Senior Interior Designer, K-12

DLR Group•San Diego, CA

21h•$85,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

DLR Group is seeking a Senior Interior Designer with a focus on Educational Projects. This role is based in San Diego, CA. The Interiors discipline at DLR Group collaborates across all sectors to enhance design excellence, prioritizing human experience and wellness within interior environments, using an evidence-based design approach. Senior Interior Designers lead key aspects of projects, including interior design efforts, client interactions, and presentations. Responsibilities include daily design and technical development, coordinating interior components of project documentation, and collaborating with the integrated design team to ensure quality outcomes that align with project scope, schedule, fees, and budget. This role also involves mentoring junior staff, fostering a work environment that embodies DLR Group’s core values, and supporting the pursuit, acquisition, and execution of projects. Additional duties may include client interviews, marketing and business development, contributing to research and development, and creating sector-specific tools and marketing materials. DLR Group is 100% employee-owned, offering opportunities for ownership and requiring employee-owners to apply financial acumen to grow the firm profitably.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design
Minimum of 8 years of professional Interior Design experience
Professional licensure
Proficient in Revit and familiar with Bluebeam; strong proficiency in standard A/E/I/P software
Demonstrated leadership in applying design techniques, tools, and sustainable principles to create precise technical plans, drawings, reports, and models
Strong attention to detail with a proactive approach to process improvement, problem-solving, and high-quality decision-making
Excellent written, verbal, and graphic communication skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively
Active participation in professional organizations, presents at industry conferences, and contributes to business development and marketing by pursuing client leads and opportunities

Nice To Haves

LEED AP or other green certifications preferred

Responsibilities

Lead conceptual design, program development, and space planning within projects, utilizing expertise to guide the design process when appropriate
Demonstrate a refined design approach that integrates functionality, programmatic alignment, and spatial performance, addressing all aspects of three-dimensional space
Oversee and ensure quality in construction documents and design details for constructability, mentoring and developing junior staff in the process
Ensure design intent is realized through careful selection of materials, FF&E, and products that align with sustainable commitments, while reviewing graphic presentations to effectively communicate design vision
Attend site visits and construction administration meetings regularly, sharing lessons learned to support coordination within the integrated team
Provide mentorship and leadership, proactively contributing to project success and fostering team growth
Guide and mentor teams to produce high-quality deliverables, serving as a thought leader within your discipline and/or primary sector
Champion design excellence and innovation within the integrated team
Execute quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) to maintain design integrity throughout all project phases
Communicate design intent and thought leadership clearly and consistently with project managers and the Integrated Design Team at each project phase
Lead presentations and manage client expectations to build and maintain strong client relationships
Ensure project schedules, delivery timelines, and profitability are met, balancing design priorities with project budgets