Senior Design Principal - Aviation Interior Design

HNTB Corporation; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

HNTB Corporation is seeking a Senior Design Principal for Aviation Interior Design, to lead the development of interior environments for airports across North America. The role involves guiding teams from concept through delivery, shaping client thinking, and championing design excellence to elevate traveler experience.

The ideal candidate brings a passion for storytelling, strong leadership, and the ability to translate complex operational challenges into memorable passenger experiences, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or Interior Design is required.
• 12+ years of relevant experience is required.
• RA/RID license or certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural documentation team and develop 3D concepts for aviation interiors.
• Direct design analyses, planning, programming studies, and layouts across multiple projects.
• Guide space planning options, design direction, and innovative methods.
• Instruct interior design standards, codes, and regulations.
• Prepare project specifications, data, and presentations for clients and teams.
• Oversee material, color, furniture selection, and coordination with consultants.

Skills

Revit

Interior detailing

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture/Interior Architecture/Interior Design

Job description

## Senior Design Principal - Aviation Interior DesignApply: Kansas City, MO: New York, NY: Los Angeles, CA (Figueroa Street): Atlanta, GA: Denver, CO: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: November 30, 2026 (30+ days left to apply): R-31547**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**Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total RewardsClick here to learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/VeteranVisa sponsorship is not available for this position.#ET #Architecture