Design Director, Interiors

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director, Interiors

Company: Fidelity Investments (Pembroke Real Estate)

Location: Boston, MA, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Real Estate Development & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-10

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for guiding the interior design direction of Pembroke's global real estate portfolio, focusing on creating high-value, user-centric environments.

• It involves a blend of conceptual design leadership and practical implementation oversight for both residential and commercial development projects.

• The position requires extensive collaboration with internal cross-functional teams and external consultants to ensure design integrity, quality, and alignment with project objectives.

• A key aspect is advancing design best practices across various disciplines, including finishes, furniture, sustainability, and healthy materials, to enhance Pembroke's brand and portfolio value.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Director, Interiors," and the primary responsibilities lean heavily into design strategy and execution for real estate development, this role can be framed within an "Operations" context by focusing on the process, system, and cross-functional coordination aspects necessary to deliver complex design projects consistently and efficiently across a global portfolio. The "operations" here refer to the operational execution of design strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead Interior Design Strategy: Guide and direct the interior design process for Pembroke’s development and capital projects, with an initial focus on multi-family residential developments and commercial lobby improvements.

• Design Quality Assurance: Review presentations, conceptual designs, and construction documents to ensure alignment with design intent, Pembroke’s brand standards, and quality principles.

• Best Practice Advancement: Drive the adoption and implementation of best practices in finishes, furniture selection, programming, inclusion principles, art strategy, sustainability, and the use of healthy materials.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with the Head of Interior Design, Pembroke development teams, marketing, and asset management across domestic and international markets to establish cohesive design direction and support business objectives.

• Consultant & Contractor Coordination: Effectively coordinate with external consultants and contractors to maintain design quality, align drawings and renderings, provide timely technical and design input, and ensure adherence to schedule and budget expectations.

• Process Refinement: Contribute to refining processes and protocols to ensure accuracy of design intent, adherence to construction quality, and alignment with schedule and budget, particularly in a matrixed organizational structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are directly extracted and organized from the provided job description, with a focus on highlighting the operational aspects of design delivery, such as coordination, process refinement, and quality assurance across multiple stakeholders and projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design is required. Experience:

• A minimum of 10+ years of experience in interior design, with a strong emphasis on conceptual design and practical implementation within real estate development or related fields.

• Proven experience in guiding design processes for both residential and commercial projects, including new developments, renovations, and amenity spaces.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from concept through to execution. Required Skills:

• Conceptual Design & Practical Implementation: Strength in both creative visioning and the practical application of design principles across interiors, furniture, finishes, programming, lighting, acoustics, and AV technology.

• Software Proficiency: Expertise in graphic and design software including Miro, Photoshop, InDesign, PowerPoint, and Bluebeam. Proficiency in drafting tools such as AutoCAD and/or Revit is essential.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to build constructive relationships and collaborate effectively across internal teams (development, marketing, asset management) and external consultants and contractors, spanning various disciplines and organizational levels.

• Process Orientation: A self-motivated, performance-driven work style with an emphasis on quality, continuous improvement, and adherence to project schedules and budgets.

• Global Awareness: Cultural awareness and openness to varying methodologies and market customs, given the international scope of projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with art strategy, sustainability initiatives, and healthy material selection.

• Familiarity with project management principles in a real estate development context.

• Ability to provide timely technical and design input for construction documents.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills and qualifications are derived directly from the "The Expertise and Skills You Bring" section, with additional context added for experience level and operational relevance. The "10+" years of experience is inferred from the "ai_experience_level" field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Conceptual Design Showcase: Examples demonstrating strong conceptual thinking and the ability to translate abstract ideas into tangible interior design solutions for residential and commercial spaces.

• Implementation & Technical Skill: Evidence of practical implementation expertise, including detailed drawings, finish schedules, furniture specifications, and construction documentation that reflect a high standard of execution.

• Software Application: Demonstrations of proficiency in required design software (AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro), showcasing how these tools were used to develop and communicate design intent.

• Project Scope & Scale: A portfolio that reflects experience with projects comparable in scope and scale to new multifamily developments, commercial lobby improvements, and amenity spaces.

• Value Creation Focus: Projects that highlight how interior design decisions contributed to value creation for end-users and stakeholders, potentially through enhanced user experience or market appeal.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, from initial concept development and client/stakeholder engagement to consultant coordination and construction administration.

• The ability to demonstrate how design processes are refined for efficiency, quality control, and alignment with project objectives (schedule, budget) will be crucial.

• Evidence of utilizing project management tools and methodologies to track progress, manage deliverables, and ensure timely execution of design-related tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers portfolio requirements based on the stated responsibilities and required skills, emphasizing the need for candidates to demonstrate not just design talent but also the operational capability to manage and deliver complex design projects within a corporate real estate context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 - $222,000 per year

• Note: Placement within this range will be determined by factors such as job responsibilities, scope, geographic location, and the candidate’s relevant experience. This range is benchmarked for a Design Director role in a major metropolitan area like Boston, with significant experience requirements.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Care Coverage

• Emotional Well-being Support

• Market-leading Retirement Plan

• Generous Paid Time Off

• Parental Leave

• Charitable Giving Employee Match Program

• Educational Assistance, including:

  • Student Loan Repayment

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Learning Resources for Career Development Working Hours:

• The role is classified as Full-Time, typically implying a standard 40-hour work week. However, the demanding nature of real estate development and capital projects may require flexibility to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range and benefits are directly extracted from the provided text. The "Working Hours" section adds operational context regarding typical full-time expectations and potential for flexibility in a project-driven environment. The salary range is considered competitive for a Director-level design role in Boston, aligning with industry benchmarks for senior positions in finance/real estate firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Development & Investment, Financial Services (through Pembroke's affiliation with Fidelity Investments).

Company Size: Pembroke Real Estate operates globally, managing approximately 9.4 million sq ft across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, with offices in major cities worldwide. Fidelity Investments is a significantly larger financial services organization.

Founded: Pembroke has been active for over twenty-five years. Fidelity Investments was founded in 1946.

Team Structure:

• The Interior Design team is led by a Head of Interior Design, with the Design Director, Interiors reporting to them.

• This role will collaborate extensively with Pembroke’s development, marketing, and asset management teams, operating within a matrixed organizational structure.

• The team emphasizes global expertise, local knowledge, and a passion for real estate, striving for excellence, integrity, and collaboration. Methodology:

• Pembroke emphasizes creating long-term value through holistic placemaking principles, delivering thoughtful, high-quality interior environments.

• The approach involves applying creative and strategic thinking, leveraging global expertise and local knowledge.

• There is a focus on advancing design best practices in areas like sustainability, healthy materials, and inclusion.

• The company utilizes a performance-driven work style with an emphasis on quality and continuous improvement.

Company Website: https://www.pembrokere.com/ (Implicitly linked through Fidelity Investments)

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is synthesized from the provided description, highlighting Pembroke's global reach and Fidelity's backing. The "Methodology" section focuses on the operational aspects of their design and development approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Director level within the design and development function of a real estate firm. It signifies a senior position responsible for strategic direction and execution oversight of interior design initiatives across a significant global portfolio.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director, Interiors reports to the Head of Interior Design. They will work closely with various internal teams (development, marketing, asset management) and external consultants, necessitating strong stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership skills.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the value and marketability of Pembroke’s real estate assets by shaping desirable, functional, and high-quality interior environments. Successful design execution contributes to tenant attraction, retention, and overall asset performance, aligning design strategy with business objectives and investor value creation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to the Head of Interior Design role or other senior leadership positions within Pembroke's development or design functions.

• Skill Specialization/Broadening: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of interior design (e.g., sustainable design, placemaking) or broaden experience across different asset classes and global markets.

• Strategic Influence: As a Director, there's an opportunity to influence design strategy, standards, and processes across the entire Pembroke portfolio.

• Global Exposure: Continued travel and engagement with international projects offer invaluable global market experience and cultural competency development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the "Design Director, Interiors" role within a broader "operations" context of real estate development and asset value enhancement, outlining potential career trajectories and the role's strategic impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires regular, in-person office presence, indicating a collaborative, on-site work environment within Pembroke's Boston office.

Office Location(s): Boston, MA, with potential for travel to Pembroke's other global offices and project sites.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with internal teams and external partners, suggesting an office setup that supports team interaction, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro, Bluebeam) and office infrastructure is implied for effective execution of design and project management tasks.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with development professionals, marketing teams, and asset managers to ensure design aligns with broader business goals.

Work Schedule:

• While a standard 40-hour work week is typical for a full-time role, the dynamic nature of real estate development projects may require flexibility to meet critical deadlines, attend site visits, or engage with global teams across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates the work environment based on the "on-site" work arrangement and the collaborative nature of the responsibilities, focusing on how the physical and team environment supports the operational delivery of design projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Design & Technical Assessment: Interviews focusing on conceptual design capabilities, practical implementation knowledge, software proficiency, and problem-solving skills. This may include a review of design portfolios.

• Process & Collaboration Discussion: Evaluation of the candidate's understanding of design processes, project management, and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit: Interviews to assess cultural alignment with Pembroke's values (excellence, integrity, collaboration) and the candidate's leadership potential.

• Final Round: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision and fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Breadth and Depth: Include a diverse range of projects (residential, commercial) that demonstrate both strong conceptual design and meticulous execution.

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process for key projects, emphasizing how you translated client needs into design solutions and managed implementation.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows proficiency in required software (AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite) through high-quality renderings, drawings, and detailed specifications.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, highlight how your design decisions contributed to project success, value creation, or stakeholder satisfaction.

• Tailor to Pembroke: Research Pembroke's portfolio and design aesthetic to tailor your presentation and highlight relevant experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to design challenges, such as balancing budget constraints with design quality, integrating sustainability, or adapting designs for different global markets.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a mixed audience of designers, developers, and business stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, inferring the likely interview process and portfolio requirements based on the role's seniority and the nature of the work in real estate development and design operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design & Drafting Tools:

• AutoCAD: For 2D drafting and technical drawings.

• Revit: For BIM (Building Information Modeling), 3D design, and documentation.

• Miro: For collaborative ideation, mood boards, and workflow mapping.

• Bluebeam: For PDF markup, collaboration, and document management during the construction document phase.

Graphic & Presentation Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign): For visual design, image editing, layout, and creating professional presentations and marketing materials.

• PowerPoint: For creating and delivering presentations to internal and external stakeholders.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• While not explicitly listed, familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Microsoft Project) and real estate-specific project management platforms would be beneficial for coordinating global projects and tracking progress.

• Cloud-based document sharing and collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) are likely integral.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Tools & Technology Stack" section is derived directly from the "Proficiency in graphic and design software" requirement, with additional context provided on the typical use cases for each tool within a real estate design and development operation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to achieving high standards in all design and project execution aspects.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical practices and transparency in all dealings with internal teams, consultants, and stakeholders.

• Collaboration: Fostering strong working relationships and open communication across diverse teams, both domestically and internationally.

• Value Creation: Focusing design efforts on delivering tangible long-term value for end-users, investors, and the company's portfolio.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing a performance-driven approach, seeking opportunities to refine processes and enhance design quality.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands seamless integration with development, marketing, and asset management teams, requiring proactive communication and alignment of design goals with business objectives.

• Stakeholder Management: A collaborative style that effectively engages and manages expectations of a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, project teams, and external consultants.

• Global Mindset: Openness to different cultural approaches and methodologies, adapting collaboration strategies to suit international project contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Values" and "Collaboration Style" are synthesized from the company description and the role's responsibilities, emphasizing how these values translate into operational behaviors and team dynamics within a global real estate development context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Project Complexity: Managing design across diverse international markets, each with unique regulations, cultural nuances, and construction practices.

• Balancing Vision and Constraints: Effectively integrating high-level design vision with practical constraints such as budget, schedule, and local building codes.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent design intent and quality across multiple internal departments and external consultant teams, especially within a matrixed organization.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously incorporating evolving best practices in sustainability, healthy materials, and user experience into design strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Global Design Exposure: Gaining hands-on experience with diverse architectural styles, material palettes, and user expectations across different continents.

• Strategic Design Leadership: Developing leadership skills by influencing design direction and processes for a significant portfolio.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Deepening understanding of real estate development, asset management, and marketing through close collaboration.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning through industry events, workshops, and potentially certifications related to sustainable design or real estate development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential operational challenges inherent in a global role and outlines specific learning and development avenues relevant to a senior design position within the real estate operations sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex interior design project you led from concept to completion, detailing your process, key decisions, and how you managed challenges related to budget, schedule, and stakeholder expectations."

• "How would you approach establishing a cohesive interior design direction for a multi-family residential development that balances brand identity with local market appeal?"

• "Walk us through how you ensure design intent is accurately translated and maintained through construction documents and execution by external contractors."

• "How do you incorporate sustainability and healthy materials into your design process, and how do you communicate their value to stakeholders?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Pembroke Real Estate and this specific role, and how do your values align with our emphasis on excellence, integrity, and collaboration?"

• "How would you foster effective working relationships with development, marketing, and asset management teams in a matrixed global organization?"

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach due to cultural differences or specific market customs in an international project." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative, explaining the initial brief, the design challenges, your problem-solving approach, and the ultimate outcome.

• Process Visualization: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or annotated timelines to illustrate your design and project management processes.

• Highlight Impact: Clearly articulate the value your design brought to the project and its stakeholders. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., enhanced amenity appeal, successful marketing renderings).

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific technical aspects of your designs, material choices, and construction details.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview preparation points are tailored to the specific responsibilities and requirements of the Design Director role, focusing on areas like process, collaboration, and strategic thinking within the real estate development and operations context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director, Interiors position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that showcases 3-5 of your most impactful residential and commercial interior design projects. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your conceptual design skills, practical implementation abilities, proficiency in required software (AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Suite), and your process for managing projects from start to finish.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in real estate development, interior design management, cross-functional collaboration, and global project coordination. Use keywords found in the job description, such as "conceptual design," "practical implementation," "construction documents," "stakeholder communication," and specific software proficiencies.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to articulate your design philosophy, project methodologies, and how you contribute to value creation. Practice discussing specific examples of your work, focusing on your role, challenges, and outcomes. Be ready to discuss your experience with international projects and cultural awareness.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Pembroke Real Estate's portfolio, mission, and values. Understand their approach to placemaking and development. This will enable you to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.