Senior Design Principal - Aviation Interior Design

hntb; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

HNTB is seeking a visionary design leader to shape the next generation of aviation environments and elevate passenger experience across our national aviation practice. You will help represent HNTB as a premier design partner for airports and serve as a trusted advisor to clients.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, drive innovative design concepts, mentor designers, and oversee project delivery from concept through construction while aligning with client goals and budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or Interior Design is required.
• RA/RID certification is required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural documentation team and the development of 3D concepts on large projects.
• Direct teams in design analysis, planning, and programming studies.
• Direct tactical and strategic space planning and design direction while introducing new ideas and methods.
• Instruct on interior design standards, codes and regulations.
• Oversee preparation of project specifications and data.
• Lead presentations and client communications; guide large project teams.

Skills

Leadership experience

Interior detailing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or Interior Design

RA/RID

Tools

Revit

Job description

What We're Looking For

Lead the Future of Aviation Passenger Experience

HNTB is seeking a visionary design leader to help define the next generation of aviation environments and elevate the role of design across our national aviation practice. We are looking for an influential industry leader who can shape client thinking, drive innovation in passenger experience, and help represent HNTB as a premier design partner for airports across North America. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to our clients, collaborate closely with our multi-disciplinary teams, and influence major pursuits and projects from concept through delivery.

The ideal candidate brings a passion for storytelling and the ability to translate complex operational and commercial challenges into memorable passenger experiences. They will be a visible champion for design excellence, an advocate for innovation, and a leader who inspires clients and teams around a compelling vision for the future of aviation.

This role offers a unique opportunity to build and shape a growing national practice, mentor the next generation of designers, strengthen HNTB's design brand, and help create aviation environments that enhance traveler experience, support airport business objectives, and strengthen community connections.

What You'll Do

• Leads architectural documentation team and the development of 3D concepts. Lead designer on large projects or multiple small projects.
• Directs teams in the analysis in design, planning, programming studies, design layouts.
• Directs tactical and strategic issues for space planning options or design direction. Brings forward new ideas and methods.
• Instructs on interior design standards, codes and regulations.
• Directs the preparation of project specifications and relevant data.
• Directs or leads the preparation of presentations.
• Oversees material and color selection.
• Oversees furniture selection, layouts, and specification.
• Responsible for communication with project team, consultants and clients on large projects.
• Oversees project team and ensures project goals, milestones, and deliverables are achieved.
• Provides mentoring to less experienced team members relative to projects and career development.
• Participates in quality implementation plans, including scheduling for QC reviews and compiling comments in project documents.
• Quality reviewer for Interior Design scope on multiple projects.
• Leads business development efforts and collaborates directly with Business Development teams.
• Participates in proposal writing and project interviews.
• Assists or leads workplan development for Interior scope of projects.
• Assists Leadership with identifying staff needs and assignments.
• Oversees project budget management and cost control. Involves corporate resources as needed and escalates issues to senior leadership when necessary.
• Responsive to client budgets, able to guide value engineering efforts with client and contractor.
• Provides input on recruitment, hiring, development, and retention of staff, including performance and compensation reviews, and succession planning. Coordinates schedules and approves timecards. Aids in establishing employees' objectives and provides feedback while coaching and mentoring their team.
• Performs other duties as assigned

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or Interior Design and 12 years of relevant experience.
• RA/RID

What You'll Bring

• Expert knowledge of interior detailing and construction methods.
• Revit skills

Additional Information

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Locations

Atlanta, GA, Denver, CO, Kansas City, MO, Los Angeles, CA (Figueroa Street), New York, NY.

The approximate pay range for Los Angeles Metro Area and Orange County, CA is $145,993.46 - $228,348.77.

The approximate pay range for Colorado is $139,645.93 - $218,420.56.

The anticipated last day to apply is 11/29/2026. Please note that the job may be unposted prior to this date if the job is filled or no longer a need.

The approximate pay range for New York is $158,688.55 - $248,205.18. Please note that the pay range provided i