West Coast Interiors Lead

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) matching

Flexible schedules

Paid vacation

Professional development reimbursement

Job summary

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) is seeking a leader for its Los Angeles Interiors studio to set a new vision for design and delivery in the West Coast market. This role involves close collaboration with West Coast leadership, fostering client relationships, and managing studio operations while ensuring design excellence across diverse projects.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 12 years of related experience, a professional degree in Interior Design or Architecture, and a strong grasp of sustainable design principles. The position offers a competitive salary range of $150,000 to $200,000 based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of experience in interior design or architecture.
• Strong understanding of sustainable design strategies.
• Familiarity with LEED certification and green building principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of Interior Design projects for the West Coast.
• Cultivate client relationships and manage marketing efforts.
• Monitor financial performance and oversee project management.

Skills

Strong interpersonal communication

Client relationship management

Project management

Sustainable design knowledge

Education

Professional degree in Interior Design or Architecture

LEED or other green building accreditation preferred

Tools

Industry software proficiency

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 markets of this region such as design for AI, Tech and Entertainment clients. Work in collaboration with leaders across the firm to inspire each other, share ideas and opportunities, and contribute to SOM’s global expertise and portfolio. Goals for the position include strengthening and growing the West Coast and firmwide interiors practice through fostering an environment that supports design excellence, exceptional project and studio management, business development, process improvements, talent development, and effective collaboration to leverage the firmwide portfolio and elevate the interiors practice.

Responsibilities

Practice Leadership & Culture

Lead the Interiors practice through close collaboration with West Coast studio leadership to achieve design, technical and financial success. Provide thought leadership and development of strategies to build and inspire teams, enhance studio culture, and promote professional growth. Lead by example, mentor and train staff, define team member expectations and responsibilities, empower others, and delegate based on recognized abilities and potential. Demonstrate team and project experience inclusive of 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

Be accountable for monitoring the financial performance of the studio. Plan, organize, direct, mentor, and coordinate work efforts for the technical, design, and/or management aspects of a project team through all phases of a project 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 close collaboration with SOM leaders and our legal group. Proactively participate in project documents reviews, including design phase documents, technical documents, and project management tools, and be accountable for 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 developing appropriate research and documentation to support these solutions. Provide technical, design, and management leadership and support for the development of the entire design concept through all phases of a project in collaboration with partners and principals. Demonstrate knowledge of Interiors and Architecture industry best practices, including programming, planning, design, construction documentation, and construction administration. Demonstrate knowledge of Interior Architecture, architectural design, workplace planning, building materials, building systems, codes, FF&E, construction techniques, and current market costs. Demonstrate leadership in implementing SOM standard procedures and protocols for the technical, design, and management aspects of a project to ensure continuity, coordination, and consistency of project documentation across the firm.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of a professional degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field. Licensed in the 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, 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.
• Compensation: $150,000 to $200,000 based on experience, qualifications, location, and education.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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