensuring schedules and documentation meet high standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design.
• 8+ years of experience in commercial interior design.
• Professional interior design licensure is preferred, but not required.
• Strong creative ability, thoughtful design insight, and sound technical judgement.
• Excellent organizational, graphic, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams, prioritize competing demands, and deliver multiple projects against tight deadlines.
• Ability to build productive working relationships with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, clients, and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Participate in conceptual design and provide leadership and support throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and firm leadership.
• Develop and represent the lead interiors technical viewpoint on projects, recommending appropriate technical solutions and product strategies.
• Develop and manage staff assignment plans for the Interiors Studio, balancing workloads, priorities, project needs, and deadlines.
• Serve as a liaison among principals, studio directors, project teams, and the Interiors Studio.
• Establish and maintain project schedules, monitor progress, and help teams manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Lead quality assurance and quality control for interiors projects, including regular over-the-shoulder reviews and continuous improvement of details, standards, and documentation.
• Coordinate the integration of drawings, specifications, and contract administration across the Interiors Studio and other firm studios.
• Support construction administration and help project teams resolve design and technical issues during construction.
• Mentor interior design staff and foster a collaborative, accountable, and design-focused studio culture.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Interior design

Communication

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design

Tools

Revit

Word

Excel

InDesign

Photoshop

Enscape

Job description

Help lead a collaborative interiors team where design vision, technical excellence, and exceptional client service come together.

About Holly & Smith Architects

Holly & Smith Architects is growing. For more than 46 years, our firm has cultivated a creative learning environment fueled by a passion for innovation and a strong culture of design. We deliver thoughtful solutions through unparalleled customer service and lasting relationships with many repeat clients. Our team members enjoy flexibility, stability in the profession, and meaningful opportunities for growth.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an enthusiastic, positive, and highly organized Interior Design Manager to guide the day-to-day work of our Interiors Studio. This senior, hands-on role combines commercial interior design leadership with production management. The successful candidate will contribute to conceptual design, support projects through every phase, coordinate people and resources, and uphold high standards for quality, documentation, and client service.

What You'll Do

• Participate in conceptual design and provide leadership and support throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and firm leadership.
• Develop and represent the lead interiors technical viewpoint on projects, recommending appropriate technical solutions and product strategies.
• Develop and manage staff assignment plans for the Interiors Studio, balancing workloads, priorities, project needs, and deadlines.
• Serve as a liaison among principals, studio directors, project teams, and the Interiors Studio.
• Establish and maintain project schedules, monitor progress, and help teams manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Lead quality assurance and quality control for interiors projects, including regular over-the-shoulder reviews and continuous improvement of details, standards, and documentation.
• Coordinate the integration of drawings, specifications, and contract administration across the Interiors Studio and other firm studios.
• Support construction administration and help project teams resolve design and technical issues during construction.
• Mentor interior design staff and foster a collaborative, accountable, and design-focused studio culture.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design
• Minimum 8 years of experience in commercial interior design
• Professional interior design licensure is preferred, but not required
• Strong creative ability, thoughtful design insight, and sound technical judgment
• Excellent organizational, graphic, written, and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to lead teams, prioritize competing demands, and deliver multiple projects against tight deadlines
• Ability to build productive working relationships with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, clients, and colleagues

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Revit is required
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, InDesign, and Photoshop is preferred
• 3D rendering capability, including Enscape, is a plus