Sr Interior Design Lead / Department Leader

HGA; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 148,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401(k) contributions

Paid parental leave

Job summary

HGA is seeking a Senior Interior Design Lead to guide its Sacramento Interior Design team, focusing on strategic vision and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have over 20 years of experience in interior design and demonstrate strong leadership abilities.

This position includes leading design innovation, managing multiple projects, and fostering a high-performing team environment. The salary range is between $135,000 and $148,000, with eligibility for a robust benefits program, including medical insurance and 401(k) contributions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in successful project delivery.
• Strong leadership and team development abilities.
• Proven track record in client communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead interior design efforts from conceptual design to construction.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and delivery timelines.
• Build and develop a high-performing team through hiring and coaching.

Skills

Licensed Interior Designer

20+ years of experience in Interior Design

Strong presentation skills

Exceptional interpersonal skills

Business acumen

Job description

Sr Interior Design Lead / Department Leader

Overview

Lead the Strategic, Creative, and Operational Vision at HGA's Sacramento Interior Design team!

Location: Sacramento, CA

HGA is seeking an inspiring Interior Design Department Leader to guide the strategic direction, creative excellence, and operational performance of our Sacramento Interior Design practice. This leader will shape the vision for the studio, cultivate a high‑performing team, and ensure seamless alignment with office, departmental, and firmwide priorities.

In this role, you will champion design innovation, uphold rigorous quality standards, and ensure that every project reflects HGA's brand, client expectations, and project requirements. You'll collaborate closely with senior leadership, architects, engineers, project managers, and external partners to deliver exceptional design outcomes across a range of project types.

As a Senior Interior Designer, you will also remain hands‑on in project design and delivery while partnering with Principals across sectors to pursue and secure new work. This is an opportunity to lead, influence, and elevate the impact of interior design within a nationally recognized, multidisciplinary design firm.

Design and Project Leadership

• Lead interior design efforts on multiple projects from conceptual design through to construction.
• Collaborate with clients, contractors, consultants, and city agencies to ensure smooth project execution.
• Develop and manage design programming, planning, and interior design strategies to meet client goals.
• Oversee project schedules, budgets, and delivery timelines to ensure high-quality results.
• Ensure designs meet building accessibility codes, exiting, and life safety requirements.
• Communicate effectively with both internal teams and external stakeholders, maintaining strong relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

Strategy & Discipline Leadership

• Set direction for the department aligned with firm and practice priorities.
• Advance design quality, best practices, and knowledge sharing.
• Position the department for future growth and capability development.
• Further the national strategy for Interior Design and be accountable for advancing and practicing national initiatives locally.

Business & Operational Performance

• Manage utilization, profitability, and staffing alignment.
• Align resources to support project delivery and client outcomes.
• Monitor performance and address risks proactively.

Talent Leadership & Development

• Build and develop a high-performing team through hiring, coaching, and retention.
• Lead performance review, promotion, compensation, and succession processes.
• Foster a culture of accountability, growth, and inclusion.

Collaboration & Leadership Alignment

• Partner with Interior Design Department Leaders and staffing coordinators to advocate for national team members and identify project opportunities to support career growth.
• Partner across departments, offices, and practice groups on shared priorities.
• Contribute to firm-wide initiatives and cross-disciplinary efforts.
• Align stakeholders through clear communication and leadership.

Project Contribution

• Maintain involvement in project work while prioritizing department leadership responsibilities.

What you will need to have:

• Licensed Interior Designer with demonstrated experience in successful project delivery
• 20+ years of professional experience in Interior Design
• Strong presentation skills with track record of successfully interviewing for new project work
• Proven ability to lead teams, develop talent, and influence outcomes
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with both team members and clients.
• Strong business acumen, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to balance project responsibilities with leadership accountability

Salary Information

The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA's robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $135,000 - $148,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Additional Information

HGA is a place where you can do your best work. We believe that enduring, impactful design results from deep insight into the people and passions that animate each unique environment. We value empathy, are fueled by curiosity, and embrace the hard work that leads to innovation. Equally important is our commitment to creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity where we encourage your originality, respect the need for flexibility and work‑life balance, and empower your desired career growth. HGA is a national award‑winning interdisciplinary design firm rooted in architecture and engineering.