Lead Designer (Washington DC-Baltimore Area)

Groh Playrooms: Lead Designer

DEPARTMENT

Studio

REPORTS TO

Senior Designer 

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

Full-Time, Salaried

LOCATION

DMV Area — Hybrid 

COMPENSATION

$72,000-$80,000 annual 

ABOUT GROH PLAYROOMS

Groh Playrooms is a DMV-area interior design studio specializing in playrooms and learning spaces — founded by educators who believe children's environments deserve the same design rigor as any other room in the home. We partner with families to create spaces that are as thoughtful and well-crafted as they are joyful.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Lead Designer owns full-cycle design work from initial concept through final client sign-off, bringing Groh Playrooms' design vision to life with independence and confidence. This is an individual-contributor role; you'll lead client relationships and design decisions directly, without formal management responsibility, and partner closely with Project Managers to ensure your designs translate cleanly into buildable, deliverable projects.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Own full-cycle design work for assigned projects, from concept through final client sign-off
• Lead client meetings and design presentations independently
• Guide clients through decisions and revisions, balancing vision, function, and budget
• Partner with Project Managers on feasibility, sequencing, and installation logistics
• Prepare complete handoff packages: specifications, drawings, and product details
• Maintain organized, current project files in line with studio systems 
• Collaborate with Designers and Design Associates on shared projects
• Flag scope, budget, or timeline risks early

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Required

• 4+ years of professional interior design experience, ideally residential
• A portfolio demonstrating full-cycle project ownership, from concept through installation
• Proficiency in SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite (or comparable design software)
• Confidence leading client meetings and presentations independently
• Strong organizational habits: you keep files, specs, and timelines clean without being asked
• Reliable personal vehicle: this role involves site visits and client meetings across the DMV

Nice to Have

• Experience designing for children's or family-focused spaces
• Familiarity with Monday.com or comparable project management platforms

WHY GROH PLAYROOMS

• Work on distinctive, joyful projects with a tight-knit, design-driven studio team
• Health benefits, PTO, and 401(k): details shared during the interview process
• A studio that treats children's spaces as serious design work
• A tight-knit, design-driven studio team that invests in growth
• Work that stays genuinely fun: you'll spend your days surrounded by color, materials, and rooms built for imagination
• A studio driven by the next generation: kids are who we design for, and their sense of wonder shapes everything we make

 HOW TO APPLY

Submit your resume and portfolio (PDF or link) for consideration to View email address on apply.placed-app.com . We review applications on a rolling basis and will follow up with qualified candidates directly.