Interior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Interior Design Manager

Company: Colliers Engineering & Design

Location: Rochester, New York, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Management / Operations

Date Posted: March 27, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Manages and leads the interior design process from schematic design through design development, ensuring client satisfaction and adherence to project scope.

• Oversees programming, space planning, and the selection of materials and furniture, translating client needs into functional and aesthetically pleasing environments.

• Develops compelling graphic narratives and client presentations utilizing advanced design software and strong visualization skills.

• Coordinates closely with internal engineering disciplines (MEP, Structural) to ensure integrated design solutions and compliance with building codes.

• Provides mentorship and scheduling for design staff, fostering a collaborative and efficient team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Interior Design Manager," the responsibilities and required software proficiency (Revit, Sketchup, Enscape, Indesign) strongly suggest a role that bridges design execution with project management and team leadership, often found within operations-focused design departments in larger engineering or A&E firms. The emphasis on coordinating with engineers, QAQC, and construction administration phases indicates a need for strong process management and operational oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead clients through the comprehensive interior design process, facilitating weekly virtual review sessions to ensure alignment and address feedback.

• Conduct thorough programming and space planning exercises to define project requirements and optimize layouts for functionality and user experience.

• Develop and present detailed three-dimensional designs, including material palettes, furniture selections, and custom millwork, to effectively communicate design intent.

• Create compelling graphic narratives and client presentations that articulate design concepts, material choices, and project vision.

• Collaborate with internal MEP and Structural Engineering teams to integrate building systems seamlessly with interior design elements and ensure constructability.

• Perform weekly Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QAQC) reviews of design documents and deliverables to maintain high standards and identify potential issues.

• Assist in the creation of comprehensive construction drawing sets, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to project specifications.

• Review shop drawings and respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) during the construction administration phase, resolving site-related design queries.

• Mentor junior design staff, providing guidance on design principles, software proficiency, and project execution best practices.

• Manage the scheduling of design staff to ensure optimal resource allocation and timely project delivery.

• Conduct thorough manufacturer research to identify and specify appropriate materials, finishes, and furniture solutions that meet project requirements and budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities extend beyond typical design tasks to include significant operational aspects such as QAQC, construction administration support, staff scheduling, and mentoring. This indicates a need for a candidate who can manage processes and people effectively, not just execute design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Revit, Sketchup, and Adobe Creative Suite (specifically InDesign and Enscape).

• Design Fundamentals: Deep understanding of programming, space planning, three-dimensional design principles, and material palette development.

• Presentation & Communication: Proven ability to develop and deliver compelling graphic narratives and client presentations, articulating design concepts clearly and persuasively.

• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with health and building codes, as well as accessibility analysis and standards.

• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with internal engineering teams (MEP, Structural) and external stakeholders.

• Project Lifecycle Understanding: Experience across the full design project lifecycle, including construction drawing set creation and construction administration support (RFI, Shop Drawing review).

• Leadership & Mentorship: Experience in mentoring junior design staff and managing project schedules.

• Language: Ability to read, write, and understand English for effective communication.

Preferred Skills:

• NCIDQ certification.

• Experience with Enscape for advanced rendering and visualization.

• Familiarity with manufacturer research and specification processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for proficiency in Revit, Sketchup, Enscape, and InDesign, coupled with 10-15+ years of experience, positions this role at a senior level. The inclusion of "Manager" in the title and responsibilities like mentoring and scheduling strongly suggests a need for leadership and operational management capabilities in addition to design expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Process: Showcase a clear, step-by-step approach to the design process, from initial client engagement and programming through schematic design, design development, and final documentation. Highlight how you translate conceptual ideas into tangible design solutions.

• Software Utilization: Demonstrate exceptional proficiency in Revit, Sketchup, Enscape, and InDesign through project examples. Illustrate how these tools were leveraged for complex modeling, rendering, and presentation creation.

• Collaboration & Coordination: Include case studies that highlight your ability to coordinate design efforts with engineering disciplines (MEP, Structural) and manage interdisciplinary workflows.

• Problem-Solving & Impact: Present examples of how you have addressed design challenges, improved spatial functionality, or achieved specific client objectives through innovative design solutions and material selections. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., improved workflow efficiency, enhanced user experience).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Provide examples of how you have documented and optimized design workflows to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure consistency across projects.

• Presentation Development: Detail your process for developing client presentations, including narrative structure, visual content selection, and delivery strategies, especially for virtual environments.

• Code & Standard Compliance: Illustrate your systematic approach to ensuring design compliance with health, building, and accessibility codes, including how you integrate this into the design and review phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Manager" title and the emphasis on process (QAQC, construction admin, scheduling), a portfolio that demonstrates not just design output but also process management and leadership is crucial. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their methodologies for managing design projects and teams.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $95,000 to $123,500 per year (depending on qualifications)

Benefits:

• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Paid pregnancy disability leave.

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Life insurance.

• Company-matched 401(k)/Roth retirement plan.

• Generous paid time off, including parental and military leave.

• Employee referral bonuses.

• Professional license bonuses.

• Straight time policy for billable hours worked in excess of 40 for exempt employees.

• Reimbursement for education.

• Free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses.

• Mentorship program.

• Wellness program.

• Participation in Women's Organization.

Working Hours:

• The position is full-time, typically considered 40 hours per week, with a policy in place to compensate exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 within a work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined. The benefits package is extensive, covering health, retirement, time off, and professional development, indicating a company that invests in its employees' well-being and growth. The "straight time policy" for billable hours is a notable benefit for those who consistently exceed standard workweeks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Design Services, Architecture, Construction Consulting. Colliers Engineering & Design operates within a sector that requires precision, technical expertise, and strong client relationships. The industry involves complex project management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and adherence to stringent regulations.

Company Size: The LinkedIn company data indicates a large organization, with employee counts often in the thousands. This suggests a structured corporate environment with established processes, resources, and opportunities for career advancement. For an Interior Design Manager, this size implies working within a larger design studio or a dedicated department that supports broader engineering and architectural projects.

Founded: Colliers Engineering & Design has a history dating back many years (exact founding date not provided but implied through its established presence). This longevity suggests stability, a proven track record, and a deep understanding of its markets.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The Interior Design team likely operates as a specialized unit within the larger Colliers Engineering & Design organization, potentially supporting a variety of client projects across different sectors.

• Reporting: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Design, Senior Vice President of Operations, or a similar leadership role overseeing design services. They will, in turn, manage a team of interior designers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role is inherently cross-functional, requiring constant interaction with MEP engineers, structural engineers, architects, project managers, and potentially client representatives. The ability to bridge design vision with technical feasibility is paramount.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While design is creative, the role emphasizes data and technical inputs, including building codes, accessibility standards, and engineering coordination, suggesting a data-informed approach to design decisions.

• Process Standardization: The mention of QAQC, RFI review, and construction administration implies a commitment to standardized processes to ensure quality and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.

• Technology Integration: Heavy reliance on advanced design software (Revit, Sketchup, Enscape, InDesign) indicates a forward-thinking approach to leveraging technology for design, visualization, and project delivery.

Company Website: https://careers.colliersengineering.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Colliers Engineering & Design is a significant player in the engineering and design consulting space. The "Interior Design Manager" role here is likely integrated into larger multidisciplinary projects, requiring a blend of creative design leadership and operational project management skills. The company's scale suggests a robust infrastructure for professional development and project execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is at a senior management level within the design function. It requires not only advanced technical design skills and software proficiency but also the ability to lead a team, manage client relationships, oversee project phases, and ensure operational efficiency within the design process. It bridges the gap between hands-on design execution and strategic project oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Interior Design Manager will likely report to a higher-level design leader or an operations director within the firm. They will directly manage and mentor a team of interior designers, delegating tasks and ensuring their professional development.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on project success by ensuring designs are not only aesthetically sound and functional but also technically feasible, code-compliant, and integrated with engineering systems. Effective management of the design process contributes to project timelines, client satisfaction, and ultimately, the firm's profitability and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into senior leadership roles such as Director of Interior Design, Head of Design Studio, or VP of Operations, overseeing larger teams and strategic initiatives.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific project typologies (e.g., healthcare, commercial, institutional) or specialized design areas.

• Project Management: Develop stronger project management skills, potentially moving into broader project leadership roles within the firm.

• Business Development: Contribute to business development efforts by participating in client presentations and proposals, leveraging design expertise to win new projects.

• Continuous Learning: Access to company-provided educational resources, mentorship, and potential for professional certifications (e.g., advanced Revit certifications, LEED accreditation) to stay at the forefront of design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Manager" title and the scope of responsibilities indicate a role with significant growth potential, moving beyond pure design into operational leadership. The company's emphasis on learning and development further supports career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the manager to be present in one of the specified office locations (Rochester, Albany, Buffalo, or Syracuse, NY). The environment is likely a professional office setting typical of engineering and design consulting firms.

Office Location(s): Rochester, NY (280 East Broad Street, Suite 200), Albany, NY, Buffalo, NY, or Syracuse, NY. These are established professional office environments designed to support collaborative work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative: The office will likely feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project spaces to facilitate teamwork and communication among design staff, engineers, and project managers.

• Technology-Rich: Access to high-performance workstations, advanced design software, rendering engines, and robust network infrastructure necessary for complex 3D modeling and large file management.

• Professional Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse group of professionals, including engineers, architects, project managers, and potentially clients, fostering a dynamic and stimulating work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time professional role. However, the "straight time policy" for billable hours exceeding 40 suggests that extended hours may be common during peak project phases, and such time will be compensated. This offers some flexibility in managing workload, provided it's tracked and compensated appropriately.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is key, emphasizing the need for in-person collaboration and supervision. The office locations are in significant New York cities, offering a professional base for operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and software proficiency.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves in-depth discussions about your design process, software skills (Revit, Sketchup, Enscape, InDesign), and experience with code compliance, accessibility, and interdisciplinary coordination. Be prepared to walk through specific projects.

• Managerial/Team Interview: Focuses on leadership style, team management capabilities, mentoring approach, conflict resolution, and ability to handle scheduling and QAQC responsibilities.

• Client Presentation Simulation (Potential): You may be asked to present a design concept or a project case study, simulating a client interaction.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and alignment with the company's strategic goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Product: Clearly articulate your design methodology, from initial concept to final documentation. Detail your steps for programming, space planning, material selection, and client presentations.

• Highlight Software Mastery: Include examples that demonstrate advanced use of Revit, Sketchup, Enscape, and InDesign. Show how you use these tools for complex modeling, realistic rendering, and effective graphic communication.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Include projects where you successfully coordinated with engineering teams or managed multiple stakeholders. Explain how you integrated different disciplines.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the results of your designs. Did your space planning improve workflow? Did your material choices enhance sustainability? Did your presentations lead to client approval?

• Focus on Management Aspects: For this role, include examples of mentoring junior staff, managing project timelines, and ensuring design quality through QAQC.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge, where you might be asked to outline your approach to a specific project type or solve a spatial problem.

• Software Proficiency Test: While often assessed through portfolio review, be ready to discuss your workflow in detail for specific software tasks.

• Code & Compliance Discussion: Review common building codes and accessibility standards relevant to commercial or institutional projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be multi-stage, assessing both design acumen and managerial capabilities. A strong portfolio that showcases process, technical skill, and leadership is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for BIM modeling, 3D design, and creating construction documents. Proficiency in parametric modeling and family creation is expected.

• Sketchup: Key for conceptual modeling, quick visualization, and exploratory design ideation.

• Enscape: Critical for real-time rendering, creating immersive visualizations, and client presentations. Understanding its integration with Revit and Sketchup is vital.

• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator): InDesign is explicitly mentioned for presentations and graphic narratives. Photoshop and Illustrator are standard for image editing and graphic asset creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how design deliverables integrate with project management or client management systems within Colliers Engineering & Design would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is heavily focused on design and visualization software. Mastery of Revit, Sketchup, Enscape, and InDesign is non-negotiable for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions that are technically sound, code-compliant, and meet client objectives. This is manifested through rigorous QAQC processes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with internal engineering disciplines and external partners to achieve integrated project outcomes.

• Client Focus: Dedicated to understanding and exceeding client expectations through clear communication, responsive service, and tailored design solutions.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the use of advanced technologies and methodologies to enhance design processes and outcomes, with a culture that supports learning and development.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in all business dealings and project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Design Approach: The role demands a highly collaborative style, fostering seamless communication and coordination between interior designers, MEP engineers, structural engineers, and project managers.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages senior staff to mentor junior team members, promoting skill development and a shared understanding of best practices.

• Feedback-Driven: A willingness to engage in constructive feedback cycles, both receiving and providing, to refine designs and improve processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value technical rigor, collaborative problem-solving, and continuous professional development, all crucial for success in a multidisciplinary engineering and design firm.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating innovative design concepts into practical, constructible solutions that align with engineering requirements and building codes.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Navigating the varying expectations and priorities of clients, internal engineering teams, and other project stakeholders.

• Ensuring Design Consistency Across Projects: Maintaining high standards of quality and brand alignment when managing multiple projects simultaneously with different teams.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with advancements in design software and visualization tools to maintain a competitive edge.

• Mentoring and Developing Design Staff: Effectively guiding and developing the skills of junior designers while managing project demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Revit, Enscape, and other relevant design and visualization software.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining certifications like NCIDQ, LEED, or specialized Revit certifications.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining exposure to MEP and structural engineering principles through close collaboration, broadening overall project understanding.

• Leadership Development: Access to mentorship programs and internal resources focused on management, team leadership, and project oversight.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend industry events and conferences to stay abreast of the latest trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior design manager role in a complex environment. The company's investment in learning and development provides clear pathways to overcome these challenges and foster professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Methodology: "Describe your process for leading a client from initial concept through design development. How do you integrate technical engineering requirements at each stage?" (Prepare to discuss programming, space planning, material selection, and your workflow in Revit/SketchUp/Enscape).

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: "How do you mentor junior designers? Describe a time you had to manage a conflict within your team or address performance issues." (Prepare examples of your leadership style and experience with scheduling and staff management).

• Problem-Solving & Technical Acumen: "Walk us through a challenging project where you had to coordinate closely with MEP or structural engineers. What were the key challenges, and how did you resolve them?" (Focus on specific technical integration and problem-solving examples).

• Software Proficiency: "Describe your most advanced use of Revit/Enscape for a client presentation. What features did you leverage, and what was the impact?" (Be ready to discuss specific functionalities and their application).

• Client Management: "How do you handle client feedback that contradicts your design vision? Describe a situation where you had to present difficult information or persuade a client." (Focus on communication and negotiation skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Colliers Engineering & Design and this specific role?" (Research their projects, values, and recent news).

• "How do you see your skills contributing to our design studio and the broader company objectives?" (Align your experience with their stated needs).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Narrative: Organize your portfolio around key projects, clearly articulating the problem, your approach, the solutions you developed (showcasing software skills), and the outcomes.

• Process-Oriented: For each project, highlight the design process, including how you managed coordination with engineering disciplines and ensured code compliance.

• Visual Impact: Use high-quality renderings from Enscape and clear graphics from InDesign to showcase your design aesthetic and technical capabilities.

• Management Examples: Include a section or specific examples demonstrating your experience in mentoring, scheduling, or quality control.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant aspects for this management role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize not just design skill but also management capability, interdisciplinary coordination, and proficiency with the specified software.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused design management position:

• Submit your application through the Colliers Engineering & Design careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration (especially with engineers), complex problem-solving, and proficiency in Revit, Sketchup, Enscape, and InDesign. Include examples of mentoring or process improvement if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 10-15+ years of experience, emphasizing management responsibilities, software expertise, and contributions to project success. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership style, and technical skills. Prepare specific examples for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on the "Manager" aspects of the role.

• Company Research: Understand Colliers Engineering & Design's market position, types of projects they undertake, and their company culture. Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer.

⚠️ 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.