Lead Design Associate

IDO Incorporated; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

IDO Incorporated in Indianapolis, IN, seeks a Lead Design Associate to manage interior design projects from concept through construction, including space planning, finish selection, and client presentations, while coordinating with vendors and consultants.

You will lead design meetings, supervise project schedules and deliverables, review drawings, mentor junior designers, and ensure every solution reflects IDO's philosophy of human-centered environments.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in Interior Design or related field; CIDA accreditation preferred.
• Six+ years of interior design or project management experience desired.
• NCIDQ certification preferred.
• LEED and/or WELL certifications desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead AutoCAD and Revit design development and Construction Documents.
• Develop master specifications and project budgets.
• Manage project schedules and client communications.
• Mentor less experienced teammates and coordinate with vendors and consultants.

Skills

AutoCAD

Revit

Space planning

Project management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor degree in Interior Design or related (CIDA accredited preferred)

Six+ years experience in interior design/project management

NCIDQ Certification preferred

LEED/WELL Certification desirable

Tools

CET

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company Description

IDO Incorporated is an interior design firm that transforms interiors through creative and innovative design solutions. The team is guided by the belief in the “Power” of interior environments, emphasizing how well-designed spaces can support healing, innovation, education, discovery, and sustainability. This philosophy shapes every project, focusing on spaces that positively impact the people who use them. Applicants joining IDO will be part of a collaborative design culture that values thoughtful, human-centered environments. The firm offers opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects across a range of interior settings.

Role Description

The Lead Design Associate is a full-time, on-site role based in Indianapolis, IN. This role oversees interior design projects from concept through completion, including space planning, material and finish selection, and preparation of design presentations. The Lead Design Associate coordinates graphic and visual design elements to support interior concepts, collaborates with project teams and clients, and ensures design solutions align with IDO’s core philosophy. Daily responsibilities include leading design meetings, managing project schedules and deliverables, reviewing drawings and specifications, and providing guidance to junior team members. The role also involves close communication with vendors, consultants, and other stakeholders to maintain design quality and project consistency.

Primary Functions:

An IDO Incorporated Lead Design Associate is a highly capable and experienced associate who focuses on customer service and project service delivery; on a wide variety of project types, including traditional design projects, specialized move management and small facility/furniture coordination projects across multiple client sites. A Lead Design Associate is responsible for supporting and executing their responsibilities associated with the company strategy to boost efficiency and productivity. This role will also require mentorship to less experienced teammates to be able to better control workflows amongst the team as a whole.

Qualifications:

• A four (4) year Bachelor College Degree is required (CIDA accredited preferred), preferably in Interior Design, Facility Management, Project Management, or a related discipline.


• Experience: Six plus years in the field is preferred; Previous project management experience is desirable


• NCIDQ Certification preferred


• LEED and/or WELL Certification is desirable but not required

General Responsibilities:

In the area of client service delivery, a Lead Design Associate is responsible for all assigned project activity. Other general responsibilities specific to the role include:

• Supporting the Mission, Vision and Goals of the Firm


• Supporting the efforts, maintenance and promotion of IDO Incorporated’s professionally managed organization.


• Actively and meaningfully promotes and defends a culture that reflects the organization’s values and beliefs.


• This role requires a regular frequency of making necessary site visits with clients; which includes a high volume of walking and mobility

Key Responsibilities:

• AutoCAD, Revit, CET, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office and other software support. Proficiency with both AutoCAD and Revit is imperative.


• Must be able to develop detailed Schematic Design, Design Development and Construction Documents using AutoCAD and/or Revit independently


• Excellent knowledge of space planning, specifying furniture and facility finish selections, along with a knowledge base of local material resources


• Must be able to conduct a full equipment and/or furniture inventory effectively and independently


• Excellent knowledge of ergonomic standards, ADA and building codes


• Attend vendor meetings as needed to grow in knowledge and relationships; Assist in seeing application for projects both now and in the future


• Facilities Management and Move Coordination including focus on: preparation of client driven reports, execution of more complex furniture requests, reconfigurations, coordinate larger moves, renovations and laboratory equipment moves


• Development of master specifications


• Development of project budgets and schedules


• Assist in development of proposals


• Full implementation of Project Management process on all projects


• Understanding of strategic plan/mission/vision/purpose/core values


• Strong understanding of Financial Literacy / Business Acumen


• Assist in training less seasoned teammates on design, move and facilities tasks


• Collect and vet changes/updates to our ongoing team training binder

Desired Attributes:

• Punctual and timely


• Effective and efficient communication skill set required, both verbal and written


• Ability to coordinate with various technical teams


• Detail oriented


• Accountable


• Ability to organize, prioritize and thrive in a deadline driven environment


• Ability to identify and solve complex problems and issues


• Resourceful


• Continuous learner and knowledge sharer


• Overall team management and alignment


• Motivated self-starter


• Culture Builder


• IDO is an equal opportunity employer Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran. Applicants must include a resume and cover letter to be considered.