West Coast Interiors Lead

Position Overview Lead the San Francisco and Los Angeles Interiors studios to set a new vision for the design and delivery of Interior Design for the West Coast, including the unique culture and market of AI, Tech, and Entertainment clients. Work with leaders across the firm to inspire collaboration, share ideas, and contribute to SOM’s global expertise and portfolio. Goals include strengthening and growing the West Coast and firm‑wide interiors practice through design excellence, exceptional project and studio management, business development, process improvements, talent development, and effective collaboration. Practice Leadership & Culture Lead the Interiors practice in collaboration with West Coast studio leadership to achieve design, technical, and financial success. Provide thought leadership and develop strategies to build and inspire teams, enhancing studio culture. Lead by example, mentor staff, define expectations, delegate effectively, and empower team members based on their abilities and potential. Demonstrate inclusive team and project experience in managing client relationships and project teams for small, medium, and large‑scale corporate, hospitality, and/or residential interiors projects. Engage in internal and external professional development opportunities. Business Development & Strategy Cultivate business development by leading marketing efforts, formulating strategic business plans, and managing the project pipeline. Contribute to strategic business plans. Manage existing project pipeline and new business and marketing efforts. Review RFPs, qualify bids, assign due dates and tasks to key collaborators, and provide responses. Cultivate strong client relationships and provide excellent client service. Studio Management Accountable for monitoring the financial performance of the studio. Plan, organize, direct, mentor, and coordinate work efforts for technical, design, and/or management aspects of projects through all phases with minimal oversight from Principal and/or Partner. Oversee project plans with input from Design and Technical leads. Contribute to the development of standards, policies, and procedures. Assess project risk management through collaboration with SOM leaders and the legal group. Proactively review project documents (design phase documents, technical documents, and project management tools) and ensure quality control of associated documents in accordance with SOM’s quality control program. Mitigate project risk through familiarity with contract and collaboration with leadership and legal teams. Oversee internal controls including client agreements, additional services, billings, collections, and expense management. Technical & Design Excellence Lead and deliver creative and innovative solutions to complex problems and guide the team in research and documentation to support these solutions. Provide technical/design/management leadership and support for developing the entire design concept through all phases of the project in collaboration with partners and principals. Demonstrate knowledge of Interiors and Architecture industry best practices, including programming, planning, design, construction documentation, construction administration, and consulting engineering coordination. Demonstrate knowledge of Interior Architecture and Architectural design, leading teams through workplace planning and design concept development for applicable hospitality and/or residential projects, including design standards, building materials, systems, codes, FF&E, construction techniques, and current market costs. Lead implementation of SOM standard procedures and protocols for technical, design, and/or management aspects to ensure continuity, coordination, and consistency of project documentation across the firm. Minimum Qualifications Completion of a professional degree in Interior or Architecture or a related field. Licensed in state of practice; LEED or other green building accreditation preferred. Minimum 12 years of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. Strong understanding of sustainable strategies and principles, including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems. Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills. Familiarity with appropriate industry software. Benefits Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance. Savings: 401(k) matching, pre‑tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs. Work/Life Balance: Flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program. Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, renewals, exam fees, and specialized in‑house career development. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)