Interior Designer – Junior to Mid-Level

Kgdarchitecture; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

KGD Architecture in Washington, DC is seeking an Interior Designer with 3–7 years of experience for our DC studio. The role involves developing interior plans for a range of building types, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and delivering high-quality documentation.

Responsibilities include producing drawings, coordinating with consultants, and managing FF&E, while applying building codes and accessibility requirements. A strong design sensibility and client-facing skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in interior design or architecture.
• 3-10 years of professional experience, including Revit-based construction document production.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, MS Office, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• NCIDQ or equivalent licensure preferred or in active pursuit; LEED accreditation a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop interior plans and designs for residential, commercial, or industrial buildings based on client needs.
• Creates functional and aesthetic environments that enhance productivity and living spaces.
• Plans spatial layouts, ceiling forms, lighting strategies, and decorative elements including materials, colors, equipment, and fixtures.
• Applies knowledge of building codes to perform code analysis and ensure compliance with life safety, egress, and accessibility requirements.
• Produces drawings and presentation materials for client and stakeholder communication.
• Coordinates with consultants, cost estimators, and contractors throughout the design and implementation process.
• Develops FF&E specifications, issues RFPs, and manages purchasing and procurement activities.
• Reports to a supervisor or manager and delegates work to other project members.
• Develops project work plans to manage production milestones and client expectations.

Skills

Client communication

Team coordination

Detail orientation

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Interior Design or Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

KGD Architecture is an award‑winning full‑service design firm headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional offices in Arlington, Virginia; Boston, Massachusetts; and Bangkok, Thailand. Our work spans architecture, urban planning, and interior design, with a diverse portfolio that includes affordable housing, multifamily residential, institutional, corporate/commercial, and mixed‑use clients.

We are a firm built on the belief that design should reflect the values and culture of the communities it serves. To that end, KGD Architecture has joined Aeterna Group, a new national firm comprised of five architecture and engineering firms united by a shared belief that great design enriches the communities it serves.

KGD Architecture continues to operate under its own name, with the same leadership, same team, and same deep commitment to our clients within the Mid‑Atlantic Region and across the United States that have defined our firm since its founding 30 years ago. By joining this national collective, KGD Architecture has access to shared resources, broader expertise, and a national network of like‑minded firms working toward the same goal.

We are seeking an Interior Designer with 3‑7 years of experience to join our Washington, DC studio. This is a key role for candidates eager to contribute to impactful, design‑driven work within a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary environment.

Success at KGD Means

• You are agile, detail‑oriented, and committed to design and technical excellence. You take initiative, enjoy leading project documentation, and bring experience coordinating complex teams and consultants. You’re excited by the opportunity to work on a diverse range of building types—from multifamily housing and commercial office to mission‑driven public architecture.
• Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.
• Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.
• Ethos: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, of everything we create.
• Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.
• Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.
• Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.
• Develops interior plans and designs for residential, commercial, or industrial buildings based on client needs.
• Creates functional and aesthetic environments that enhance productivity, attract customers, and improve living spaces.
• Plans spatial layouts, ceiling forms, lighting strategies, and decorative elements including materials, colors, equipment, and fixtures.
• Applies knowledge of building codes to perform code analysis and ensure compliance with life safety, egress, and accessibility requirements.
• Produces drawings and presentation materials for client and stakeholder communication.
• Coordinates with consultants, cost estimators, and contractors throughout the design and implementation process.
• Develops FF&E specifications, issues RFPs, and manages purchasing and procurement activities.
• Reports to a supervisor or manager, occasionally directed in several aspects of the work, and delegates work to other project members.
• Strives for exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function and develops project work plans to manage production, milestones, and client expectations.

Qualifications

• Holds a bachelor's or master's degree in interior design or architecture.
• Has 3‑10 years of professional experience, including Revit‑based construction document production.
• Displays the desire to advance skills, contribute positively to projects, and take ownership of tasks and assignments.
• Displays an ability to articulate well in both verbal and written communication; comfortable presenting information to clients and other parties; is able to lead in client and team meetings.
• Technology: Must be familiar with AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).
• NCIDQ or equivalent licensure preferred or in active pursuit, LEED accreditation a plus.