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 / Architecture Operations

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative vision and execution of complex interior design projects across various sectors, including workplace, hospitality, residential, and mixed-use environments.

• Drive business development efforts, including proposals, client interviews, and strategic outreach to generate new project opportunities.

• Mentor and inspire multidisciplinary design and project teams, fostering a culture of design excellence, collaboration, and accountability.

• Serve as a primary design lead in client engagements, guiding vision, scope, and ensuring successful project delivery from concept to realization.

• Collaborate with firm leadership to align interior design direction with broader strategic, business, and sustainability goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within FXCollaborative's interiors practice, requiring a blend of strong design acumen, client relationship management, business development acumen, and team leadership. The "Operations" aspect for this role is deeply integrated into the management of design processes, project execution, and the strategic growth of the interiors division.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Leadership: Drive concept development through realization for complex interiors projects, shaping spatial strategies, material palettes, lighting, and FF&E with a distinct point of view and ensuring design excellence.

• Project Execution: Oversee the quality, timeliness, and client satisfaction of interiors projects, ensuring alignment between design ambition, client goals, budget, and schedule.

• Client Engagement: Act as the primary design liaison with clients, guiding vision, defining scope, and nurturing trusted relationships to identify opportunities for continuous collaboration and growth.

• Business Development: Contribute actively to business development initiatives, including crafting compelling proposals, participating in client interviews, and generating leads through networking and industry engagement.

• Team Mentorship & Development: Lead, mentor, and inspire design teams, providing guidance and growth opportunities for emerging designers and project leaders, and partnering with studio leadership on staffing and resource planning.

• Industry Influence: Promote and enhance the visibility of the firm’s interior practice through teaching, presentations, industry conferences, workshops, and panel discussions.

• Trend Translation: Stay abreast of industry trends, translating insights into forward-thinking design solutions that address client needs and market demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic operational focus on project delivery, client acquisition, and internal team development, all critical for the growth and efficiency of an architecture and design practice's interiors division.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• NCIDQ accreditation or architectural licensing is required.

Experience:

• 10–15+ years of progressive experience in interior design and/or interior architecture.

• Demonstrated success in leading complex, high-impact projects from initial concept through final completion.

Required Skills:

• Design Vision & Execution: Ability to lead creative vision and translate concepts into tangible, high-quality design solutions for diverse project types.

• Project Management: Expertise in project planning, scoping, budget adherence, and schedule management for complex interiors projects.

• Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong, trusted client relationships, influencing vision and ensuring satisfaction.

• Business Development Acumen: Experience in proposal development, client interviews, and proactive outreach to generate and secure new project opportunities.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Skill in leading, motivating, and developing multidisciplinary design teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and relevant visualization tools for design development and presentation.

• Design Fundamentals: Deep knowledge of programming, space planning, material selection, and construction methodologies.

• Consultant & Vendor Coordination: Experience effectively coordinating with consultants, vendors, and contractors throughout the project lifecycle.

Preferred Skills:

• Sustainable Design Expertise: Familiarity with LEED principles and sustainable design practices to integrate into project solutions.

• FF&E Expertise: Strong point of view and experience in shaping Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment selections.

• Strategic Planning: Ability to align design direction with broader firm-wide strategic and business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of creative leadership, technical execution, and business operational skills, aligning with the demands of a senior role in a design firm. The required NCIDQ or architectural license signifies a commitment to professional standards and operational rigor within the design field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5-7 complex interiors projects, demonstrating leadership from concept through completion.

• Highlight projects across diverse sectors such as workplace, hospitality, residential, and mixed-use environments.

• Include detailed examples of spatial strategies, material palettes, lighting concepts, and FF&E selections.

• Demonstrate clear articulation of design intent, client goals, budget, and schedule alignment for each project.

Process Documentation:

• Provide case studies or project summaries that illustrate your approach to:
  • Concept Development: How you generate and refine creative concepts.
  • Design Execution: Your methods for driving projects from ideation to realization.
  • Client Collaboration: Examples of engaging clients to guide vision and scope.
  • Team Leadership: How you mentor and manage multidisciplinary teams on projects.
  • Business Development: Examples of contributions to proposals or client outreach.
  • Technical Coordination: How you manage consultants, vendors, and contractors.

System Proficiency Showcase:

• Visual evidence or descriptions of your proficiency in key design software, specifically Revit, AutoCAD, and visualization tools.

• Examples of how these tools were leveraged to enhance design quality, efficiency, or client communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is critical. It serves as a tangible demonstration of the candidate's experience, design philosophy, and ability to manage complex projects and client relationships. The emphasis is on showcasing leadership and strategic thinking within the design operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Annual Salary: $160,000 - $175,000 USD

• Basis for Estimate: This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior Interior Design Directors in major metropolitan areas like New York City, considering the extensive experience required (10-15+ years), leadership responsibilities, and the firm's profile. It reflects the high demand for experienced design leaders who can drive both creative vision and business development in a competitive market.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or similar plan, potentially with employer matching.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Support for continuing education, accreditations (like LEED), and industry conference attendance.

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to balance on-site and remote work, promoting work-life integration.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security.

• Potential for Bonuses: Performance-based bonuses tied to individual, team, and firm success.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility often expected for client meetings and project deadlines.

• A hybrid work arrangement is offered, allowing for a blend of office-based collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is a conservative estimate for a Director-level position in New York City, reflecting significant experience and leadership duties. Benefits are typical for a firm of this size and industry, with a focus on professional growth and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Planning, and Design Consulting. FXCollaborative operates within the high-end commercial and institutional design sector, known for its focus on responsible, intelligent, and beautiful design.

Company Size: FXCollaborative is a well-established firm, likely falling into the medium to large-sized category for architecture and design practices (e.g., 50-200+ employees). This size typically allows for robust project teams, specialized expertise, and significant project capacity, while maintaining a collaborative and accessible culture.

Founded: FXCollaborative has a long history, evolving from the former Fox & Fowle Architects (founded in 1967). This legacy suggests a deep-rooted commitment to design excellence, innovation, and a strong understanding of the built environment.

Team Structure:

• The interiors practice operates as a key division within FXCollaborative, likely structured into studios or project teams based on sector (e.g., workplace, residential) or project type.

• The Interior Design Director will report to senior firm leadership (e.g., Principals, Partners) and will lead multiple project teams comprising designers, project managers, and technical staff.

Methodology:

• Holistic Design Approach: FXCollaborative emphasizes integrating client aspirations, urban context, and craftsmanship.

• Data-Informed Decision-Making: While design-driven, the firm likely utilizes data and research to inform spatial strategies, material choices, and sustainability initiatives.

• Process Optimization: Continuous effort is placed on refining workflows for efficiency, quality control, and client satisfaction across all project phases.

• Innovation & Research: A culture that encourages exploring new materials, technologies, and design methodologies to push creative boundaries.

Company Website: https://fxcollaborative.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding FXCollaborative's history, design philosophy, and operational scale is crucial for candidates. The firm's emphasis on responsible design and its legacy suggest a culture that values both innovation and robust execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design operations of FXCollaborative. It is a director-level role that combines significant creative responsibility with business development and team management functions. The scope extends beyond project-level execution to shaping the strategic direction and growth of the entire interiors practice.

Reporting Structure: The Interior Design Director will typically report to one or more Principals or Partners of FXCollaborative, indicating a high level of trust and strategic importance. They will, in turn, lead and mentor project teams and potentially other design leads.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is multifaceted. It directly influences the firm's revenue through business development and client acquisition, enhances its reputation through design excellence and innovation, and optimizes operational efficiency through effective project and team management. The Director's decisions shape the quality and success of a significant portion of the firm's project portfolio.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher executive roles within the firm, such as Partner or Head of Design, with broader strategic oversight.

• Practice Expansion: Opportunity to significantly shape and grow the interiors practice, potentially specializing in new sectors or developing new service offerings.

• Thought Leadership: Increased opportunities for public speaking, publishing, teaching, and contributing to the broader design discourse.

• Portfolio Diversification: Ability to influence and build a portfolio of highly impactful and innovative projects across various scales and typologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant career milestone, offering substantial influence and growth potential within a respected design firm. The emphasis is on strategic leadership and operational impact, rather than just project execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: FXCollaborative likely operates from a modern, well-equipped design studio. The environment is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction between different disciplines and project teams.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in Brooklyn, New York, a vibrant hub for design and creativity. The specific office location will be within a professional business district, easily accessible via public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project spaces designed to encourage teamwork and idea sharing among designers, architects, and planners.

• Technology Integration: Access to state-of-the-art hardware, software (Revit, AutoCAD, visualization tools), and digital collaboration platforms essential for design and project management.

• Inspiration & Resources: Likely features a materials library, resource center, and areas designed to inspire creative thinking and design exploration.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM or similar) are anticipated, with a 40-hour work week as the baseline.

• A hybrid work arrangement is offered, providing flexibility to work remotely on certain days, balanced with in-office days for critical team collaboration, client meetings, and studio engagement. This balance is key to maintaining team cohesion and operational effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is designed to support a hybrid model, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and client interaction with the flexibility of remote work, which is increasingly important for senior operational roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio by HR and design leadership to assess qualifications and alignment with the role.

• First Interview (Design Leadership): Discussion focused on design philosophy, project experience, creative vision, and leadership approach. Portfolio presentation is typically required here.

• Second Interview (Firm Leadership/Partners): Deeper dive into business development capabilities, strategic thinking, client relationship management, and cultural fit. May involve a more detailed portfolio walkthrough or case study discussion.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with potential direct reports and peers to assess collaboration style and team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Potential meeting with senior partners or principals to finalize hiring decisions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your leadership, design innovation, and ability to manage complex projects from concept to completion. Showcase diversity in project types (workplace, residential, hospitality, mixed-use).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's brief, your design process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the ultimate outcomes (both design and operational success).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, managing client relationships, and driving business development. Use "I" for your direct contributions and "we" for team efforts.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate how you utilized tools like Revit, AutoCAD, and visualization software to achieve design goals and solve problems.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics on budget adherence, schedule efficiency, client satisfaction, or project success.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure the portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Practice your presentation to deliver it concisely and compellingly.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to common design challenges, such as budget constraints, challenging site conditions, client feedback, and team conflicts.

• Prepare specific examples of how you have driven business development and secured new projects.

• Think about how you would articulate FXCollaborative's design philosophy and integrate it into your leadership approach.

• Understand the firm's recent projects and key clients to demonstrate genuine interest and research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Director role is rigorous, focusing on a candidate's ability to lead creatively, manage operations, and drive business growth. A well-prepared portfolio and thoughtful responses to strategic questions are paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design & Visualization Tools:

• Revit: Essential for BIM modeling, design development, documentation, and coordination. Proficiency in advanced Revit features for complex interior projects is expected.

• AutoCAD: Standard for 2D drafting, detailing, and complementary documentation.

• 3D Modeling Software: Proficiency in tools like SketchUp, Rhino, or similar for conceptual modeling and visualization.

• Rendering & Visualization Software: Experience with V-Ray, Lumion, Enscape, or similar for creating photorealistic renderings and immersive presentations.

Project Management & Collaboration Tools:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms like Procore, Asana, Monday.com, or similar for tracking project progress, managing tasks, and team coordination.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with cloud-based storage and collaboration platforms such as Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Sheets), Microsoft 365 (OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams), or similar for file sharing and version control.

• Communication Platforms: Proficient use of Slack, Microsoft Teams, or email for internal and external communication.

Business Development & CRM Tools:

• CRM Software: Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) for managing client relationships, tracking leads, and supporting business development efforts.

• Proposal Development Tools: Experience utilizing templates and software for creating professional proposals and presentations.

Sustainability & Analysis Tools:

• LEED Online (or similar): If involved in sustainable design projects, familiarity with platforms for tracking and documenting sustainability credits.

• Energy Modeling Software: Basic understanding or experience with tools used for analyzing building performance, if applicable to specific projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is heavily focused on design execution and project management. Proficiency in industry-standard BIM and visualization software is critical, alongside tools that support efficient project delivery and client communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A commitment to pushing creative boundaries and delivering high-quality, impactful design solutions.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and building long-term, trusted relationships through exceptional service and communication.

• Collaboration: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teamwork is central to project success.

• Innovation & Learning: Encouraging continuous learning, exploration of new ideas, and embracing new technologies and methodologies.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in design practice, business dealings, and team interactions.

• Sustainability: A dedication to responsible design that considers environmental impact and long-term viability.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Encouraging seamless collaboration between interior designers, architects, planners, and consultants to ensure cohesive project outcomes.

• Open Communication: Promoting transparency and active listening, ensuring all team members feel heard and valued.

• Feedback Culture: Establishing a constructive feedback loop for continuous improvement in design and project execution.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Actively encouraging senior staff to mentor junior team members and facilitating the sharing of best practices and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at FXCollaborative likely emphasizes a strong commitment to design quality, client satisfaction, and collaborative problem-solving, underpinned by ethical practices and a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client/Budgetary Constraints: Navigating the inherent tension between ambitious design concepts and the practical realities of client expectations, budgets, and schedules.

• Managing Diverse Project Portfolios: Effectively overseeing multiple complex projects across different sectors simultaneously, each with unique demands and stakeholders.

• Driving Business Development: Consistently generating and securing new high-caliber projects in a competitive market, requiring proactive outreach and strong relationship-building.

• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Inspiring and guiding a multidisciplinary team, fostering growth, and retaining top talent within the interiors practice.

• Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: Continuously adapting to evolving design aesthetics, technological advancements, material innovations, and sustainability best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Access to workshops and courses on emerging design trends, new software capabilities, and specialized design typologies.

• Business Development & Leadership Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in client relations, negotiation, strategic planning, and financial management.

• Industry Engagement: Support for attending and presenting at major design conferences (e.g., NeoCon, AIA Conference), fostering visibility and networking.

• Sustainability Certifications: Pursuing advanced LEED credentials or other sustainability accreditations to deepen expertise.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship opportunities with firm leadership to guide career progression and strategic development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges that require strategic thinking, leadership, and continuous learning within the dynamic field of interior design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading the creative vision for a complex interiors project, from initial concept to final realization, and how you ensure design excellence is maintained throughout."

• "Walk us through a successful business development initiative you led. What was your strategy, how did you engage potential clients, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you balance the artistic aspirations of interior design with practical constraints such as budget, schedule, and client requirements?"

• "Describe a time you had to manage a challenging client relationship. What steps did you take, and what was the resolution?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of FXCollaborative, how would you align your leadership style and design approach with our firm's values and methodology?"

• "What are your thoughts on the future of workplace design, hospitality, or residential interiors, and how would you champion innovation in these areas at FXCollaborative?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the client's problem, your strategic approach, your specific contributions as a leader, key design decisions, and the tangible results.

• Highlight Leadership: Use "I led," "I managed," "I developed" to showcase your direct impact. Frame team successes with "We achieved," "Our team delivered."

• Showcase Process & Tools: Briefly explain your design process and how tools like Revit and visualization software were integral to achieving project goals.

• Quantify Impact: Include metrics related to budget, schedule, client satisfaction, or post-occupancy success if available.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to be within the allotted time, focusing on key highlights and being prepared for in-depth questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, business acumen, and a deep understanding of design operations, client management, and team development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Interior Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the FXCollaborative careers portal at https://fxcollaborative.bamboohr.com/careers/.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate and tailor your digital portfolio to highlight 5-7 of your most impactful and relevant projects, focusing on leadership, complex project execution, and diverse sector experience. Ensure it visually demonstrates your design vision and technical proficiency.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 10-15+ years of experience, emphasizing leadership roles, business development achievements, project management successes, and technical skills (Revit, AutoCAD, etc.). Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio and preparing detailed answers to strategic questions about design leadership, client engagement, business development, and team management. Be ready to discuss your understanding of FXCollaborative's work and culture.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research FXCollaborative's recent projects, design philosophy, and stated values. Understand their approach to sustainability and urban planning to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

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