Principal, Interior Design

SGA, an award-winning national architecture and design firm, is recognized for delivering innovative design solutions across its core markets. We are seeking a Principal, Interior Design to lead and grow our New York interior design practice. The ideal candidate is an established practice leader with a demonstrated record of design excellence, business development, financial management, and team leadership. This individual will be responsible for the overall performance and continued growth of the New York interior design practice, balancing creative leadership with operational and financial accountability. Working closely with SGA's executive leadership and the President of Interior Design, the Principal will establish strategic priorities, cultivate client relationships, oversee project performance, and develop a talented team of design professionals. The role requires a leader who can translate business opportunities into successful projects while maintaining high standards of design quality, client service, and profitability. As a member of SGA's leadership team, the Principal will play an important role in strengthening the firm's position in New York City and the tri-state area while fostering collaboration between the architecture and interior design practices across SGA's New York and Boston offices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide strategic and creative leadership for SGA’s New York interior design practice, fostering collaboration among interior designers, architects, and project teams across the New York and Boston offices. Establish and maintain high standards for design excellence, technical quality, and project execution, ensuring consistency with SGA’s design philosophy, departmental procedures, and quality-control standards. Oversee design direction and participate in key design reviews, concept development, material and finish selections, and interdisciplinary coordination to ensure projects meet client objectives, design expectations, and SGA’s quality standards. Demonstrate expertise in corporate interiors, multifamily residential, research, and academic markets, applying industry knowledge, emerging trends, and best practices to guide design decisions and inform practice strategy. Champion innovative, functional, and thoughtful design solutions that balance client needs, project budgets, market conditions, sustainability objectives, and long-term value. Collaborate with architecture leadership and other disciplines to identify opportunities for integrated services, strengthen project delivery, and support business development initiatives across SGA’s core markets. Lead the implementation of design guidelines, technical standards, and best practices that improve project quality, strengthen team capabilities, and promote continuous improvement across the interior design practice.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Lead business development initiatives to expand SGA’s interior design portfolio, grow revenue, and establish a sustainable pipeline of new work, independently and in collaboration with firm leadership. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing clients while developing new relationships with prospective clients, owners, developers, and industry partners to generate opportunities and secure new projects. Strengthen SGA’s presence throughout New York City and the tri-state area, identifying opportunities to expand the firm’s market share, client base, and interior design services. Collaborate with firm leadership, Project Managers, and the marketing department to develop competitive proposals and qualifications packages, including project scopes, fees, budgets, schedules, and responses to RFPs, RFQs, and RFEIs. Develop and maintain a strong professional network and strategic industry partnerships that support long-term client relationships, repeat business, and sustained practice growth. Participate in executive management meetings to evaluate business development performance, review key performance indicators (KPIs), identify growth opportunities, and align the New York interior design practice with SGA’s broader strategic and financial objectives.

INTERIOR DESIGN LEADERSHIP

Provide strategic and creative leadership for SGA’s New York interior design practice, fostering collaboration among interior designers, architects, and project teams across the New York and Boston offices. Establish and maintain high standards for design excellence, technical quality, and project execution, ensuring consistency with SGA’s design philosophy, departmental procedures, and quality-control standards. Oversee design direction and participate in key design reviews, concept development, material and finish selections, and interdisciplinary coordination to ensure projects meet client objectives, design expectations, and SGA’s quality standards. Demonstrate expertise in corporate interiors, multifamily residential, research, and academic markets, applying industry knowledge, emerging trends, and best practices to guide design decisions and inform practice strategy. Champion innovative, functional, and thoughtful design solutions that balance client needs, project budgets, market conditions, sustainability objectives, and long-term value. Collaborate with architecture leadership and other disciplines to identify opportunities for integrated services, strengthen project delivery, and support business development initiatives across SGA’s core markets. Lead the implementation of design guidelines, technical standards, and best practices that improve project quality, strengthen team capabilities, and promote continuous improvement across the interior design practice.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT

Provide leadership and oversight of project performance across the New York interior design practice, ensuring sound financial management, profitability, client satisfaction, and alignment with SGA’s business objectives. Work closely with Project Managers and studio leadership to oversee project budgets, staffing, schedules, scope, and financial performance, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently and profitably. Monitor project performance and resource allocation, identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency, staff utilization, project delivery, and the quality of client service. Support project teams in resolving complex design and technical challenges, coordinating with consultants, managing client expectations, and maintaining alignment between design intent, project requirements, and contractual obligations. Establish clear expectations for project accountability, financial performance, and quality of service while promoting continuous improvement and best practices across the New York interior design practice.

MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Maintain a strong understanding of market dynamics, industry trends, client priorities, and the competitive landscape to identify opportunities to practice growth, market differentiation, and increased visibility. Collaborate with SGA’s marketing department and public relations consultants to develop and execute marketing initiatives, including thought leadership articles, white papers, press releases, email campaigns, social media content, videos, and industry publications. Provide project insights, design expertise, and market knowledge to strengthen SGA’s brand positioning, showcase the firm’s capabilities, and communicate the value of its interior design services. Represent SGA at industry events, networking functions, conferences, and professional association meetings to increase the firm’s visibility, cultivate relationships, and support business development initiatives. Pursue speaking engagements, publishing opportunities, and other platforms that establish SGA’s interior design leadership, enhance the firm’s reputation, and strengthen relationships with clients and industry peers.

HUMAN RESOURCES AND TEAM DEVELOPMENT

Lead the development and retention of interior design professionals through ongoing mentorship, performance evaluations, constructive feedback, and career development planning. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and engaging studio culture that promotes professional growth, knowledge sharing, accountability, and creative problem-solving. Lead recruiting efforts to attract and retain talented designers and emerging leaders who align with SGA’s culture, values, and strategic objectives. Oversee team development, staffing, and resource planning to ensure the New York interior design practice has the talent, capabilities, and leadership necessary to support current projects and future growth.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE DEMONSTRATES

Strategic Leadership: Aligns design vision, business development, financial performance, and operational priorities to drive sustainable growth and long-term success of the interior design practice. Business Acumen: Demonstrates a strong understanding of project financials, profitability, staff utilization, resource planning, and the relationship between client satisfaction and business performance. Relationship Building: Establishes trust and cultivates lasting relationships with clients, colleagues, consultants, and industry partners to strengthen client retention and generate new business opportunities. Design Excellence: Demonstrates strong design sensibility, sound technical judgment, and the ability to inspire and guide teams in delivering innovative, thoughtful, and high-quality design solutions. Team Leadership and Employee Engagement: Leads by example, promotes SGA’s culture, and takes an active role in recruiting, mentoring, developing, and retaining talented professionals. Exceptional Communication: Communicates clearly, confidently, and effectively with clients, employees, and stakeholders at all levels, articulating design concepts, business strategies, and project objectives.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in interior design, architecture, or a related field. Minimum of 15 years of relevant industry experience, including demonstrated leadership of interior design teams and complex projects. Proven experience developing client relationships, pursuing new business, and contributing to revenue growth. Demonstrated experience leading corporate interiors, multifamily residential, research, academic, or related commercial interior design projects. Experience overseeing project budgets, schedules, staffing, and financial performance. Strong understanding of interior design principles, materials and finishes, building codes, accessibility requirements, technical documentation, and interdisciplinary coordination.

CERTIFICATES + LICENSES | ASSOCIATIONS

NCIDQ certification required. LEED and/or WELL and Fitwel accreditation preferred. Active membership in applicable professional organizations is preferred.

COMPENSATION + BENEFITS

The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $160,000-$200,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership capabilities. SGA offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. SGA also offers a business development bonus program that rewards employees for securing new business opportunities. Additional performance-based incentive compensation may be available. #J-18808-Ljbffr SGA (Boston | New York)