Interior Design Manager

Kinetic Design + Development•Springfield, MO

About The Position

Kinetic Design + Development is seeking an Interior Design Manager to lead interior design projects from early programming and concept design through documentation, construction administration, and closeout. The manager turns client goals, budgets, and ideas into thoughtful, functional interiors while maintaining design quality, project delivery, and a positive client experience. This role serves as a primary day-to-day contact for clients and project teams and coordinates with architects, consultants, contractors, vendors, and internal teams. The Interior Design Manager directs design across space planning, materials, finishes, furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E), lighting, millwork, and detailing. The role establishes project scope, deliverables, milestones, responsibilities, and priorities; coordinates multidisciplinary deliverables; and tracks schedules, fees, budgeted hours, billings, and financial forecasts. It also leads client meetings and presentations, identifies risks and potential scope changes, and supports proposals and project pursuits. The manager mentors and reviews the work of interns and Interior Designers I–III, supports their workload and professional development, and owns quality control of interior documentation. Construction-related responsibilities include site visits, existing-condition verification, construction observation, submittal and RFI reviews, punch lists, and closeout. The position also contributes to improving interior design standards, templates, workflows, and the collaborative, accountable culture at Kinetic.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or a related field.
7+ years of professional interior design experience in an architecture or multidisciplinary practice, including experience leading project teams.
Required NCIDQ certification.
Experience managing interior projects through programming, concept design, documentation, and construction administration.
Strong knowledge of space planning, interior materials, finishes, FF&E, lighting, millwork, detailing, schedules, and specifications.
Ability to apply accessibility, life safety, and building code requirements while evaluating constructability, construction methods, and client budgets.
Proficiency in Revit and visualization tools, with the ability to review drawings and communicate design concepts through clear presentations.
Experience managing project scope, deliverables, schedules, budgeted hours, consultant coordination, financial forecasts, and additional service needs.
Ability to review coordinated documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established quality standards.
Construction administration experience, including submittal and RFI reviews, site observations, punch lists, and closeout.
Understanding of procurement coordination, including boundaries between construction, millwork, and furniture packages and the impact of lead times on project delivery.
Strong client communication, presentation, organization, and time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple projects and priorities.
Collaborative leadership style, sound judgment, adaptability, and a practical approach to problem-solving.
Commitment to mentoring teammates, delivering thoughtful design solutions, and following through on commitments with professionalism and care.

Responsibilities

Lead interior design projects from programming and concept design through documentation, construction administration, and closeout, serving as the primary day-to-day contact for clients and project teams.
Establish and maintain project scope, deliverables, milestones, team responsibilities, and priorities.
Direct design across space planning, materials, finishes, FF&E, lighting, millwork, and detailing while balancing client goals, budget, code, and constructability.
Coordinate interior deliverables with architectural, structural, MEP, lighting, acoustical, and other consultant teams; clarify responsibilities and resolve gaps.
Track schedules, budgeted hours, fees, billings, and financial forecasts with Project Delivery and the Director of Interior Design; identify risks and communicate potential scope changes or additional services.
Lead client meetings and design presentations, set agendas, document decisions, manage expectations, and follow through on next steps.
Direct, delegate, coach, and review work from interns and Interior Designers I–III, supporting workload balance, growth goals, NCIDQ preparation, and professional development.
Review interior drawings, plans, elevations, details, schedules, and specifications for accuracy, completeness, coordination, and compliance with Kinetic standards before QC Committee handoff.
Conduct site visits, verify existing conditions, observe construction, review submittals and RFIs, and lead interior punch lists and closeout activities.
Assist the Director with proposals, scopes, fee estimates, budgeted hours, and schedules, including clear assumptions and deliverables.
Build partnerships with clients, contractors, furniture dealers, vendors, and internal teams to support project success, repeat business, referrals, marketing, recruiting, and interviews.
Use and refine interior design standards, templates, and workflows; share lessons learned and stay current through continuing education and industry events.
Exercise day-to-day authority over assigned project design, quality, task direction, and client communication while partnering with firm leadership on proposals, design direction, and interiors standards.
Follow Kinetic's delivery systems, design standards, and HR Handbook, contributing to collaboration, clear ownership, and shared accountability.

Benefits

Flexible workweek, normally Monday through Thursday, with the option to swap a weekday for Friday when needed.
Comprehensive health benefits.
Flexible working arrangements.
Opportunities for internal advancement and career development.
Relaxed office environment with a smart-casual dress code.
Monthly company-sponsored events.
Monday morning breakfasts.
Frequent lunches.
PTO and paid company holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year.
Traditional and Roth 401(k) with a 3.5% company match.
Daily snack cart.