Design Leader I - Interiors

CannonDesign•St. Louis, MO

About The Position

CannonDesign is seeking a creative leader to contribute to the direction and reputation of its interior design practice. The role combines design leadership with office and regional culture-building, mentorship, client relationship development, and business development. The Design Leader will help advance the firm’s Living-Centered Design philosophy and its aim to create innovative, high-quality design work. The position leads design work throughout project development, with particular emphasis on early phases, and partners with teams to establish and carry forward conceptual direction and design quality. It develops client-responsive concepts, prepares and leads compelling presentations, coordinates with technical leaders and subject matter experts, and incorporates performance-based and sustainable strategies. The role also supports strategic pursuits and promotes the firm’s work through publications, awards, and other recognition. The Design Leader mentors and recruits talent, strengthens a collaborative and innovative design culture, develops client relationships, identifies new opportunities, and collaborates with business development and marketing teams. The role has a contributory goal of $1 million in net signed fees in collaboration with office practice and market leaders. Travel is required. Applicants should provide a resume and portfolio. Employees must complete mandatory training and follow internal policies and the Code of Conduct.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a relevant field.
At least 12 years of experience in related roles.
Portfolio of built and unbuilt work showing both primary and contributing design roles, including at least three fully constructed building designs demonstrating a high level of design excellence.
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Ability to understand and execute business strategy.
Professional acumen and maturity, including the ability to communicate authentically and respectfully.
Travel is required.

Nice To Haves

Current licensure or NCIDQ certification.
Interiors project experience.
Current U.S. architectural registration.
Additional accreditations or training relevant to the role, including LEED.
Third-party recognition through awards or publications.

Responsibilities

Lead design and communicate project design goals to clients and teams throughout projects, particularly during early-phase development.
Partner with team members to co-lead visioning and establish conceptual direction; collaborate across project phases to ensure design quality.
Support Senior Design Leaders on significant strategic pursuits.
Create innovative design concepts that bring together client culture, goals, and aspirations with the needs of people, communities, society, and the environment.
Prepare and direct client presentation materials, including design visualizations, and co-lead presentations with an emphasis on storytelling and client understanding.
Capture and communicate client goals and metrics, and explain how design solutions contribute to client success.
Collaborate with technical leaders, subject matter experts, and other team members to create integrated design solutions.
Integrate performance-based and sustainable design strategies, advance decarbonization of the built environment, and support the AIA 2030 Commitment.
Strengthen and promote CannonDesign’s brand locally, regionally, and nationally; identify publication and award opportunities and contribute to submissions.
Build a strong design culture in the office and region; mentor and develop emerging professionals and nurture collaboration, experimentation, innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Recruit and retain design talent; create an environment that sets and demonstrates a standard of design excellence.
Empower staff, delegate effectively, build high-performance teams, encourage innovation and continuous improvement, and promote critical thinking and critique.
Contribute to project pursuits that represent the firm’s future direction and advance its Living-Centered Design philosophy.
Develop and maintain client relationships, build trust and loyalty, and collaborate in bringing in work using CannonDesign’s legacy clients and the candidate’s prior relationships.
Identify new client opportunities with business development and marketing teams and contribute toward a goal of $1 million in net signed fees with office practice and market leaders.
Travel as required.
Complete mandatory training, follow internal policies, and adhere to the Code of Conduct.