Senior Interior Designer, K-12

DLR Group•San Diego, CA

11d•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. The Senior Interior Designer will 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 and supporting the collaborative pursuit, acquisition, and execution of projects. Additional duties may include participating in client interviews, marketing and business development, contributing to research and development, and assisting in the creation of sector-specific tools and marketing materials.

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.
Demonstrate a refined design approach that integrates functionality, programmatic alignment, and spatial performance.
Oversee and ensure quality in construction documents and design details for constructability, mentoring and developing junior staff.
Ensure design intent is realized through careful selection of materials, FF&E, and products that align with sustainable commitments.
Review 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.