Studio Director-Interior Design

Emerald Design Works • Chicago, IL

1d • $125,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Emerald Design Works is seeking a seasoned Studio Director to lead its Chicago studio and upscale and luxury multifamily and office interiors portfolio. Reporting to the VP of Interior Design, the Studio Director owns the studio’s P&L and is accountable for project quality, profitability, and client experience.

The role leads and builds the River North studio team, including studio leads and senior and junior designers, and collaborates with sales, procurement, project management, and accounting. The Director oversees projects from concept through installation and closeout, sets design standards and repeatable operating processes, guides procurement, and develops client, partner, and supplier relationships across Chicago. The Director also grows the studio pipeline in partnership with Business Development and helps shape the studio’s growth, team practices, and processes as the company scales. This is a hands-on leadership role that may involve client meetings, deliverable reviews, and helping projects reach completion.

Requirements

• 10–15 years of progressive experience in commercial interior design, with a track record of successful project delivery.
• Proven leadership experience running a studio, team, or practice, including managing managers, inspiring cross-functional teams, and driving results.
• Bachelor’s degree in interior design, architecture, or a related field.
• Experience in upscale and luxury multifamily and office interiors, including amenity spaces, common areas, model units, and workplace environments.
• Established relationships with developers, owners, property managers, and design partners across Chicago’s multifamily and office market, with clients who continue to seek the candidate out.
• Entrepreneurial, business-minded approach and ability to identify opportunities through client conversations, site visits, and industry events.
• Financial acumen and experience delivering profitability against a budget or P&L.
• Strong understanding of FF&E specification, procurement, vendor negotiation, and installation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage clients, partners, and team members at every level.
• Strategic mindset, commitment to continuous improvement, and organizational ability to manage many projects without losing details.
• Proficiency with project management and design software and Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

• NCIDQ certification or other professional credentials.
• Experience in senior living or other adjacent sectors.
• Experience with Studio Designer, HubSpot, or similar systems.

Responsibilities

• Own the Chicago studio’s P&L, including revenue, gross margin, utilization, staffing, and profitability against plan; use fees, discounts, and pricing to manage margin.
• Lead and build the Chicago team, including hiring, development, performance management, and employee experience.
• Oversee project delivery from concept through installation and closeout, ensuring projects are on time, within budget, and aligned with design intent.
• Maintain design quality and standards and foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and designer development.
• Oversee procurement, including bidding, quotation review, budgeting, and vendor negotiation, while preserving design integrity.
• Create clear, documented SOPs and repeatable processes from quoting through delivery and accounting closeout to reduce errors and omissions.
• Develop client, partner, and supplier relationships across Chicago’s multifamily and office markets, including developers, owners, and property management groups.
• Grow the studio pipeline through personal networks and relationships, while partnering with Business Development on pursuits, proposals, fees, and handoff of won projects.
• Support smooth use of company systems, including Studio Designer for project financials and procurement, Ramp for spend, and HubSpot for pipeline visibility.
• Take a hands-on role as needed, including joining client meetings, reviewing critical deliverables, and helping projects reach completion.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off.
• Paid sick time.
• Nine paid company holidays, including the employee’s birthday.
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Collaborative culture centered on craftsmanship, trust, and white-glove service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior