Interior Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Interior Design Director

Company: FXCollaborative

Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Interior Design Leadership / GTM Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-05-21

Experience Level: 15+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a dual-sector interior design practice, integrating FXCollaborative's architectural expertise with Lemay_id's hospitality focus to deliver exceptional residential, workplace, and hospitality environments.

• Drive strategic business development initiatives to originate, secure, and expand client opportunities across diverse market sectors.

• Champion a hospitality-driven design ethos, translating user experience and brand immersion principles across all project typologies.

• Build and mentor high-performing, integrated project teams, fostering a culture of design excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

• Shape the future of the practice through market positioning, client targeting, and thought leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is unique in its requirement to lead across two distinct but complementary entities (FXCollaborative and Lemay_id), necessitating a strong understanding of both architectural and hospitality design principles, as well as a strategic business development acumen to drive growth across these combined sectors. The "Director" title, coupled with the 15+ years of experience and business development responsibilities, strongly suggests a senior leadership role with significant P&L influence and practice-building expectations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Vision & Strategy: Act as a shared design leader across FXCollaborative and Lemay_id, establishing a unified design vision, ensuring quality standards, and driving design excellence across residential, workplace, and hospitality sectors.

• Cross-Sector Integration: Bridge residential, workplace, and hospitality design thinking, translating insights and best practices from each sector to create differentiated and best-in-class user experiences and spatial storytelling.

• Business Development & Client Engagement: Originate, secure, and lead new client opportunities, building and nurturing trusted client relationships to foster continuous collaboration and identify growth avenues. Partner with senior leadership to develop robust market strategies and lead high-impact pitches.

• Project Leadership: Lead complex, high-impact interior design projects from concept through completion, spanning workplace, hospitality, residential, and mixed-use typologies, ensuring concept rigor and experiential quality.

• Team Mentorship & Development: Build, lead, and mentor integrated project teams, fostering collaboration across geographies and disciplines. Cultivate a culture of design excellence, accountability, creativity, and cross-training to enhance sector fluency and team capabilities.

• Hospitality Integration: Champion and integrate hospitality principles—guest experience, storytelling, brand immersion—into workplace and residential design strategies, elevating user engagement and spatial narrative.

• Market Positioning: Collaborate with leadership from both firms to define joint growth strategies, refine market positioning, and identify targeted client segments for practice expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership, strategic business development, and operational project management. The emphasis on "bridging" design thinking between sectors and "championing a hospitality-driven approach" indicates a need for a visionary leader who can synthesize diverse design philosophies into a cohesive and marketable offering. The "entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build a practice" further underscores the strategic growth and development expectations beyond traditional design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related field.

• Architectural licensing or NCIDQ accreditation is a mandatory requirement.

• LEED accreditation or a strong interest in sustainable design is preferred, aligning with modern architectural practices. Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in interior design and/or interior architecture.

• Demonstrated success in leading complex, large-scale projects from initial concept development through to final completion.

• Proven experience in managing high-value client relationships and leading cross-functional project teams effectively.

• Expertise in project planning, scoping, proposal development, and budget management.

• Deep understanding of programming, space planning, material selection, and construction methodologies.

• Experience coordinating seamlessly with consultants, vendors, and contractors to ensure project success.

• Demonstrated success in leading mixed-use or experience-driven projects, showcasing an ability to create compelling environments.

• An entrepreneurial mindset, with a clear ability and desire to build and grow a practice, not just operate within an existing structure. Required Skills:

• Interior Design & Architecture: Comprehensive knowledge of design principles, aesthetics, and technical execution in interior design and architecture.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, from initiation to closeout, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.

• Business Development: Track record of originating new business, cultivating client relationships, and securing project opportunities.

• Client Relationship Management: Exceptional skills in building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships with diverse clientele.

• Revit & AutoCAD Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in industry-standard design software like Revit and AutoCAD for design documentation and coordination.

• Visualization Tools: Skill in using visualization tools to effectively communicate design concepts and proposals.

• Space Planning & Programming: Expertise in analyzing user needs, developing efficient space plans, and creating detailed program documents.

• Construction Methodologies: Thorough understanding of construction processes, materials, and best practices.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to inspire, guide, and develop design teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Strategic Planning: Capacity to contribute to and execute strategic business and market development plans.

Preferred Skills:

• Hospitality Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge and experience in designing for the hospitality sector.

• Workplace & Residential Design: Significant experience in designing for commercial workplaces and residential developments.

• Mixed-Use Project Leadership: Proven track record of successfully leading integrated mixed-use developments.

• Sustainable Design Principles: Familiarity with LEED standards and commitment to sustainable architectural practices.

• Industry Network: A strong existing network within real estate, corporate occupiers, hospitality operators, or developers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both architectural licensing OR NCIDQ accreditation is crucial for this role, indicating a need for formally recognized professional expertise in interior environments. The combination of deep design/technical skills with strong business development and leadership capabilities is the core expectation for this Director-level position. The "entrepreneurial mindset" is a key differentiator, signaling a desire for a candidate who can actively contribute to practice growth and strategic direction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Diversity Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating a breadth of experience across residential, workplace, and hospitality sectors, highlighting your ability to bridge these typologies.

• Concept to Completion: Evidence of leading complex projects from initial conceptualization through detailed design development, construction documentation, and site observation.

• Design Excellence & Innovation: Examples that clearly articulate your design vision, problem-solving capabilities, and innovative approaches to spatial design and user experience.

• Client & Stakeholder Impact: Case studies that illustrate successful client relationship management, effective stakeholder engagement, and the positive business impact of your design solutions.

• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrations of technical execution, including proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and visualization tools, as well as a strong understanding of construction methodologies.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of how you have designed, documented, and optimized interior design workflows to enhance efficiency, quality, and team collaboration.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Documentation illustrating effective collaboration with architectural teams, consultants, vendors, and contractors, showcasing process integration.

• Business Development Process: Evidence of your process for originating leads, developing proposals, conducting client interviews, and securing new business opportunities.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Examples of processes or frameworks you have used to mentor junior designers, foster skill development, and build cohesive project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the dual-sector nature of this role and the emphasis on business development, a portfolio should not only showcase design quality but also demonstrate a strategic approach to practice growth, client acquisition, and team leadership. Portfolio pieces should ideally highlight how design thinking translates into tangible business outcomes and enhanced user experiences, particularly where hospitality principles are integrated into workplace or residential settings.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Director-level Interior Design role with significant business development responsibilities in the New York City metropolitan area, the estimated salary range for this position is $160,000 - $175,000 per year. This estimate accounts for the extensive experience required (15+ years), the leadership scope across two firms, significant business development expectations, and the high cost of living in Brooklyn, NY.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, training, and conference attendance.

• LEED/NCIDQ Support: Potential reimbursement or support for maintaining professional accreditations.

• Hybrid Work Flexibility: Structured hybrid work model allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-sponsored life and long-term disability insurance.

Working Hours:

This is a full-time position with an expected commitment of approximately 40 hours per week. While a standard work week is expected, the hybrid arrangement and leadership responsibilities may require flexibility to meet project deadlines, client needs, and business development objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for senior-level design directors in major metropolitan areas. The specific compensation package will be determined by the candidate's experience, qualifications, and demonstrated ability to meet the business development and leadership expectations of this unique dual-firm role. The benefits package is typical for a firm of FXCollaborative's size and industry standing.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, and Urban Design. The firm also touches upon hospitality design through its partnership with Lemay_id.

Company Size: FXCollaborative is a well-established firm with a significant presence, likely employing over 100 professionals, indicating a robust organizational structure with established processes and opportunities for diverse project involvement.

Founded: FXCollaborative has a history rooted in architectural excellence, with its origins tracing back to the firm founded by Francis M. Inman in 1909, evolving through various iterations to its current form. This long legacy suggests a stable, experienced, and reputable organization with a deep understanding of design and urban development.

Team Structure:

• Dual-Firm Integration: This role operates within a unique structure, bridging FXCollaborative and Lemay_id. The Interior Design Director will collaborate closely with leadership from both entities.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect close partnerships with architectural teams, urban planners, and specialists within Lemay_id's hospitality arm.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The Director will likely report to senior leadership (e.g., Principals, Partners) within FXCollaborative and potentially a parallel leadership figure within Lemay_id, overseeing a dedicated team of interior designers.

Methodology:

• Holistic Design Approach: FXCollaborative emphasizes integrating client aspirations, urban sensibility, and craftsmanship across all scales of work.

• Experiential Design Focus: A key aspect of this role is championing a hospitality-driven approach, focusing on user experience, brand immersion, and spatial storytelling.

• Responsible & Intelligent Design: Commitment to sustainable practices and thoughtful, client-centric solutions.

• Data-Informed Strategy: While not explicitly stated for this role, the "intelligent design" aspect suggests an underlying approach that leverages data and insights to inform strategic decisions and design outcomes.

Company Website: https://fxcollaborative.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The partnership with Lemay_id is a critical differentiator for this role, indicating a strategic move to expand offerings into the hospitality sector and infuse hospitality principles into other design typologies. This requires a leader who can navigate and integrate two distinct firm cultures and operational approaches. The firm's long history implies a stable environment with a strong foundation in design principles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, functioning as a Director. It signifies a pivotal role in shaping design strategy, driving business growth, and cultivating talent within the interior design practice of both FXCollaborative and Lemay_id. The responsibilities extend beyond project management to include practice development and market leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Director will report to senior leadership figures within FXCollaborative and potentially a counterpart at Lemay_id. They will, in turn, lead and mentor a team of interior designers and project managers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.

Operations Impact: The Interior Design Director will have a substantial impact on revenue generation through business development efforts, practice expansion, and securing high-value client projects. Their leadership in design excellence and client satisfaction will directly influence the firm's reputation and market competitiveness, particularly in the expanding dual-sector practice.

Growth Opportunities:

• Practice Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow the dual-sector practice significantly, taking on greater strategic and P&L responsibilities.

• Thought Leadership: Opportunity to become a recognized voice in the industry, contributing to publications, speaking at conferences, and shaping design discourse, especially at the intersection of hospitality, workplace, and residential design.

• Mentorship & Talent Development: Developing and nurturing a team of future design leaders, creating a legacy of excellence within the firm.

• Cross-Firm Influence: Gaining broader influence and visibility across both FXCollaborative and Lemay_id, potentially leading to opportunities for broader leadership roles within the combined entities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "entrepreneurial mindset" requirement points to a significant growth trajectory for this role. Candidates are expected to not just manage but actively build and scale the interior design practice, especially in the integrated residential, workplace, and hospitality space. This offers a unique opportunity for a leader looking to make a substantial impact on a firm's strategic direction and market presence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is based in a hybrid work environment, requiring a balance between in-office presence for collaboration and client meetings, and remote work flexibility. The office is located in Brooklyn, New York.

Office Location(s): The primary office is situated in Brooklyn, New York, a vibrant urban hub offering accessibility and a dynamic professional setting.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, likely featuring open studio spaces, meeting rooms, and presentation areas conducive to team interaction and client engagements.

• Technology-Rich: Expect access to industry-standard design software and hardware, supporting advanced visualization and project management capabilities.

• Cross-Disciplinary Interaction: The Brooklyn office likely houses a diverse range of professionals from architecture, interiors, planning, and potentially other disciplines, facilitating rich cross-functional dialogue and idea exchange.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, generally adhering to a standard 40-hour work week. However, given the leadership and business development aspects, flexibility will be essential to accommodate client demands, project deadlines, and strategic initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a modern work approach, balancing in-person collaboration critical for design ideation and team building with the flexibility offered by remote work. The Brooklyn location places the role within a significant design and business hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the hiring team to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• First Round Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or senior leader, focusing on your experience, design philosophy, leadership style, and initial understanding of business development. Expect questions about your approach to bridging different design sectors.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A dedicated session where you will present a curated selection of your work, focusing on key projects that demonstrate your expertise in residential, workplace, and hospitality design, as well as your business development successes. You may be asked to walk through specific case studies illustrating your process and impact.

• Second Round/Final Interview: Meetings with principals or partners of FXCollaborative and potentially leadership from Lemay_id. This stage will delve deeper into your strategic vision, leadership capabilities, entrepreneurial mindset, and cultural fit. Expect discussions on market strategy and practice growth.

• Reference Checks: Professional references will be contacted to validate your experience and performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select projects that specifically showcase your leadership in interior design, your experience across residential, workplace, and hospitality sectors, and any business development successes.

• Highlight Dual-Sector Integration: Clearly articulate how you have successfully blended design principles or project types from different sectors.

• Demonstrate Business Acumen: Include examples of how you have originated business, managed client relationships, and contributed to practice growth. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., revenue generated, client retention rates).

• Storytelling is Key: For each project, go beyond visuals. Explain the client's challenge, your design strategy, the collaborative process, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio visually or verbally communicates your proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and visualization tools, as well as your understanding of construction.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your portfolio in a clear, organized, and engaging manner. Be prepared to discuss each element in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Business Development Scenarios: Be ready to discuss your approach to identifying and pursuing new client opportunities, developing proposals, and pitching to potential clients.

• Design Leadership Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you foster design excellence, mentor teams, and navigate creative challenges within a project.

• Strategic Vision: Articulate your vision for growing an integrated interior design practice across residential, workplace, and hospitality sectors.

• Industry Trends: Be knowledgeable about current trends and future directions in interior design, particularly concerning user experience, sustainability, and the evolving needs of workplace and residential environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily emphasize both design leadership and business development capabilities. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just their design talent but also their strategic thinking, entrepreneurial drive, and ability to generate revenue and grow a practice. The portfolio review will be a critical component, requiring a strategic selection of work that aligns with the specific demands of this dual-sector leadership role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for BIM (Building Information Modeling), design documentation, collaboration, and coordination. Advanced proficiency is expected for leading complex projects.

• AutoCAD: Critical for 2D drafting, detailed drawings, and coordination with consultants.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign): For visual presentations, graphic design elements in proposals, and image manipulation.

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): For project documentation, financial analysis, and client presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Likely tools for tracking project progress, budgets, and timelines (e.g., Procore, MS Project, or similar).

• CRM System: For managing client relationships, tracking leads, and business development activities. While not explicitly stated, a CRM is vital for this role's BD expectations.

• Financial Reporting Tools: For understanding project profitability and contributing to practice financial health.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot): To manage business development pipeline, client communications, and track outreach efforts crucial for originating new opportunities.

• Presentation Software: Tools for creating compelling pitches and client presentations (e.g., Keynote, Prezi, or advanced PowerPoint skills).

• Visualization Software: Tools such as SketchUp, 3ds Max, V-Ray, Lumion, or Enscape for creating realistic renderings and visualizations to communicate design intent.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD is non-negotiable, given the technical demands of architectural and interior design. The emphasis on business development implies a need for strong skills in CRM and presentation tools, as these are directly tied to originating and securing new projects. While specific CRM or PM software isn't named, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with relevant systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A commitment to pushing creative boundaries and delivering high-quality, innovative design solutions that exceed client expectations and industry standards.

• Collaboration & Integration: Fostering a partnership mentality, encouraging open communication and cross-disciplinary teamwork across FXCollaborative and Lemay_id, and with clients and consultants.

• Client Focus & Partnership: Building enduring relationships based on trust, understanding client needs deeply, and acting as a strategic partner in their success.

• Responsibility & Sustainability: Dedication to creating responsible, intelligent, and contextually appropriate designs that consider environmental impact and long-term value.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouraging proactive problem-solving, initiative, and a drive to build and grow the practice, embracing challenges as opportunities.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: Emphasis on building cohesive project teams that leverage the diverse skills and perspectives of individuals across FXCollaborative and Lemay_id.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Cultivating an environment where ideas are freely shared, constructive feedback is welcomed, and continuous improvement is a shared goal.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values the development of its team members, with senior staff actively mentoring junior designers and sharing expertise across disciplines.

• Client-Centric Approach: All collaborations are ultimately driven by the goal of delivering exceptional value and successful outcomes for clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The integration of hospitality principles suggests a culture that values exceptional user experience, attention to detail, and creating memorable environments. The "entrepreneurial spirit" and "responsibility" values point to a dynamic and forward-thinking organization that is both growth-oriented and mindful of its impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Dual Sectors: Consistently integrating and translating design thinking and operational approaches between FXCollaborative's architectural focus and Lemay_id's hospitality expertise, ensuring a coherent brand and service offering.

• Practice Growth & Origination: The significant responsibility of originating new business and building a dual-sector practice requires proactive business development, networking, and strategic client acquisition in competitive markets.

• Team Integration & Mentorship: Leading and mentoring diverse teams across different disciplines and potentially geographies, fostering a unified culture of excellence and collaboration.

• Balancing Design & Business: Effectively managing the demands of creative design leadership with the strategic imperatives of business development and practice management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Practice Development: Gaining hands-on experience in shaping and growing a design practice, developing expertise in market strategy, client targeting, and business operations.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Deepening knowledge and application of hospitality design principles within workplace and residential contexts, and vice versa, fostering a unique skill set.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Developing advanced leadership and team-building capabilities through direct responsibility for mentoring and guiding a design team.

• Industry Influence: Opportunities to enhance professional profile through thought leadership, speaking engagements, and contributing to the firm's market positioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the successful execution of the dual-sector strategy. This requires a leader who can effectively synthesize different design philosophies and operational models while driving business growth. The growth opportunities are substantial for someone looking to make a significant mark on a firm's strategic direction and market expansion.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to integrating hospitality principles into workplace and residential design. Can you provide an example?" (Focus on user experience, storytelling, brand immersion).

• "How would you define and execute a growth strategy for a dual-sector interior design practice (residential, workplace, hospitality) in the New York market?" (Emphasize market analysis, client targeting, lead generation).

• "Walk us through a complex project you led from concept to completion that involved multiple stakeholders and required significant technical expertise. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight project management, problem-solving, stakeholder communication). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to FXCollaborative and Lemay_id, and how do you see your leadership style fitting into our culture?" (Research firm values, history, and recent projects; articulate alignment).

• "How do you foster a culture of design excellence and accountability within a design team, particularly in a hybrid work environment?" (Discuss mentorship, feedback, performance management, collaboration).

• "How do you measure the success of your design projects and your business development efforts?" (Focus on metrics like client satisfaction, ROI, revenue growth, project profitability, design awards). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation around a compelling narrative that showcases your journey, your core philosophy, and your ability to deliver impact.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, present tangible results. This could include client testimonials, revenue generated from repeat business, efficiency gains from space planning, or user satisfaction metrics.

• Demonstrate Business Acumen: Clearly articulate your role in business development, client acquisition, and practice growth for each relevant project or case study.

• Showcase Dual-Sector Fluency: Explicitly highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to blend residential, workplace, and hospitality design expertise, or your strategic thinking in approaching these sectors.

• Engage and Interact: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your design choices, your leadership decisions, and your business development strategies. Treat it as a collaborative discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating a clear vision for the integrated practice, demonstrating a strong track record in both design leadership and business development, and showcasing an entrepreneurial mindset. Be ready to discuss specific examples that illustrate your ability to "build a practice."

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Interior Design Director position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link on the FXCollaborative careers portal to submit your application. Ensure all required fields are completed accurately.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your leadership in interior design, your experience across residential, workplace, and hospitality sectors, and any contributions to business development or practice growth. Focus on projects that highlight your ability to blend these typologies.

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to prominently feature your 15+ years of experience, architectural licensing or NCIDQ accreditation, and specific achievements in project leadership, business development, and team management. Use keywords from the job description such as "Interior Architecture," "Business Development," "Hospitality Design," "Workplace Design," and "Practice Growth."

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, ensuring you can clearly articulate your design philosophy, project strategies, and business development successes within a concise timeframe. Be ready to discuss your proposed approach to growing the dual-sector practice.

• Research FXCollaborative & Lemay_id: Thoroughly understand the firms' design philosophies, current projects, and market positioning. Consider how your vision aligns with their strategic goals, particularly concerning the integration of hospitality principles and the expansion of their dual-sector practice.

⚠️ 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.