West Coast Interiors Lead

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness insurance

401(k) matching

Flexible schedules

Paid family leave

Job summary

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) seeks a leader for its San Francisco and Los Angeles Interiors studios. This role involves driving design and delivering exceptional interiors for clients in the AI, Tech, and Entertainment sectors.

The position requires a professional degree, 12+ years of experience, and a strong understanding of sustainable design principles. Exceptional leadership, communication skills, and a commitment to team development are essential.

Benefits include health insurance, 401(k) matching, and professional development support.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in design or related field.
• Licensed in state of practice; LEED or other green building accreditation preferred.
• Strong understanding of sustainable strategies and principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Interiors practice and achieve design success.
• Engage in business development and manage project pipeline.
• Oversee studio management and financial performance.

Skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Business development

Education

Professional degree in Interior Design or Architecture

Tools

Industry software

Job description

Position Overview

Lead the San Francisco and Los Angeles Interiors studios to set a new vision for the design and delivery of Interior Design for the West Coast, including the unique culture and market of AI, Tech, and Entertainment clients. Work with leaders across the firm to inspire collaboration, share ideas, and contribute to SOM’s global expertise and portfolio. Goals include strengthening and growing the West Coast and firm‑wide interiors practice through design excellence, exceptional project and studio management, business development, process improvements, talent development, and effective collaboration.

Practice Leadership & Culture

• Lead the Interiors practice in collaboration with West Coast studio leadership to achieve design, technical, and financial success.
• Provide thought leadership and develop strategies to build and inspire teams, enhancing studio culture.
• Lead by example, mentor staff, define expectations, delegate effectively, and empower team members based on their abilities and potential.
• Demonstrate inclusive team and project experience in managing client relationships and project teams for small, medium, and large‑scale corporate, hospitality, and/or residential interiors projects.
• Engage in internal and external professional development opportunities.

Business Development & Strategy

• Cultivate business development by leading marketing efforts, formulating strategic business plans, and managing the project pipeline.
• Contribute to strategic business plans.
• Manage existing project pipeline and new business and marketing efforts.
• Review RFPs, qualify bids, assign due dates and tasks to key collaborators, and provide responses.
• Cultivate strong client relationships and provide excellent client service.

Studio Management

• Accountable for monitoring the financial performance of the studio.
• Plan, organize, direct, mentor, and coordinate work efforts for technical, design, and/or management aspects of projects through all phases with minimal oversight from Principal and/or Partner.
• Oversee project plans with input from Design and Technical leads.
• Contribute to the development of standards, policies, and procedures.
• Assess project risk management through collaboration with SOM leaders and the legal group.
• Proactively review project documents (design phase documents, technical documents, and project management tools) and ensure quality control of associated documents in accordance with SOM’s quality control program.
• Mitigate project risk through familiarity with contract and collaboration with leadership and legal teams.
• Oversee internal controls including client agreements, additional services, billings, collections, and expense management.

Technical & Design Excellence

• Lead and deliver creative and innovative solutions to complex problems and guide the team in research and documentation to support these solutions.
• Provide technical/design/management leadership and support for developing the entire design concept through all phases of the project in collaboration with partners and principals.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Interiors and Architecture industry best practices, including programming, planning, design, construction documentation, construction administration, and consulting engineering coordination.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Interior Architecture and Architectural design, leading teams through workplace planning and design concept development for applicable hospitality and/or residential projects, including design standards, building materials, systems, codes, FF&E, construction techniques, and current market costs.
• Lead implementation of SOM standard procedures and protocols for technical, design, and/or management aspects to ensure continuity, coordination, and consistency of project documentation across the firm.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a professional degree in Interior or Architecture or a related field.
• Licensed in state of practice; LEED or other green building accreditation preferred.
• Minimum 12 years of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Strong understanding of sustainable strategies and principles, including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with appropriate industry software.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance.
• Savings: 401(k) matching, pre‑tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs.
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, renewals, exam fees, and specialized in‑house career development.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.