Interior Designer

Populous; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 103,422 - 119,277; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development programs

Paid architect licensure exams

Market-leading wellness benefits

Job summary

Populous is looking for an Interior Designer in San Francisco, CA, with over 7 years of experience to lead complex design projects. The ideal candidate will exhibit strong leadership skills and an ability to engage clients effectively, while managing multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities include overseeing design quality, leading collaborative efforts across teams, and maintaining timelines and budgets. The role offers a hybrid schedule and a competitive salary between $103,422 and $119,277 annually.

Qualifications

• 7-14 years of professional interior design experience.
• NCIDQ certification required.
• Proven ability to lead complex interior design projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of complete interior design concepts.
• Oversee design continuity, technical quality, and project documentation.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and budgets.

Skills

Leadership skills

Spatial planning

Advanced proficiency in Revit

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in interior design or architecture

Tools

Revit

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Who We Are

Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments. We’ve designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground‑breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.

Location: San Francisco, CA

What We Offer

• Professional & Personal Development Programs
• Summer Hours
• Hybrid Schedule
• Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams
• Wedding Pay
• Charitable Match Program
• Market‑Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits

We’re Seeking an Interior Designer

We’re looking for an Interior Designer with 7+ years of professional experience to lead complex design projects from concept through completion, integrating strategic thinking, client engagement and design leadership.

The ideal candidate has proven success leading interior design projects within a diverse range of public assembly building types, including sports venues, convention centers, and transportation facilities.

What Your Day Could Consist Of

• Leading the development and execution of complete interior design concepts, space planning strategies, and material selections across multiple project types.
• Directing the production of detailed drawings, diagrams, and presentation materials.
• Overseeing and ensuring design continuity, technical quality, and project documentation through all project phases.
• Guiding collaboration across internal teams and coordinating with consultants to realize and elevate design intent.
• Leading design reviews, client presentations, and team charrettes.
• Managing project timelines, deliverables, and budgets to ensure operational excellence.
• Providing leadership, mentorship and support for junior and mid‑level designers and fostering an innovative design culture.

Requirements For Success

• Proven ability to lead complex interior design projects independently from concept through completion within a dynamic, creative studio environment.
• Strategic design thinker with mastery of spatial planning, brand integration, storytelling, and environmental design across diverse project typologies.
• Demonstrated leadership in conceptual development, project organization, technical delivery, and team oversight.
• Experience managing multiple large‑scale projects simultaneously while ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and design excellence.
• Adept at leading high‑level client engagements, presenting design vision persuasively, and facilitating strategic design discussions.
• Skilled at fostering trust with clients and stakeholders while directing large interdisciplinary consultant teams.
• Strong mentor and team leader committed to professional development and design culture.
• Expert in freehand and digital sketching to rapidly communicate design intent and drive decision‑making.
• Exceptional communication skills to articulate complex ideas clearly and inspire internal and external audiences.
• Detail‑oriented and highly accountable, consistently delivering quality in demanding and fast‑paced project environments.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and both hand‑drawn and digital rendering techniques.
• Deeply committed to design excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership.

Essential Qualifications

• An accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree (or equivalent) in interior design or interior architecture.
• 7‑14 years of professional interior design experience.
• NCIDQ certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven success leading interior design projects within a diverse range of public assembly building types including sports venues, convention centers, community buildings and transportation facilities.
• LEED, WELL, or other relevant credentials.

Additional Details

• Travel may be required.

Compensation

• The projected salary range for this opportunity is $103,422 – $119,277 annually, and may be more or less depending on skills, experience and education.

Populous offers a competitive salary and bonus packages. We strive to offer our staff the best benefits package in the industry, at the lowest cost to employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), FSA/HSA, paid time off and continuing education benefits.

Populous is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.