Lead Designer

Groh Playrooms; Washington, Baltimore (District of Columbia, MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO

401(k)

Job summary

Groh Playrooms in the DMV area is seeking a Lead Designer to own full-cycle design from concept to client sign-off, independently guiding projects and presenting to clients. This role partners closely with Project Managers to translate designs into buildable outcomes.

We require 4+ years in residential interior design, a strong portfolio, and proficiency in SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite. You will travel to sites and client meetings across the DMV, keeping files and timelines organized.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of professional interior design experience, ideally residential.
• Portfolio showing full-cycle ownership from concept to installation.
• Proficiency in SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to lead client meetings and presentations independently.
• Strong organizational habits; keep files, specs, and timelines clean.
• Reliable personal vehicle; role involves site visits across the DMV.

Responsibilities

• Own full-cycle design work for assigned projects, from concept through final client sign-off.
• Lead client meetings and design presentations independently.
• Guide clients through decisions balancing vision, function, and budget.
• Partner with Project Managers on feasibility, sequencing, and installation logistics.
• Prepare complete handoff packages: specifications, drawings, and product details.
• Maintain organized, current project files in line with studio systems.
• Collaborate with Designers and Design Associates on shared projects.
• Flag scope, budget, or timeline risks early.

Skills

Full-cycle design

Portfolio ownership

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Client meetings

Organization

Vehicle required

Tools

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Groh Playrooms is a DMV-area interior design studio specializing in playrooms and learning spaces — founded by educators who believe children's environments deserve the same design rigor as any other room in the home. We partner with families to create spaces that are as thoughtful and well-crafted as they are joyful.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Lead Designer owns full-cycle design work from initial concept through final client sign-off, bringing Groh Playrooms' design vision to life with independence and confidence. This is an individual-contributor role; you'll lead client relationships and design decisions directly, without formal management responsibility, and partner closely with Project Managers to ensure your designs translate cleanly into buildable, deliverable projects.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Own full-cycle design work for assigned projects, from concept through final client sign-off
• Lead client meetings and design presentations independently
• Guide clients through decisions and revisions, balancing vision, function, and budget
• Partner with Project Managers on feasibility, sequencing, and installation logistics
• Prepare complete handoff packages: specifications, drawings, and product details
• Maintain organized, current project files in line with studio systems
• Collaborate with Designers and Design Associates on shared projects
• Flag scope, budget, or timeline risks early

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Required

• 4+ years of professional interior design experience, ideally residential
• A portfolio demonstrating full-cycle project ownership, from concept through installation
• Proficiency in SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite (or comparable design software)
• Confidence leading client meetings and presentations independently
• Strong organizational habits: you keep files, specs, and timelines clean without being asked
• Reliable personal vehicle: this role involves site visits and client meetings across the DMV

Nice to Have

• Experience designing for children's or family-focused spaces
• Familiarity with Monday.com or comparable project management platforms

WHY GROH PLAYROOMS

• Work on distinctive, joyful projects with a tight-knit, design-driven studio team
• Health benefits, PTO, and 401(k): details shared during the interview process
• A studio that treats children's spaces as serious design work
• A tight-knit, design-driven studio team that invests in growth
• Work that stays genuinely fun: you'll spend your days surrounded by color, materials, and rooms built for imagination
• A studio driven by the next generation: kids are who we design for, and their sense of wonder shapes everything we make