Senior Architect/Designer - Workplace

Bespoke Careers; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Senior Design Lead role in San Francisco: lead the creative direction and delivery of interior architecture projects across the Bay Area. You’ll drive vision, mentor teams, present to clients, and ensure high standards of execution while collaborating with design, architecture, and technical teams.

You’ll influence design narratives, manage client meetings, and oversee multiple projects from concept through completion, balancing big-picture strategy with hands-on involvement in project delivery.

Qualifications

• Strong portfolio demonstrating both conceptual thinking and built work.
• Expertise in planning, workplace design, interiors, and user-focused environments.
• Deep knowledge of materials, finishes, lighting, furniture integration, and construction methodologies.
• Advanced Revit skills required.
• Experience with Rhino, Grasshopper, Enscape, Lumion, or similar design tools advantageous.
• Familiarity with sustainable design principles and project delivery best practices.
• Professional licensure, NCIDQ, or progress towards accreditation welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Taking ownership of interior architecture and workplace projects from early visioning through completion.
• Leading design discussions, workshops, and client presentations.
• Translating client goals into thoughtful, functional, and visually compelling environments.
• Collaborating with architects, strategists, and technical teams to develop integrated project solutions.
• Reviewing design output and maintaining quality across multiple projects.
• Supporting business development efforts through pitches, proposals, and presentations.
• Coaching and mentoring emerging designers.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

Client communication

Conceptual thinking

Building systems awareness

Education

NCIDQ or accreditation pursuit

Professional licensure welcomed

Tools

Revit

Rhino

Grasshopper

Enscape

Lumion

Job description

Shape Exceptional Workplace & Commercial Environments | San Francisco

A highly respected multidisciplinary design studio is looking for a Senior Design Lead to help drive the creative direction and delivery of innovative interior architecture projects throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with hands-on project involvement. You'll be involved in developing design narratives, guiding teams, presenting to clients, and ensuring ideas are carried through to a high standard of execution.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Taking ownership of interior architecture and workplace projects from early visioning through completion
• Leading design discussions, workshops, and client presentations
• Translating client goals into thoughtful, functional, and visually compelling environments
• Collaborating with architects, strategists, and technical teams to develop integrated project solutions
• Reviewing design output and maintaining quality across multiple projects
• Supporting business development efforts through pitches, proposals, and presentations
• Coaching and mentoring emerging designers

We're Looking for Someone Who:

• Brings 10+ years of professional experience in architecture or interior design
• Has delivered sophisticated workplace, commercial, mixed-use, institutional, or cultural projects
• Is equally comfortable discussing design concepts with clients and resolving technical challenges with project teams
• Understands how design decisions impact user experience, building performance, and project outcomes
• Can lead independently while contributing positively to a collaborative studio culture
• Enjoys mentoring others and sharing knowledge

Skills & Experience:

• Strong portfolio demonstrating both conceptual thinking and built work
• Expertise in planning, workplace design, interiors, and user-focused environments
• Deep knowledge of materials, finishes, lighting, furniture integration, and construction methodologies
• Advanced Revit skills required
• Experience with Rhino, Grasshopper, Enscape, Lumion, or similar design tools advantageous
• Familiarity with sustainable design principles and project delivery best practices
• Professional licensure, NCIDQ, or progress towards accreditation welcomed

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join a design-driven studio with a reputation for delivering award-winning work
• Work on projects that combine architecture, interiors, strategy, and experience design
• Be part of a collaborative environment where ideas are valued regardless of title
• Take on a visible leadership role with opportunities for long-term growth and progression

If you're looking for a role that offers creative influence, project ownership, and the chance to work alongside some of the industry's most talented designers, we'd love to hear from you.