Senior Sports Interior Designer – Director of Interiors Strategy

AECOM•Dallas, TX

4h•$200,000 - $240,000•Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM is seeking a Senior Sports Interior Design Lead and Director of Interiors to join our global Sports & Venues team. This leadership role operates at the intersection of client development, visioning, planning, project and development advisory, and advanced design and visualization workflows across multiple regions and markets. This position will be located in our Dallas, TX office The successful candidate will be a compelling storyteller capable of shaping and communicating the vision for sports and entertainment projects while engaging clients, stakeholders and internal teams. This position requires the technical depth to translate visionary concepts into coordinated planning, building programming and visually powerful presentations, and expertise in delivering. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience as a lead designer on sports and entertainment projects, combined with client-facing business development, and project advisory roles that include early project definition, stakeholder engagement and thought leadership. This position shapes early project strategy, leads physical feasibility and concept validation, advances building programming strategies, leads design strategies connecting to client’s business objectives, and integrates forward thinking approaches to sports and entertainment hospitality. AECOM's Sports practice delivers complex, high-profile sports, entertainment and mixed-use destinations around the world. From major league stadiums and arenas to global tournament venues and integrated districts, our teams combine architecture, engineering and advisory services to create high-performing, resilient assets Summary This expanded job description for the Senior Interior Design Strategist at AECOM Sports integrates strategic leadership, creative vision, client engagement, and business development responsibilities. The role is designed for a senior leader who can drive innovation, mentor teams, and deliver world-class environments for sports, hospitality, and entertainment venues. Additional Context The position is ideal for a visionary leader with deep expertise in design strategy, team leadership, and client engagement. The role’s impact extends from project concept to completion, influencing both the guest experience and business outcomes. The description reflects AECOM’s commitment to design excellence, innovation, and client partnership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field
Minimum 10 years of relevant experience including 2 years of leadership, with a strong portfolio of sports, hospitality, or entertainment projects or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
Advanced proficiency in design software (Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.).
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex, multi-office projects.

Nice To Haves

15 years of relevant experience and Master Degree preferred
NCIDQ, LEED, WELL, or equivalent
Experience with large-scale sports, entertainment, or public assembly venues.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative design strategies.
Track record of mentoring and developing design talent.
Knowledge of sustainable design principles and certifications.
Strong relationships with sports industry stakeholders, including team ownership, athletic directors, and public sector clients.
Experience with computational design tools (Grasshopper, Dynamo), advanced visualization, and AI-assisted design.
Proven success in securing major commissions and achieving annual sales targets.
Experience on international or multi-region projects and with distributed teams.
Strategic storytelling through design, blending artistic vision with operational efficiency.
Deep understanding of target audiences and the ability to create emotional connections through built environments.
Commitment to research-driven, evidence-based design and continuous innovation.
Recognized authority in the field, with a record of published work, speaking engagements, and industry accolade

Responsibilities

Set the overall design vision and provide direction for all projects, ensuring a consistent, high-quality brand experience across venues in direct alignment with sector leadership.
Bridge the gap between architecture and interior design, ensuring holistic and emotionally resonant environments.
Act as a primary point of contact for clients, building relationships and understanding their strategic objectives.
Lead visioning sessions and workshops to translate client goals into innovative design solutions that drive revenue and ROI.
Lead programming and conceptual phases, ensuring designs are creative, memorable, and strategically aligned with client vision.
Oversee all aspects of design, from space planning and architecture to furniture, finishes, and digital integration.
Build, mentor, and manage high-performing design teams, including hiring, professional development, and project assignments.
Foster a culture of design excellence and continuous improvement.
Oversee projects from initial concept through to completion, making critical decisions on design direction, quality, and delivery.
Ensure seamless integration of interior and exterior architectural elements.
Stay current on trends in sports, hospitality, and entertainment design, driving innovation and identifying new opportunities for clients.
Lead research on future-focused trends such as F&B, local immersion, and experiential design.
Participate in the pursuit of new business leads and the growth of the firm’s portfolio.
Drive major pursuits from visioning and strategy through proposal, interview, and win, focusing on high-profile, transformational projects.
Represent AECOM at national and international events, conferences, and industry forums.
Publish and present on sports design, venue strategy, and entertainment district development.
Utilize qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to inform design decisions and optimize user experience.
Integrate data-driven insights and evidence-based design into project strategies.
Translate client brand identity into tangible environments that enhance loyalty and recognition.
Create cohesive experiences that blend physical and digital storytelling.

Benefits

AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

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