Senior Interior Design Lead & Department Leader

Northern Impact•Sacramento, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

A nationally recognized multidisciplinary design practice is seeking a Senior Interior Design Lead & Department Leader for its Sacramento, California studio. This regular, full-time, on-site position combines studio leadership with hands-on interior design. The role guides the studio’s creative direction, team development, and operational performance, collaborating with senior leadership, architects, engineers, project managers, clients, and external partners to deliver interiors that meet client goals and project requirements. The position partners with Principals across sectors to pursue new work and connects local priorities with the national interior design practice. It leads projects from concept through construction while overseeing department priorities, performance, staffing, and professional development. The annual salary range is $140,000–$152,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Final compensation reflects relevant experience, education, licensure requirements, and skills.

Requirements

Licensed Interior Designer with demonstrated success in project delivery.
15+ years of professional interior design experience.
Strong presentation skills and a successful record of interviewing for new project work.
Ability to lead teams, develop talent, and influence outcomes.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with clients and colleagues.
Strong business judgment and organizational skills, with the ability to balance project responsibilities and leadership accountability.

Responsibilities

Lead multiple interior design projects from concept through construction, including programming, planning, and design strategy.
Coordinate with clients, contractors, consultants, and public agencies, maintaining strong relationships and clear communication throughout project delivery.
Oversee schedules, budgets, and delivery milestones; uphold design quality and accessibility, exiting, and life safety requirements.
Set department priorities, strengthen standards and knowledge sharing, and develop capabilities for future growth.
Advance national interior design initiatives locally and contribute to cross-disciplinary and firmwide efforts.
Manage utilization, profitability, staffing, and resource alignment; monitor performance and address risks proactively.
Hire, coach, and retain team members; lead performance reviews, promotions, compensation, and succession processes.
Build a culture of accountability, inclusion, and professional growth.
Partner with department leaders and staffing coordinators across offices to connect team members with project and career opportunities.
Support presentations and interviews for new work, balancing active project contributions with department leadership responsibilities.