Design Manager | Workplace Interiors

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager | Workplace Interiors

Company: Corgan

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Interior Design & Architecture Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-07T04:31:59.485

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead innovative design concept development and client vision realization for complex workplace interiors projects.

• Drive the end-to-end project delivery lifecycle, ensuring design integrity from initial concept through construction and completion.

• Curate and specify materials, finishes, furnishings, and details, balancing aesthetic integrity with operational efficiency.

• Mentor and foster a collaborative, creative culture within a talented team of interior designers.

• Collaborate strategically with architects, consultants, and brand strategists to deliver cohesive and impactful spatial experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level Design Manager within Corgan's Workplace Interiors Studio, indicating a significant leadership and strategic responsibility beyond typical design execution. The emphasis on "operational excellence" suggests a need to integrate functional and business requirements into the design process, a key aspect of operations-focused roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the conceptualization and development of design narratives for a diverse portfolio of workplace interiors projects.

• Translate client visions and strategic objectives into inspired, buildable, and innovative design solutions.

• Meticulously select and curate materials, finishes, furnishings (FF&E), and architectural details that align with design integrity and operational requirements.

• Provide strong leadership and mentorship to a team of Project Designers, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Confidently lead and deliver compelling design presentations to clients and stakeholders, articulating a clear design point of view and strategic rationale.

• Oversee and manage the comprehensive project delivery process, ensuring that the design intent is accurately translated through documentation, construction administration, and final completion.

• Foster robust collaboration with architectural teams, specialized consultants, brand strategists, and other cross-functional partners to ensure seamless and cohesive project outcomes.

• Actively engage with the broader design community, industry associations, and potential clients to build relationships, identify new business opportunities, and represent Corgan.

• Serve as an internal subject matter expert on major building systems, conveying this knowledge effectively to project teams and contributing to robust design solutions.

• Direct and oversee the work of Project Designers and junior staff, ensuring quality, efficiency, and adherence to project objectives and firm standards.

• Demonstrate deep knowledge of material resources, their properties, and strategic application within workplace environments.

• Drive the production of high-quality design documentation, including conceptual designs, visual representations, material schedules, and budget adherence.

• Cultivate project success through advanced design thinking, strategic planning, rigorous facility requirements analysis, innovative conceptual design, and effective systems integration.

• Possess and apply exceptional programming and strategic planning skills to define project scope, functional needs, and long-term operational goals.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, professional practice standards, regulatory requirements, construction methodologies, and evolving issues impacting workplace design.

• Inspire and motivate Project Designers and the broader design team, contributing to the firm's practice growth and talent development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities list emphasizes a blend of creative leadership and project management, aligning with operations principles of structured execution and stakeholder alignment. The mention of "operational excellence" and "facility requirements analysis" directly points to the need for candidates to understand and integrate the functional and business aspects of interior design, a core tenet of operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or Architecture.

Experience: 10+ years of progressive interior design experience, with a strong preference for specialized experience in workplace interiors design.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated excellence in concept development and design narrative creation for complex projects.

• Proven ability to partner effectively with clients, understand their vision, and translate it into impactful design solutions.

• Expertise in curating and specifying materials, finishes, furnishings (FF&E), and architectural details with a focus on design integrity and operational efficiency.

• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities, with a track record of motivating and developing design teams.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts with clarity, confidence, and a compelling point of view.

• Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage complex projects, timelines, budgets, and client relationships effectively.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, specifically Revit.

• Familiarity with FF&E selection processes, detailing, and documentation.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Interest in and understanding of sustainable design principles and innovative design approaches. Preferred Skills:

• Professional registration (e.g., NCIDQ, AIA) is preferred.

• Active participation and leadership within outside design organizations, professional groups, or industry events.

• Experience with programming and strategic planning for large-scale workplace environments.

• Deep understanding of major building systems and their integration into interior design.

• Experience with brand strategy integration into interior design solutions.

• Familiarity with advanced design visualization tools beyond Revit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly indicate a senior role requiring significant experience and leadership. The emphasis on "operational excellence," "facility requirements analysis," and "building systems" suggests that candidates with a strong understanding of the practical, functional, and business-oriented aspects of design, in addition to creative talent, will be most competitive.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing design excellence from concept ideation through to final realization and built environments.

• Specific examples demonstrating expertise in workplace interiors, highlighting innovative solutions and strategic design thinking.

• Case studies that illustrate the candidate's ability to integrate client vision with buildable design, material curation, and operational considerations.

• Evidence of leadership and mentorship through team project contributions or direct team management examples.

• Documentation of successful client presentations, showcasing communication clarity and strategic rationale. Process Documentation:

• Examples of design process methodologies, including concept development workflows, material selection matrices, and detailed specification documentation.

• Documentation illustrating how design intent is carried through project phases, from initial design to construction administration and completion.

• Case studies detailing the collaboration process with architects, consultants, and brand strategists to achieve cohesive project outcomes.

• Demonstrations of how building systems knowledge is integrated into the design process and communicated to project teams.

• Samples of programming and strategic planning documentation for facility requirements analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio that demonstrates "design excellence - from concept to realization" and "deep understanding of how design enhances the guest experience and brand identity" strongly suggests that candidates should prepare to showcase projects that not only look good but also function effectively and align with business objectives. For operations-focused candidates, this means highlighting the strategic and functional impact of their design choices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $135,000 annually (Boston locations only).

Benefits:

• Corgan offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' well-being and professional development.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their dependents.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

• Opportunities for professional development, including continued education, training programs, and industry conference attendance.

• Access to innovative design tools and technologies within a collaborative work environment.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit sharing, reflecting contributions to firm success.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday during standard business hours. This is a designated full-time, on-site position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to Boston. For operations professionals, understanding the total compensation package, including benefits and opportunities for professional growth, is crucial for evaluating an offer. The emphasis on work-life balance and professional growth aligns with expectations for senior operations roles that require significant dedication.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Interior Design, and Planning Services. Corgan operates within the competitive AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry, focusing on creating innovative and functional spaces for clients across various sectors, including workplace design.

Company Size: Corgan is a large, established firm. While specific numbers aren't provided in the raw data, the description implies a significant organizational structure with multiple studios and a broad reach, suggesting a robust internal support system for operations.

Founded: Corgan has a long history, implying a stable and experienced organization with established processes and a strong legacy in design. This stability often translates to well-defined operational frameworks and career paths.

Team Structure:

• The Workplace Interiors Studio is a specialized unit within Corgan, likely comprising a dedicated team of designers, project managers, and support staff focused on corporate and commercial interior spaces.

• The role reports to the Design Director, indicating a hierarchical structure where senior leadership guides strategic design direction.

• Close collaboration is expected with architects, consultants, and brand strategists, underscoring a cross-functional operational model. Methodology:

• Corgan emphasizes a "curious, passionate, hardworking" team, suggesting a culture that values drive, innovation, and collaboration.

• The firm promotes "great design" and "building each other," highlighting a commitment to both design excellence and employee development.

• The design approach incorporates innovation tools and aims for "operational excellence," indicating a structured and efficient methodology.

Company Website: http://www.corgan.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Corgan's emphasis on "camaraderie and collaboration," "curiosity and creativity," and a "welcoming and supportive environment" suggests a culture where operational efficiency is balanced with a positive employee experience. For operations professionals, this implies an environment that values teamwork, continuous learning, and the integration of best practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as a senior-level "Design Manager" within the Workplace Interiors Studio. It signifies a leadership role responsible for guiding design strategy, managing project teams, and ensuring the successful execution of complex projects. In an operations context, this translates to managing significant workflows, resources, and stakeholder relationships.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Design Director, indicating a clear line of accountability and a role that contributes to higher-level strategic design initiatives. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance from experienced leadership.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a critical role in shaping the built environment for clients, directly impacting their brand identity, employee experience, and operational efficiency. Successful design execution leads to client satisfaction, repeat business, and enhanced firm reputation, all key operational success metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Opportunity to deepen expertise in workplace interiors, becoming a recognized leader within the studio and firm, potentially progressing to Design Director or Studio Principal roles.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in sustainable design, innovative technologies, and advanced design methodologies through firm-provided training and industry engagement.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Exposure to diverse project types and collaboration with various disciplines (architecture, branding, etc.) broadens operational understanding and strategic perspective.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Develop leadership and team management skills by mentoring junior designers, fostering talent, and contributing to a positive team culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Manager" title, coupled with responsibilities like leading concept development, managing projects, and mentoring teams, positions this role as a key operational leader within the design function. The growth opportunities highlight paths for both technical specialization and broader leadership development, common in high-impact operations roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an in-office position at Corgan's Boston location, emphasizing a traditional collaborative workspace.

Office Location(s): Boston, Massachusetts. This location likely offers access to a vibrant professional community and opportunities for networking within the design and business sectors.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The description highlights camaraderie and collaboration, suggesting an open and interactive workspace designed to foster teamwork and idea exchange among designers and project teams.

• Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to industry-standard design tools, with a specific mention of Revit, indicating a commitment to providing the necessary technology for high-quality design and project execution.

• Team Interaction: The role involves constant interaction with a talented team of designers, consultants, and clients, promoting a dynamic and engaging work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The role requires full-time, on-site attendance Monday through Friday during standard business hours (approximately 40 hours per week). Regular, reliable attendance is considered an essential function of the position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement and emphasis on collaboration indicate a traditional office environment. For operations professionals, this means being part of a team that values in-person interaction, knowledge sharing, and direct contribution to project workflows within a structured setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Portfolio Submission: Submit your resume and a portfolio demonstrating design excellence, concept realization, and operational considerations. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your leadership and client management experience.

• Screening Interview: A preliminary discussion, likely with HR or a hiring manager, to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit with Corgan's values.

• Design & Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on your design process, project experience, technical skills (e.g., Revit proficiency), and ability to manage projects and teams. Expect questions about your approach to concept development, material selection, and operational integration.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where you will present key projects from your portfolio, elaborating on your role, design strategy, challenges overcome, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss how your designs achieve "operational excellence."

• Stakeholder/Leadership Interview: Meeting with senior leadership, potentially including the Design Director or Studio Principal, to discuss strategic thinking, leadership style, and long-term career aspirations within Corgan.

• Final Offer: Extension of an offer based on successful completion of all interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your expertise in workplace interiors, leadership, and ability to deliver "operational excellence." Highlight projects that demonstrate your full design process, from concept to completion.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's vision, your role, the design challenges, your strategic approach, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., improved functionality, enhanced user experience, cost efficiencies).

• Highlight Operations Impact: Specifically call out how your design decisions contributed to operational efficiency, client satisfaction, or brand alignment. Use data and metrics where possible to demonstrate ROI.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you've mentored junior designers, managed project teams, or led client presentations.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your proficiency in Revit and your understanding of FF&E selection and detailing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you have led design teams, managed complex projects, and navigated challenging client relationships.

• Anticipate questions about your approach to sustainable design, innovation, and integrating building systems into your designs.

• Practice articulating your design philosophy and how it aligns with Corgan's values of collaboration, curiosity, and creativity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "operational excellence" within the portfolio review suggests candidates should prepare to showcase projects where design directly contributed to functional improvements or cost efficiencies, rather than solely aesthetic achievements. This is a key differentiator for operations-minded candidates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for architectural design, modeling, and documentation. Fluency is a core requirement.

• FF&E Software: Various software and databases are likely used for selecting, specifying, and managing Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment.

• Project Management Software: Tools for task management, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Monday.com, or internal Corgan systems).

• Design Visualization Tools: Potentially including rendering software (e.g., 3ds Max, V-Ray, Lumion) or other platforms for creating compelling visual presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Budgeting & Cost Management Tools: Software for tracking project budgets, managing expenses, and forecasting costs.

• Performance Metrics Tracking: While not explicitly stated, ability to track and report on design project KPIs (e.g., on-time delivery, within-budget completion, client satisfaction scores) is implied.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not direct operations tools for this role, understanding how design projects interface with client relationship management systems at a higher level may be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how design processes can be streamlined through automation, though direct responsibility for implementing such systems may lie with other operational teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Revit and FF&E selection indicates the core technical requirements. For operations-minded candidates, demonstrating proficiency in project management tools and an understanding of how design processes integrate with broader business systems (like CRM or financial tracking) will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A core commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and aesthetically compelling design solutions.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnership to achieve project goals.

• Curiosity & Creativity: Encouraging a mindset of exploration, continuous learning, and pushing creative boundaries.

• Operational Excellence: Integrating functional requirements, buildability, and client business objectives into the design process for efficient and effective outcomes.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, building strong relationships through responsive service and impactful design.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in all professional interactions and project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactive engagement with architects, consultants, brand strategists, and project managers to ensure seamless project delivery.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture where senior designers actively mentor junior staff, and knowledge is shared freely to foster collective growth and best practices.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Openness to constructive feedback on designs and processes, using it to refine solutions and enhance team performance.

• Strategic Partnership: Working collaboratively with clients not just as a service provider, but as a strategic partner invested in their business success through thoughtful design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Corgan's stated values—camaraderie, collaboration, curiosity, creativity, and a passion for great design—are foundational. For operations professionals, interpreting these values through the lens of process efficiency, stakeholder management, and a data-informed approach to design decisions will be key. The emphasis on "operational excellence" directly aligns with the core objectives of many GTM and RevOps roles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Operational Constraints: Effectively translating innovative design concepts into buildable solutions that meet project budgets, timelines, and functional requirements. This requires strong problem-solving skills and an understanding of construction and material limitations.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating the needs and priorities of various clients, internal teams, consultants, and regulatory bodies to ensure project alignment and satisfaction.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends and Technologies: Continuously evolving design approaches and integrating new materials, technologies, and sustainable practices into projects while maintaining design integrity.

• Leading and Motivating Teams: Inspiring and guiding a team of designers, fostering a positive and productive work environment, and ensuring consistent quality and delivery across multiple projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques & Software: Opportunities to master new design software, visualization tools, and advanced modeling techniques.

• Sustainable Design Certification: Pursuing certifications such as LEED or WELL to deepen expertise in sustainable building practices.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Attending industry events (e.g., NeoCon, AIA Conferences) to stay abreast of trends, network with peers, and gain insights into new materials and technologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal or informal training in management, team leadership, client relations, and strategic planning to enhance career progression.

• Cross-Studio Collaboration: Gaining exposure to other studios within Corgan to understand different design disciplines and operational approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior design roles and require a blend of creative acumen and strong operational management skills. The growth opportunities are designed to enhance both technical design expertise and leadership capabilities, aligning with career paths in operations that involve strategic oversight and team development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's ambitious design vision with significant budget or construction constraints. How did you navigate this and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, negotiation, and operational feasibility).

• "Walk us through your process for developing a design narrative for a workplace interiors project. How do you ensure it aligns with the client's brand and operational goals?" (Assess strategic thinking and narrative development).

• "How do you approach mentoring and developing junior designers on your team? Provide an example of how you've fostered growth and supported a team member's success." (Evaluate leadership and team-building skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Corgan's approach to design and its culture of collaboration and curiosity?" (Demonstrate research and cultural alignment).

• "How do you see your role contributing to Corgan's commitment to 'operational excellence' in workplace interiors?" (Connect your skills to the firm's stated operational focus).

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive team dynamic." (Assess fit with Corgan's collaborative culture). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your career and core strengths. For each project, clearly state the project type, client, your role, the key challenges, your design strategy, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., client satisfaction, efficiency gains, project completion metrics).

• Highlight Operational Impact: Explicitly detail how your design choices addressed functional needs, improved user experience, or contributed to the client's operational efficiency. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Showcase instances where you led a team, managed client relationships, or presented complex design concepts persuasively.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your specific contributions using Revit and your FF&E selection process.

• Conciseness: Aim for approximately 5-7 minutes per project to allow for discussion and questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: When preparing for this interview, focus on framing your design experience through an operational lens. Highlight projects where your design solutions directly contributed to business objectives, efficiency, or improved user workflows, rather than solely focusing on aesthetic achievements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent design position:

• Submit your application, including your resume and a comprehensive portfolio, through Corgan's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to emphasize workplace interiors projects. Clearly articulate your role in concept development, material curation, project leadership, and how your designs achieved "operational excellence."

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume highlights your 10+ years of experience, proficiency in Revit, leadership skills, and any experience in sustainable design or innovation. Use keywords from the job description such as "Workplace Interiors," "Concept Development," "Project Delivery," and "Client Relationship Management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership style, and problem-solving abilities, with a specific focus on how you integrate functional and operational requirements into design solutions. Prepare to discuss case studies that demonstrate your impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Corgan's portfolio, values, and recent projects. Understand their emphasis on collaboration, curiosity, and operational excellence to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.