Interior Design Manager

Chapman University; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Chapman University is seeking an Interior Design Manager to lead interior design for campus projects, coordinating with CPD and external teams. The role requires managing space planning, FF&E planning, and design standards across renovation and new construction initiatives.

You will provide in-house design services, develop test fits, and collaborate with project managers to ensure timely, on-budget delivery while upholding university standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from an accredited program.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible interior design experience.
• Knowledge of interior design principles, space planning, furniture systems, FF&E procurement, and construction documentation.
• Experience supporting projects through planning, design, procurement, and implementation.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Interior Design Consultation, Services and Project Support: provide in-house design services for planning and renovations.
• Furniture selection and FF&E management: budget, present, and implement FF&E for projects.
• Space planning and interior standards stewardship: layouts, finish palettes, and presentation materials.
• Project coordination and communication: liaise with users, PMs, consultants, vendors, and contractors.
• Support CPD project managers and external teams throughout project phases.

Skills

Interior design

Space planning

FF&E procurement

Construction documentation

Revit

SketchUp

AutoCAD

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design

NCIDQ certification

Licensed Interior Designer credential

Tools

Revit

SketchUp

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Title:

Interior Design Manager

Position Type:

Regular

Job Number:

SA90724

Full or Part Time:

full-time 40 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification:

Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range:

$95,000-$115,000

Pay Range Information:

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Job Description Summary:

The Interior Design Manager provides interior design expertise, project management experience, consultation services, and space planning support for university planning, design, renovation, and construction projects. Working collaboratively with the internal Campus Planning and Design (CPD) capital project management and campus planning teams, consultants, contractors, and university clients, this position supports the successful delivery of projects through interior design management, furniture planning, and development and stewardship of university interior design standards.
The position provides in-house interior design services for smaller projects and renovations and supports CPD Project Managers and external project teams on larger capital projects. Responsibilities include interior design consultation; space planning and test fits; furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) planning, packages, and implementation; interiors project budgeting and scheduling; consultant coordination and communication; and user engagement throughout planning, design, specifications, procurement, construction, and occupancy phases.

Responsibilities:

Interior Design Consultation, Services and Project Support

• Provide interior design consultation and in-house design services for university planning, renovation, tenant improvement, and space renewal and enhancement projects.
• Support project managers with the interior design and furniture related [FF&E] aspects of, and procurement for, larger capital projects.
• Develop functional, aesthetically appropriate, and user-centered design solutions that support university clients’ goals and operational needs.
• Review project documents, drawings, specifications, and finish selections for consistency with university standards and project requirements.

Furniture Selection/ FF&E Management

• Plan, specify, budget, present, and implement FF&E packages, including furnishings and interior design elements, for assigned university projects.
• Support capital project managers and procurement staff with FF&E budgets, drawings, schedules, purchasing requirements, and installation coordination.
• Monitor FF&E implementation to support project schedules, budgets, and quality objectives.

Space Planning and Interior Standards Stewardship

• Provide space planning services, utilization studies, and conceptual test fits to evaluate program requirements and support campus planning initiatives.
• Prepare layouts, furniture plans, finish palettes, and presentation materials for internal and user review and decision making.
• Recommend interior environments that support design and quality standards, functionality, durability, accessibility, maintainability, sustainability, and long-term campus objectives.
• Develop, implement, maintain, and steward university interior design and furniture standards to ensure consistency in finishes, materials, furnishings, and user experience across campus projects.

Project Coordination and Communication

• Assist in the selection and management of external consultants providing interior design and planning services for capital projects.
• Support the development of project budgets, schedules, scopes, and implementation plans as they pertain to interiors and FF&E.
• Serve as liaison among project participants (users, PMs, consultants, vendors, manufacturers, contractors) and maintain project communications, coordination activities, and documentation throughout furniture procurement and installation activities.
• Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and project planning efforts to ensure alignment with project goals and user needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from an accredited Interior Design program and/or NCIDQ certification and/or licensed Interior Designer credential.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible interior design experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of interior design principles, space planning, furniture systems, FF&E procurement, and construction documentation.
• Experience supporting projects through planning, design, procurement, and implementation.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with project teams, clients, consultants, and contractors.
• Proficiency in Revit and SketchUp.
• Experience with AutoCAD, preparation of presentation materials, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to prepare test fits, space plans, furniture plans, finish boards, and presentation graphics.
• Familiarity with furniture specification tools, product research, and FF&E documentation.

Desired Qualifications:

• ASID or IIDA membership.
• Experience within a higher education or institutional environment.
• Experience developing furniture standards, finish standards, and workplace or educational space solutions.
• Knowledge of accessibility, sustainability, and best practices for learning, administrative, and student-focused environments.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition or military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Minimum Number of References:

2

Maximum Number of References:

3