Lead Interior Designer/Project Manager

Are you an inspired leader who likes to share your talent with staff while also keeping hands‑on with luxury brand and custom interior design? Katherine Mueller Design is seeking a dynamic and passionate Lead Interior Designer/Project Manager to lead our talented interior design team! In this pivotal role, you’ll not only work collaboratively with the Owner/Principal Designer to oversee daily operations and inspire creativity, but you’ll also work directly with our private design clients as a senior level designer and project manager. You’ll source and select the finest materials, from tile and lighting to art and furniture, and play a key role in impactful design installations. If you’re skilled in CAD, thrive in a fast‑paced environment, and are a natural leader, we have a career for you here at Katherine Mueller Design! Responsibilities and Accountabilities As a key leader, you will oversee a dedicated team of interior designers, guiding project delivery from concept through construction while fostering an environment of collaboration, growth, and innovation. Performing duties of a working Sr. Interior Designer and Project Manager. As a trusted right‑hand to leadership, ensuring schedules, communications, and deliverables are handled with precision. Efficient sourcing of building products, tile, wall covering, lighting, furniture, art, and/or accessories that are being considered for purchase by private design clients. Will be mindful of standard design principles, budgets, timelines, preferences, and ADA compliance. Develop and/or improve processes and policies. Direct all phases of design, from early concept development through construction documentation. Perform the work and/or delegate and review drawings, specifications, selections, and other work of the design staff prior to submission to the Owner, always ensuring ongoing adherence to drawing standards. Train new staff and provide professional development opportunities for existing staff. Report directly to the Owner/Principal Designer to keep her abreast of project progress, issues, deadlines, and completion status. Be point of contact for questions and general employee relations of the design team, creating a culture of design excellence, accountability, and innovation. Research and evaluate suppliers, contractors, vendors, etc. to ensure quality, pricing, selection, and reliable service. Where appropriate, negotiate pricing or contracts with suppliers, vendors, and/or other business associates. Enhance sales opportunities and client service by cross‑selling or recommending complementary accessories, where appropriate. Research and explore the use of new materials, technologies, and products to incorporate into designs. Keep abreast and current with design trends. Prepare “spec books” and/or review the “spec books” created by the designer staff prior to client presentations. Use computer‑aided drafting (CAD) and other design‑related software to produce or edit construction or renovation documents. Train and/or assist design staff, as needed. Approve drawings and changes prior to submission to the Owner. Communicate, coordinate service, and follow‑up with contractors, fabricators, installers, builders, etc. as needed or as directed. Assist in the preparation for processing estimates, invoices, purchase transactions, and/or return of items for private design clients. Oversee and manage this process for the Designer staff. May assist or be responsible for design layout and installation at a client’s home. At all times provide the highest level of customer service to design clients, designers, visitors and other business associates. Follow established procedures in relation to customer service and sales technique. This includes in‑person, on the telephone, email, social media, or any other means of contact. Meet established goals and metrics applicable to the position and to Katherine Mueller Design. This will include but not be limited to goals related to billable hours, profitability, and growth initiatives for this position as well as other design staff. Participate in meetings with the Owner/Principal Designer, design clients, and/or showroom staff to share information, discuss pertinent information and/or delegate tasks. These meeting may take place outside of normal hours, and either at the showroom or at a client home. Other duties as assigned. Experience / Educational Requirements Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Interior Design or related field. Minimum of 10 years of professional interior design experience preferably in a luxury brand market, with at least 2 years of leadership experience. Experience with sourcing of products, preferably related to building products, furniture, art, lighting, accessories, finishes and materials. Up to date understanding of design industry trends, best practices, and market trends. Extensive knowledge of brand and design aesthetic. Proficient with all Microsoft products including Excel and PowerPoint (using PC and Mac), email and internet required; experience with Quickbooks or other point of service software desired. Solid working knowledge of computer‑aided design (CAD) software required. Experience with 3D rendering software a plus. Strong skills in developing and coordinating construction documents and understanding architectural details. Ability to perform math functions and analysis to ensure all purchase transactions and financial reports are accurate. Physical / Mental Demands Ability to freely move throughout the day, sometimes in small areas, to include walking, bending, stretching, reaching, lifting, pushing, etc. May stand or sit for long periods of time. Ability to lift a minimum of 45 lbs. occasionally. Coordination to manipulate fingers and hands to work with objects that may be fragile, small, large, odd‑shaped, etc. and to work on a keyboard and other equipment. Talk, hear and see at both a close and long range. Verbally communicate with others. Work with fluctuating workloads and with interruptions. #J-18808-Ljbffr Katherine Mueller Design