Lead Interior Designer - (req72033)

Sterling Kohler; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 94,350 - 145,350; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Immediate access to benefits

Performance bonus eligible

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Sterling Kohler is seeking a Lead Interior Designer to lead high-end interior design projects across various sectors including hospitality and retail. This role requires a strategic design leader who can manage projects from concept to execution while collaborating with external partners and internal teams.

The successful candidate will possess 8-10 years of experience in luxury design, a relevant degree, and proficiency in design software like Revit and AutoCAD. A digital portfolio showcasing professional competencies is essential for application.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of professional design experience in luxury and high-end commercial environments.
• Proficient in design software including Revit and AutoCAD.
• LEED AP and NCIDQ certification, or pursuit of certification, is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute high-end interior design projects for hospitality and retail.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders for project success.
• Produce graphic presentations and visualizations to communicate design concepts.

Skills

Interior Design Experience

Problem-solving

Organization

Design Communication

Leadership

Education

Undergraduate degree in Interior Design

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

3D Rendering tools

Job description

Lead Interior Designer

Work Mode: Onsite

Location: Onsite, four days per week - Kohler, WI

This position will have frequent interaction with executive leadership and will be responsible for interpreting and executing on the brand vision while meeting critical project milestones as both an individual contributor and a project lead.

Opportunity

The Lead Interior Designer is a critical role within Global Properties & Services. The successful applicant will be responsible for leading and executing high‑end interior design projects that elevate Kohler Co.’s luxury brand across hospitality, wellness, retail, and residential environments. This position serves as both a strategic design leader and hands‑on contributor, managing the full project lifecycle, from concept through execution, while overseeing external partners on complex initiatives and collaborating with internal stakeholders to deliver design‑led, brand‑aligned outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Participate in all project phases including research, programming, space planning, conceptual design, presentations, design development, documentation, and project execution for small to mid‑sized internal design projects.
• Oversee external consultants and contractors in all project phases including research, programming, space planning, conceptual design, presentations, design development, documentation, and project execution for large or complex projects.
• Collaborate with design team(s), operations, internal Kohler Co. clients, consultants, contractors, fabricators, and other vendors to meet overall project objectives with a design‑led approach.
• Assist with development of project design scope definitions, programming, objectives, and functional & aesthetic requirements.
• Develop and convey preliminary design concepts through drawings, finish and FF&E selections, inspiration imagery, and renderings.
• Produce or oversee production of graphic presentations and 2D/3D visualizations to demonstrate proposed design concepts for internal clients, executive design review presentations, and external design consultants.
• Assist with contract quality FF&E selections, cost estimates, specification documentation, quotations, budgets, procurement, managing lead times and coordinating resources.
• Assist in obtaining bids and other supporting documents as well as preparation of exhibits for capital expenditure approval documents.
• Assist in review and approval of vendor or contractor submittals and RFIs to ensure compliance with design intent and quality requirements.
• Provide support and leadership in luxury hospitality and high‑end vendor sourcing and relationship‑building.
• Participate in design and coordination meetings on assigned projects as needed.
• Consult available resources to ensure design solutions meet goals for accessibility, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, ergonomics, and code/regulatory requirements.
• Participate in team and office activities, initiatives, design team mentorship, and learning programs.
• Maintain/develop important industry vendor relationships through collaboration, tradeshows, and events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills / Requirements

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited Interior Design, Environmental Design or Architectural program.
• Design‑led and seasoned creative professional with refined taste and extensive interior design experience in the luxury and lifestyle space.
• Flexible and open to change or uncertainty with an ability to embrace exploration of multiple solutions.
• Problem‑solver, demonstrating a high level of abstract reasoning and a strong creative design sense.
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented, committed to relentless follow‑up and quality assurance.
• Ability to establish credibility with executive and business leaders and establish/translate design briefs in a compelling and inspiring way.
• 8‑10 years of professional design experience as a design lead or design manager in a luxury hospitality or high‑end commercial environment.
• Experience with oversight and mentorship of design and creative teams.
• LEED AP and NCIDQ certification, or pursuit of certification, is desirable.
• Active membership in ASID, IIDA or IFMA is encouraged.
• Proficient in Revit and/or AutoCAD for 2D and 3D planning, visualization, and documentation.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), MS Office and Outlook.
• Experience with 3D rendering tools such as Sketchup, Vray, Enscape, 3ds Max and AI tools preferred.
• Strong conceptual definition, graphic, design communication, and storytelling skills.
• Strong organization and prioritization skills with the ability to balance multiple projects on similar timelines.
• End‑to‑end understanding of all phases of the interior design and construction process.

Must provide a digital portfolio of work that exhibits a high level of professional competency and design skill based on experience.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

We believe in supporting you from the moment you join us, which is why Kohler offers day 1 benefits. This means you’ll have access to your applicable benefit programs from your first day on the job, with no waiting period. The salary range for this position is $94,350 - $145,350. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation.

Why Choose Kohler?

We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.

About Us

It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail]. Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.