Technical Design Lead

SOM • New York, NY

5d • $120,000 - $170,000

About The Position

The Interiors Technical Design Lead is responsible for organizing and leading technical innovation, integration, documentation, and execution of the interior architecture and interior design intent, in conformance with the established scope of work, program, and budget objectives. Together with the Senior Designer and Project Manager, the Technical Design Lead oversees the technical resourcing and execution of all Interiors projects in all project phases, with significant responsibilities on select complex projects. This role serves as a primary technical authority on projects led out of the New York interiors studio and acts as a firm-wide resource for interior projects, advancing the integration of architecture, interiors, engineering, and specialty consultants across multiple sectors (including workplace, mixed-use, hospitality, residential, cultural, civic, and healthcare interiors). The Technical Design Lead collaborates with clients, user groups, and multidisciplinary teams and to translate client goals, brand standards, and program requirements into technically robust, high-performing interior solutions. The Technical Design Lead oversees interior code review and analysis, material and systems research (including finishes, furniture, lighting, and integrated technology), specifications coordination, and interior construction documentation. They manage quality control procedures, oversee coordination with base building systems and core/shell requirements, and ensure timely reviews through all phases of the project.

Requirements

• Completion of a professional degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture with a concentration in interiors, or a related field.
• NCIDQ certification and/or state interior design registration required or strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10–15 years of experience (or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities) in interior architecture and interior design, including demonstrated leadership in the technical delivery of large, complex interior projects from concept through construction.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to lead client and consultant meetings, negotiate technical solutions, and present complex information clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrates proficiency in Revit for interiors and architectural BIM workflows, along with proficiency in other 3D and visualization tools (e.g., Rhino, parametric and rendering software), Adobe Creative Suite, and Google Workspace.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, specification software, and project information management platforms is preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Architectural licensure and/or LEED, WELL, or other green building accreditation are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Co-leads the New York Interiors group in collaboration with Design and Project Management Leadership.
• Supervises Technical Interior Design specialists and project leads.
• Engages in Interiors Technical talent management including recruitment, performance management and development.
• Establishes the technical resolution and innovation(s) and furthers the development of interior architecture and interior design projects through all phases that are consistent with the scope of work and goals of the firm.
• Integrates criteria and input from all disciplines—including architecture, MEP/FP, lighting, AV/IT, acoustic, and specialty consultants—into coordinated interior design solutions.
• Establishes, communicates, and maintains standards of quality for interior documentation products for the full internal and external team.
• Oversees the implementation of the Quality Management System for assigned projects, including drawing standards, model organization, and documentation of interior details, schedules, and specifications.
• Oversees the research, review, and analysis of applicable building codes and standards as they relate to interiors, including life safety, accessibility, fire and smoke separation, egress, and occupancy classifications.
• Provides interior planning/code parameters and restrictions early in the design process and throughout documentation.
• In collaboration with the Senior Designer, co-leads the team in the selection and assessment of interior construction systems, finishes, fixtures, furniture, lighting, and equipment (FF&E), with particular attention to performance, durability, maintainability, wellness, and cost.
• Guides the integration of interior systems with base building structure and MEP systems.
• Oversees and collaborates with the SOM Sustainable Engineering Studio or project Sustainability Consultant in tracking energy, water, carbon, and indoor environmental quality metrics for interior environments and provides documentation for AIA 2030 reporting and other sustainability frameworks (e.g., LEED, WELL, Fitwel) as appropriate.
• Oversees and/or leads the development of interior design model development and documentation, including but not limited to interior plans, reflected ceiling plans, interior elevations, finish and fixture legends, details, millwork packages, schedules, diagrams, visualizations, and specifications.
• Ensures documentation is consistent with firm standards for publication, coordination, and presentation of work.
• Reviews technical specifications for interior construction, finishes, furniture, and specialty systems in collaboration with SOM’s Specifications team and external consultants.
• Fosters lasting and positive relationships with clients, collaborators, and the design community, including furniture vendors, manufacturers, and important government agencies (e.g., planning departments, building departments, commissions, and advocacy groups).
• Assists the Project Manager in establishing project budgets, schedules, and work plans specific to interior scope, including phased implementation, complex tenant improvements, brand roll-outs, and multi-phase interior build-outs.
• Oversees the implementation of the digital design and documentation strategy for the interior project in collaboration with the SOM’s Design Technology Group.
• Guides the use of BIM (Revit), model coordination, clash detection, and digital workflows for interior components.
• Oversees the team’s construction phase services for interior scope, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals and shop drawings (especially millwork, casework, partitions, ceilings, and finishes), preparing ASI/Bulletins, reviewing mock-ups, and participating in punch lists and closeout documentation.
• Participates in the interview and selection process of contractors, specialty fabricators, and key FF&E partners, where appropriate, and contributes to constructability and sequencing strategies for interior work.
• Attends and presents in owner/architect/design team meetings and owner/architect/contractor meetings, often as the primary voice for interior technical scope.
• Reviews and approves meeting minutes for accuracy with respect to interior decisions.
• Attends and facilitates weekly internal project team meetings.
• Together with the Project Manager and Senior Designer, develops the meeting agenda and project status updates, clearly identifying interior-specific issues, risks, and opportunities.
• Actively participates in local and firm-wide Technical and Interiors Practice meetings and makes meaningful contributions to the advancement of standards, resources, and knowledge-sharing within the interiors discipline.
• Actively leads select interior projects and teams, often across regions and time zones, ensuring alignment between interior design intent, technical realization, and client objectives.
• Is established as an officewide and firmwide resource in an area of expertise related to interiors—such as complex workplace planning, hospitality interiors, healthcare interiors, sustainable interiors, or advanced material systems—and contributes to SOM’s intellectual capital and thought leadership in these areas.
• Directly supervises, trains, and mentors interior designers, technical staff, and emerging leaders, including providing feedback on performance, facilitating technical reviews, and supporting professional development.
• Engages in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the interiors practice through résumé review, interviews, participation in academic and professional events, and leveraging personal and professional networks.
• Demonstrates leadership in the implementation of sustainable and healthy interior strategies in all project assignments—including material health, daylighting and lighting quality, acoustics, and biophilic strategies—and supports the associated development of staff knowledge.
• Creates and drives new ways of working through contributing to the development of interiors-specific services, standards, details, templates, and procedures, based in an understanding of the business principles that protect SOM from financial and legal risk and enhance quality, efficiency, and consistency across offices.
• Supports business development efforts for interiors by collaborating on pursuits, RFQs/RFPs, fee proposals, and interviews, providing clear articulation of SOM’s interior technical capabilities and value proposition.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance
• Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs
• Work/Life Balance: Inquire about our approach to flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees