Lead Interior Designer

Hamilton Anderson Associates•Detroit, MI

1d•$80,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Interior Designer is responsible for guiding interior design projects from concept hand-off through completion. Working closely with Principals, Directors, and Project Managers, this position ensures design intent is delivered within the firm’s aesthetic, technical, schedule, and budgetary parameters. This role regularly leads client-facing meetings and presentations and serves as a primary design representative for the firm. The Lead Interior Designer manages and mentors a small team while remaining hands-on throughout the design process.

Requirements

A strong professional design portfolio demonstrating thoughtful, well-executed work
Confidence and professionalism in client-facing environments
Proven experience leading teams and managing complex projects
Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and Photoshop (required)
Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and/or Architecture (required)
Seven (7) or more years of professional interior design experience, including commercial projects
Experience with historic renovations and new construction
Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience
NCIDQ certification (required)
Authorization to work in the United States

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, InDesign, and Adobe Creative Suite (preferred)

Responsibilities

Lead multiple interior design projects concurrently, overseeing design development, schedules, budgets, and installations
Translate design direction into clear, actionable plans for project teams
Develop and oversee space planning, construction documents, specifications, and finish schedules
Review architectural and consultant documents to ensure coordination and design cohesion
Ensure design solutions align with sustainability principles and fabrication considerations
Lead client-facing meetings, presentations, and design discussions
Build strong working relationships with clients, contractors, consultants, and vendors
Clearly communicate design intent, decisions, and next steps throughout the project lifecycle
Take ownership of issues as they arise and lead resolution efforts
Supervise and mentor Interior Designers I–III, setting clear expectations around scope, schedule, and quality
Review design work and provide constructive, growth-oriented feedback
Lead weekly team meetings to align workloads and priorities
Support a positive, collaborative studio culture grounded in HAA’s design mission
Collaborate with firm leadership on project timelines, budgets, and staffing
Track labor hours and projections and identify potential project risks
Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals, letters of interest, and RFP responses
Participate in leadership meetings, trainings, and firm initiatives
Represent HAA at industry and community events