Senior Interior Designer

Job Description

Job Description

HLW is built on the belief that exceptional design begins with exceptional people. With a 140-year legacy as a global, award winning architecture and design firm, we collaborate with leading clients to shape meaningful, future focused environments. Our culture is collaborative, inclusive, and growth‑minded, offering hybrid work flexibility, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits. When you join HLW, you become part of a global community that values innovation, mentorship, and long term professional growth.

For more information about our culture, we invite you to visit us as 

Position Summary 

The Senior Designer is responsible for leading the design development and execution of projects within the NY Interiors Studio. This individual may have a professional background in either Architecture or Interior Design; however, the role is embedded within an interiors studio and is focused on the planning, design, coordination, and delivery of interior environments.

Working under the direction of the Design Director and in close collaboration with the Studio Director, Project Manager, Technical / Delivery leadership, and project team, the Senior Designer translates client goals, project strategy, and design vision into thoughtful, compelling, and well-coordinated design solutions.

Responsibilities 

Project Design Leadership

• Lead day-to-day design efforts on assigned projects, from concept development through design documentation and construction administration.
• Translate client goals, workplace strategy, brand, culture, and project requirements into clear and compelling design solutions.
• Develop project-specific design concepts, narratives, planning strategies, material palettes, and presentation approaches.
• Maintain the design intent throughout all phases of the project, balancing creativity with scope, schedule, budget, constructability, and client priorities.
• Collaborate with the Design Director to establish and refine the overall design direction for assigned projects.
• Identify opportunities to elevate the design work, improve the client experience, and strengthen the final built outcome.

Design Development and Documentation

• Lead the development of interior design packages, including plans, finish palettes, furniture concepts, material selections, presentation decks, and supporting design documentation.
• Collaborate closely with Project Architects, Job Captains, and technical team members to further develop the design through an integrated team process, ensuring that design ideas are tested, refined, coordinated, and translated into buildable solutions.
• Work with the project team to advance the design intent through documentation, recognizing that design development is a shared effort between design, technical, and project leadership rather than a one-directional handoff.
• Coordinate design concepts, planning strategies, material selections, detailing, and documentation with the broader project team to ensure alignment with the approved design direction.
• Review design documentation for consistency, completeness, coordination, and alignment with the evolving design intent.
• Work with MatTech and project teams to coordinate materials, finishes, specifications, and design standards.
• Support coordination with lighting, branding, strategy, sustainability, furniture, AV, MEP, structural, and other consultant teams as required.
• Participate in construction administration activities related to design intent, including submittal reviews, RFI responses, site observations, punch list support, and finish / mock-up reviews.

Client Presentations and Communication

• Prepare and participate in client presentations, workshops, and design meetings.
• Clearly communicate design concepts, options, recommendations, and rationale to clients and internal teams.
• Assist in developing compelling visual narratives that connect design ideas to client goals and project strategy.
• Support the Project Manager in documenting design decisions, client feedback, and next steps.
• Review overall design intent with the Design Director at appropriate project milestones to ensure alignment with studio priorities, firmwide design goals, and HLW’s broader design standards.
• Build client confidence through strong preparation, thoughtful communication, and responsiveness to feedback.

Team Collaboration and Mentorship

• Lead, guide, and mentor junior and intermediate designers assigned to project teams.
• Delegate design tasks clearly and support team members in developing their technical, creative, and presentation skills.
• Foster a collaborative project environment that encourages curiosity, accountability, open communication, and shared ownership.
• Coordinate regularly with the Project Manager to align design tasks with project schedule, staffing, fee, and deliverables.
• Participate in internal design reviews and incorporate feedback from the Design Director, Studio Director, Technical / Delivery leadership, and other reviewers.
• Contribute to a positive studio culture through mentorship, collaboration, and active participation in studio initiatives.

Design Quality and Standards

• Uphold HLW’s design standards, presentation standards, and quality expectations.
• Ensure that design work is thoughtful, well-coordinated, visually clear, and appropriate to the client and project goals.
• Review presentation materials for clarity, consistency, graphic quality, and alignment with the approved design narrative.
• Support the integration of HLW’s global resources, specialty studios, and best practices into project work.
• Stay current with design trends, materials, workplace strategies, furniture systems, sustainability considerations, and industry innovations.
• Contribute to the continual improvement of studio design process, tools, templates, and work product.

Business Development and Marketing Support

• Support proposals, interviews, pursuits, and presentations for new work as requested.
• Assist in developing design narratives, precedent imagery, conceptual approaches, and visual materials for business development efforts.
• Participate in project photography, award submissions, case studies, and marketing materials in collaboration with the Design Director and Marketing team.
• Represent HLW professionally in client-facing settings, industry events, and professional organizations where appropriate.
• Contribute to the studio’s visibility and reputation through strong project work and active engagement in the design community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design from an accredited institution.
• 10+ years of professional experience in interior design, architectural interiors, or a related design practice, with demonstrated experience working on interiors projects required.
• NCIDQ certification or architectural licensure (preferred or actively pursuing).
• Strong graphic, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, 3D modeling/rendering software, Adobe Creative Suite, Teams, and MS Office.
• Working knowledge of building codes, ADA requirements, accessibility standards, and sustainable design principles.
• Experience with material selection, finish coordination, procurement support, and construction documentation.
• Understanding of construction, furniture, and material costs, with the ability to support design decisions that align with project budgets.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and collaborate in a team environment.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Preferred Qualifications 

• LEED accreditation or knowledge of sustainable design standards.
• Experience in commercial, hospitality, or workplace design.
• Familiarity with coordinating MEP systems into project designs.
• Familiarity with material sourcing, bid processes, and furniture procurement.

Why Join Us? We offer:

• A collaborative, hybrid work environment (3 days onsite) where you will work on innovative and impactful projects.
• A diverse, creative studio culture grounded in technical rigor and design excellence.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

If you are a technical expert with a passion for design execution, we’d love to hear from you!

* All applications should include your resume and portfolio or link to work samples

HLW is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our team members. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, paid time off, flexible spending accounts, an employee assistance plan, parental leave, financial assistance toward professional licensing and reimbursement for certification exam fees, 401(k), and commuter benefits.

The expected salary range for this position is $100,000-$140,000. We will consider relevant experience, qualifications, location, and other job-related factors in determining compensation.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or disability status.