Project Lead Designer

AIA Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Lambert McGuire Design in Austin, TX seeks a Project Lead Designer to direct hospitality projects from schematic through construction. You will guide design teams, coordinate with consultants, and ensure drawings meet the highest standards while maintaining a fast-paced studio rhythm.

The role emphasizes strong technical skills in Revit, Bluebeam, Enscape and Adobe Creative Suite, a deep understanding of codes, and a collaborative approach to mentoring junior designers and interns.

Qualifications

• 6–10+ years of interior architecture experience, hospitality focus.
• Proficient in Revit, Bluebeam, Enscape, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Able to lead drawing sets and coordinate with consultants.
• Strong knowledge of codes and construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead design development and documentation for hospitality projects.
• Mentor junior designers and interns.
• Coordinate with AORs, engineers, and consultants.
• Manage project status, risks, and scheduling.
• Produce 3D studies and construction drawings.
• Participate in site walks and RFIs.

Skills

Interior architecture

Design leadership

Project coordination

Mentoring

Tools

Revit

Bluebeam

Enscape

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Project Lead Designer

Lambert McGuire Design

Location: Austin, TX

The design studio behind some of the most iconic restaurants and hotels in Austin - from restaurants such as Jeffrey's, Clark's, and Swedish Hill to The Hotel San Jose and El Cosmico in Marfa. Our current projects include collaborations with internationally recognized architecture firms - Herzog and de Meuron, Lake Flato and BIG.

We are in a phase of exciting growth, expanding nationally and are currently looking for a highly-skilled Designer to join our dynamic team.

About The Role

We're seeking a seasoned Designer with strong technical and creative skills to lead fast-paced hospitality projects from schematic through construction. You will be responsible for leading project design, guiding other designers, coordinating with consultants, and ensuring drawing sets meet the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Own design development and documentation for projects.
• Ensure quality and design intent is carried through the project.
• Proactively and consistently communicate project status and risks.
• Coordinate with AORs, engineers, and specialty consultants
• Attend internal and site meetings, and lead design-related discussions
• Monitor and help manage staffing needs and constraints.

Design Documentation

• Translate concept into detailed, buildable plans and elevations
• Lead the production of drawing sets from SD through CDs
• Guide detailing, millwork development, and consultant integration
• Produce 3D studies, detailed plans, construction drawings, elevations, schedules.
• Create mood/material/design presentations.
• Coordinate FFE selection and procurement with our FFE team
• Effectively communicate ideas to Studio Principals and clients.

Construction Coordination

• Respond to RFIs and submittals with minimal oversight
• Generate SKs and field directives as needed
• Participate in site walks and punch list creation
• Ensure there is a timely share out of design documentation to support construction.

Team Collaboration

• Help shape internal best practices and mentor junior team members
• Help level up colleagues by consistently sharing best practices and techniques.
• Oversee other designers and interns to support projects.
• Contribute to quarterly initiatives within the studio.
• Be a supportive team member, fostering a positive, constructive environment.

Qualifications

• 6-10+ years of interior architecture experience, preferably in hospitality (restaurants or hotels)
• Strong Proficiency in Revit, Bluebeam, Enscape and Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong knowledge of codes, consultant coordination, and construction methods
• Able to lead drawing sets and consultant packages independently
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, evolving design studio
• Experience managing multiple timelines and shifting project scopes
• This role is open to interior designers or architects with strong custom fabrication, detailing, and hospitality experience. Licensure is not required, but experience coordinating with AORs, fabricators, and GCs is essential.

Thank you for considering Lambert McGuire Design