Senior Interior Designer

Populous; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional & Personal Development

Summer Hours

Hybrid Schedule

Paid Architect Licensure & Cert Exams

Wedding Pay

Charitable Match Program

Wellness Benefits

Job summary

Populous, a global design firm, seeks a Senior Interior Designer with 15+ years of professional experience to lead complex interior design projects from concept through completion. The role focuses on spaces across public assembly buildings, including sports venues, convention centers, and transportation facilities, with emphasis on strategic thinking, client engagement, and design leadership.

You will mentor junior designers and coordinate with consultants.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead interior design projects from concept through completion.
• Strong spatial planning, branding, and environmental design across diverse typologies.
• Experience guiding design reviews and client presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of complete interior design concepts and space planning across multiple project types.
• Direct production of drawings, diagrams and presentation materials.
• Oversee design continuity, technical quality and documentation through all phases.
• Coordinate with internal teams and consultants to realize design intent.
• Lead design reviews and client presentations; manage timelines and budgets.
• Provide mentorship to junior designers and foster a collaborative design culture.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Communication

Sketching (freehand/digital)

Education

Accredited degree in interior design/architecture

NCIDQ certification

Tools

Revit

Adobe Creative Suite

Rendering (hand-drawn / digital)

Job description

Who We Are:

We design places where people love to be together.

Location: San Francisco, CA

Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments.

We’ve designed and delivered some of the world’s most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground-breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves.

We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.

What We Offer:

• Professional & Personal Development Programs
• Summer Hours
• Hybrid Schedule
• Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams
• Wedding Pay
• Charitable Match Program
• Market Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits

Who We Are Looking For:

We’re seeking a Senior Interior Designer with 15+ years of professional experience to lead complex design projects from concept through completion, integrating strategic thinking, client engagement and design leadership.

Our preferred candidate will have proven success leading interior design projects within a diverse range of public assembly building types, including sports venues, convention centers, and transportation facilities.

What Your Day Could Consist Of:

• Leading the development and execution of complete interior design concepts, space planning strategies, and material selections across multiple project types.
• Directing the production of detailed drawings, diagrams, and presentation materials.
• Overseeing and ensuring design continuity, technical quality, and project documentation through all project phases.
• Guiding collaboration across internal teams and directing coordination with consultants to realize and elevate design intent.
• Structuring and leading design reviews, client presentations, and team charrettes.
• Managing project timelines, deliverables and budgets to ensure operational excellence.
• Providing leadership, mentorship and support for junior and mid-level designers and fostering an innovative design culture.

Requirements For Success:

• Proven ability to lead complex interior design projects independently from concept through completion within a dynamic, creative studio environment.
• Strategic design thinker with mastery of spatial planning, brand integration, storytelling, and environmental design across diverse project typologies.
• Demonstrated leadership in conceptual development, project organization, technical delivery, and team oversight.
• Experienced in managing multiple large-scale projects simultaneously while ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and design excellence.
• Adept in leading high-level client engagements, presenting design vision persuasively, and facilitating strategic design discussions.
• Skilled at fostering trust with clients and stakeholders while directing large interdisciplinary consultant teams.
• Strong mentor and team leader with a commitment to professional development and design culture.
• Expert in freehand and digital sketching to rapidly communicate design intent and drive decision-making.
• Exceptional communication skills to articulate complex ideas clearly and inspire internal and external audiences.
• Detail-oriented and highly accountable, consistently delivering quality in demanding and fast-paced project environments.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and both hand-drawn and digital rendering techniques.
• Deeply committed to design excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership.

Essential Qualifications:

• An accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree (or equivalent) in interior design or interior architecture.
• 15+ years of professional interior design experience.
• NCIDQ certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven success leading interior design projects within a diverse range of public assembly building types including sports venues, convention centers, community buildings and transportation facilities.
• LEED, WELL, or other relevant credentials.

Additional Details:

• Travel may be required.

Compensation:

• The projected salary range for this opportunity is $140,000 - $155,000 annually, and may be more or less depending on skills, experience and education.

Populous offers a competitive salary and bonus packages. We strive to offer our staff the best benefits package in the industry, at the lowest cost to employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k, FSA/HSA, paid time off and continuing education benefits.

Populous is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Architecture by Fast Company

No. 1 Firm in Cultural on Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Cultural Facilities by BD+C

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Convention Centers by BD+C

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Performing Arts and Concert Venues by BD+C

Find us here - https://populous.com/careers

Instagram: @WeArePopulous

X: @Populous