Senior Design Principal - Aviation Interior Design

HNTB Corporation; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HNTB Total Rewards

Employee-owned firm

Career growth

Job summary

HNTB Corporation in the United States seeks a senior interior design leader to guide aviation environments from concept through delivery. You will mentor teams, shape design strategy, and champion innovation across nationwide airports.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture/Interior Design and 12+ years of experience, with RA/RID credentials. You will coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, manage client relations, and help grow HNTB's aviation practice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or Interior Design with 12+ years of experience.
• RA/RID credentials required.

Responsibilities

• Leads architectural documentation team and 3D concept development.
• Lead designer on large projects or multiple small projects.
• Directs design analyses, planning, and space programming studies.
• Directs project budgets, schedules, and client communications.
• Mentors less experienced team members and supports career development.

Skills

Interior design leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Revit

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture/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

HNTB Total Rewards

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran 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. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

The approximate pay range for Colorado is $139,645.93 - $218,420.56. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position based on all selected locations within the state at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

The approximate pay range for New York is $158,688.55 - $248,205.18. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position based on all selected locations within the state at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

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.

At HNTB, we are harnessing the power of collaboration and innovation to establish a new vision for the future of mobility across our country. You don’t have to look far to see our impact. For more than a century, HNTB’s spark has connected people and places, expanded opportunity, and left a lasting impact on our communities. Our culture of integrity and inclusion, combined with groundbreaking solutions, has affirmed our reputation and positioned our firm as the industry leader in delivering extraordinary value. When you join HNTB, you are joining an employee-owned firm founded on the values of integrity, collaboration, personal accountability, respect for others, and the development of all employees. We are committed to the continual improvement of an inclusive workplace. We encourage our employees to bring their whole and authentic selves to work, provide them a meaningful welcoming environment where they are valued, celebrated and respected. Diversity of thought and unique perspectives drives innovation, engagement and retention, which makes HNTB better and brings value to our clients and our communities.

Equal Opportunity Employer HNTB is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other status protected by law. We will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with a disability where appropriate.

Work Authorization In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, we will only employ qualified individuals legally authorized to work in the United States (if the position is or will be one which is subject to U.S. law). Verification of employment eligibility will be required. HNTB participates in E-Verify Know your rights: Right to Work