The Design Director is a senior creative and operational authority on all hospitality engagements, accountable for design quality, project economics, team performance, and client experience. This is a full-time position based in New York City, with some flexibility to work from home.
Role Description
Design Leadership:
- Sets and upholds the creative direction and design standards for all commercial projects, with a focus on hospitality-driven environments, from concept through construction administration, ensuring every project reflects Company Values: Elegance, Curation, and Integrity.
- Leads schematic design, design development, and construction documents on complex, high-profile hospitality and commercial engagements.
- Integrates interior architecture seamlessly with decorating and FF&E across project phases.
Client and Business Development:
- Serves as the primary client relationship owner for commercial accounts, from first meeting through project closeout.
- Represents Pembrooke & Ives in pitches, presentations, and industry forums; helps grow the commercial pipeline.
- Identifies and cultivates strategic partnerships with developers, brokers, corporate real estate clients, and hospitality operators.
Team Development and Operations:
- Leads, mentors, and develops the design team across all levels (Senior through Junior).
- Manages project scheduling and utilization planning.
- Drives adherence to disciplined phasing, proactive client communication, and margin-conscious delivery.
- Establishes and refines SOPs, drawing standards, and quality control protocols for commercial and hospitality projects.
- Collaborates across Design and Decorating/FF&E teams to share knowledge and resource talent where appropriate.
Firm Leadership:
- Participates in firm-wide leadership discussions, including strategic planning, culture, and professional development.
- Contributes to the firm’s visibility in the commercial market through editorial placements, speaking engagements, and award submissions.
- Provides mentorship and growth pathways for rising talent in the firm.
Qualifications
- 12+ years of experience in commercial interior design or interior architecture, with 4+ years in a senior leadership or studio director role.
- Demonstrated portfolio of hospitality design work, supported by experience across other commercial typologies.
- Deep proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite; comfort with 3D visualization tools.
- Strong command of commercial building codes and accessibility requirements.
- Proven ability to manage projects from concept and programming through construction administration in conjunction with external consultants.
- Experience managing project economics: fee negotiation, budget tracking, and margin accountability.
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills; polished client-facing presence with all parties of the projects.
- Experience with large scale presentations to membership groups through multiple phases of projects.
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or other relevant degrees.
- Experience working in or with boutique luxury or high-end design firms where craft and client service are primary differentiators preferred.
- New York City or other targeted geographic market experience and existing client relationships preferred.
Salary Range $170,000.00 - $200,000.00 (depending on experience) + Performance-Based Bonus
Benefits
- Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave Plans
- Paid Public Holidays
- Hybrid Work Schedule (Office Based in Midtown, Manhattan)
- Commuter Benefits
- 401(k) Match
