COL-2026-075 | Design Director

Manhattan, United States | Posted on 11/05/2026

Colwyn Group is a staffing and recruiting firm headquartered in Austin, Texas, working across healthcare, technology, and executive search. We place candidates with employers across the US.An American Staffing Association member firm.

Job Description

Design Director – Luxury Residential Architecture & InteriorsFirm Type: Award-Winning Luxury Residential Interior Design & Architecture StudioLocation: Manhattan, New York, NY (In-Studio / On-Site)Position Type: Full-Time, PermanentCompensation: $150,000 – $185,000 Base Salary (Commensurate with experience) + Comprehensive Benefits PackageStudio Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Summer Friday Schedule)About the OpportunityA nationally celebrated, multidisciplinary interior design and architecture studio in Manhattan is seeking an accomplished Design Director to serve as the senior creative authority and team leader for its high-end residential portfolio.The studio specializes in bespoke private estates, high-profile urban penthouses, and landmark development projects defined by bespoke architectural detailing, warmth, and elevated custom materiality.Reporting directly to the Founder & Principal, the Design Director will direct the studio's overall design perspective, mentor an established team of interior architects and designers, and partner closely with Project Management, Purchasing, and Operations to bridge visionary aesthetics with flawless project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Creative Direction & Aesthetic GovernanceDefine and safeguard the design narrative for all concurrent luxury residential and development projects from initial charrette through final installation.Lead internal design workshops and sign off on all conceptual presentations, space plans, finish boards, millwork packages, and FF&E specifications.Conduct continuous market research on emerging high-end residential materials, artisan fabricators, custom lighting makers, and international trade innovations.Direct high-stakes client presentations, articulating technical and design decisions with poise, clarity, and authority.
• 2. Staff Mentorship & Studio LeadershipDirectly oversee and develop a multidisciplinary studio team, including Lead, Senior, and Intermediate Designers, interior architects, and technical drafters.Conduct regular drawing redlines, critique presentation deliverables, and foster a collaborative environment centered on constructive growth and technical precision.Establish team staffing allocations, project milestone schedules, and design-department KPIs.Assist firm leadership in establishing hiring benchmarks, conducting portfolio interviews, and onboarding incoming design talent.
• 3. Technical Delivery & Quality ControlMaintain quality assurance across all schematic design (SD), design development (DD), and construction document (CD) packages, ensuring constructability, coordination, and code compliance.Work in lockstep with Purchasing and Project Management teams to verify vendor lead times, custom procurement timelines, and installation logistics.Oversee Construction Administration (CA), advising project teams through complex site conditions and contractor coordination without compromising the core design intent.Monitor project design hours, utilization metrics, and budgets to uphold studio profitability.
• 4. Operational Systems & Industry RepresentationRefine internal CAD standards, presentation templates, specification protocols, and documentation guidelines.Partner with Operations to enhance handoff workflows between design, project management, and procurement teams.Represent the practice in industry panels, design awards, and high-profile architectural publications.

Candidate Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience: 12+ years of progressive professional experience within luxury residential interior design or high-end residential architecture, with substantial experience in the New York metropolitan market.
• Management Track Record: 5+ years of demonstrated success directly leading, developing, and managing a team of 5 or more designers and architects.
• Technical Proficiency: Mastery of full residential architectural drawing sets, custom millwork, detailing, architectural lighting, materials, and comprehensive FF&E sourcing.
• Software Fluency: Advanced command of AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop), and Microsoft Office.
• Trade Resources: Deep relationships and working fluency with premier New York trade resources, custom workrooms, design centers (D&D, NYDC), and bespoke artisans.
• Client Stewardship: Superior verbal presentation, client-facing acumen, and the discretion required when advising ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) private client accounts.
• Preferred:NCIDQ certification or Registered Architect (RA) license.
• Working capability with 3D modeling tools (SketchUp, Revit, Rhino) or digital rendering platforms.
• Experience utilizing design practice management and operational platforms (e.g., Studio Designer, ClickUp, Miro).

Compensation & Total Rewards

• Salary: $150,000 – $185,000 annual base salary.
• Healthcare: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (75% employer-subsidized).
• Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick leave, paid holiday closures, and early-departure Summer Fridays.
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax transit and commuter spending options.
• Culture & Professional Growth: Continuing education stipends, industry showroom events, and collaborative team-building retreats.