Interior Designer/ Project Designer

Project Designer – Interior Design

Location: Miami, FL

Level: Project Designer (5–8 years’ experience)

Reports to: Director of Interior Design

Role Summary

We are recruiting a Project Designer to join a leading international interior design practice based in Miami, known for its hospitality, resort, and luxury mixed-use projects. The studio combines strong conceptual storytelling with rigorous technical delivery, collaborating with global developers, hotel brands, and operators on high-profile schemes across the US, Caribbean, and wider international markets.

The Project Designer will lead design development and execution on assigned projects, contribute both creative and technical expertise, and coordinate closely with architects, consultants, and contractors to deliver exceptional interiors that meet or exceed client expectations.

What You’ll Do

Project Management

• Develop a detailed understanding of project scope, timelines, and deliverables as defined in client agreements.
• Collaborate with Lead Designers and project managers to refine processes and support on-time, on-brief project delivery.
• Work with the internal project team on a daily and weekly basis to track progress and ensure design tasks are completed to deadlines.
• Liaise with cross-functional teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and specialist consultants, to ensure interior design solutions are fully integrated into the wider project.
• Lead small-scale projects or defined workstreams on larger projects, in collaboration with a small team of designers.

Team Leadership

• Lead a small team of junior designers on specific project areas, providing clear day-to-day direction and support.
• Ensure the design intent remains cohesive and consistent across all work produced by the junior team.
• Monitor assigned tasks to ensure alignment with overall project goals, quality standards, and deadlines.
• Foster a positive, proactive, and communicative team environment.

Design Excellence

• Lead the junior design team in creating and developing a unique, tailored project storyline and design narrative.
• Contribute to design excellence initiatives that elevate project quality and reinforce a strong, consistent design point of view.
• Develop sketches and inspirational imagery to support the design narrative and storytelling process.
• Contribute to all stages of the design process, from concept through to tender, as required.
• Work with lead designers and the wider project team to conceptualize and refine design strategies that respond to project requirements, program, and budget.
• Assist in preparing design concepts, presentations, and documentation, combining creativity with strong technical thinking.
• Produce and refine 3D models or sketches to clearly communicate design intent.
• Lead the development of detailed, layered physical sample boards and coordinate reviews and approvals.

Technical Quality

• Lead the production of visual representations such as 2D and 3D renderings, and review rendering packages prepared by junior team members and visualizers.
• Ensure graphic quality and content integrity across all presentation materials.
• Lead the preparation of design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and material boards.
• Ensure documentation is accurate, complete, and regularly reviewed with senior design leads.
• Drive design development so drawings can be produced in line with studio quality standards.
• Review drawings (plans, elevations, details) and specifications (finishes, sanitaryware, appliances, hardware, FF&E), redlining as needed so the project team can implement changes correctly.
• Review project specifications to ensure accuracy and adherence to studio standards.
• Use online specification platforms to document project specifications efficiently.
• Support specification package development by recommending appropriate suppliers and manufacturers for each item.
• Coordinate with sub-consultants (e.g., artwork, signage, lighting) to ensure their proposals align with the overall design direction.

Quality Assurance

• Review and refine presentation materials to uphold graphic quality, content accuracy, and alignment with design intent.
• Participate in design reviews and QA/QC processes to ensure all deliverables meet studio standards and client expectations.
• Provide clear, actionable feedback to the project team, identifying areas for improvement and supporting corrective actions to enhance design performance and output.
• Support the implementation of feedback arising from QA/QC reviews.

Site Supervision

• Review shop drawings, mock-ups, material submissions, and finish samples on smaller projects to confirm alignment with design intent.
• Support the development of design solutions for on-site issues, escalating to senior team members as needed.
• Assist in addressing contractor queries during tender and construction, including clarifications on design variations, in coordination with project management.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Architecture or Interior Design from an accredited institution.
• 5–8 years of experience in interior design, ideally with exposure to hospitality or large-scale projects.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Basic navigation skills in Revit; proficiency is preferred but not essential.
• Proficient in Autodesk AutoCAD and other 3D modelling software (e.g., SketchUp, Rhino).
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Strong freehand drawing and sketching skills.
• Deep, comprehensive understanding of FF&E selection and specification, with the ability to make expert recommendations for interior spaces.
• Strong knowledge of interior finishes, sanitaryware, and hardware selection and specification.
• Clear understanding of typical deliverables at each project stage.
• Highly collaborative, with the ability to contribute to a smooth workflow across design teams and external consultants.
• Self-starter with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and project management skills; able to juggle multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of local building codes, regulations, and ADA guidelines, plus an understanding of sustainable and environmentally responsible design principles.
• Detail-oriented, passionate about design, and committed to delivering high-quality work.
• Able to support project planning, budgeting, and scheduling to help ensure time- and cost-effective delivery.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, portfolio (hospitality and large-scale interiors strongly preferred), and your availability. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Portico Recruitment for a confidential discussion about the studio and project pipeline.