Interior Design Manager

Kinetic Design + Development is looking for an Interior Design Manager to join the Krew.

If you’re a design leader who thrives in both the creative and technical sides of the process, this role is for you.

You bring spaces to life by turning client goals, budgets, and big ideas into thoughtful, functional interior environments. From early programming and design concepts to construction administration and final closeout, you’ll lead projects from start to finish, keeping design quality, project delivery, and the client experience moving in the right direction.

You’ll also help shape the people and processes behind great design. Working alongside architects, consultants, clients, and vendors, you’ll guide project teams, mentor emerging designers, and make sure every detail works together. At Kinetic, your leadership helps move projects forward while building the kind of collaborative, people-first experience our clients and Krew deserve.

Who You Are

You’re a design-minded leader who can zoom out to see the big picture and zoom in to catch the details that make a space work. You balance creative vision with technical know-how, sound project management, and a clear understanding of how design decisions affect budgets, schedules, and construction.

You build trust through honest communication, thoughtful decisions, and follow-through. You know how to bring people together across disciplines, delegate with purpose, and give designers the feedback and support they need to do their best work. When challenges pop up, you adapt, solve problems, and keep things moving without losing sight of the client’s goals.

You take ownership of your projects, care about the quality of your work, and believe the best results come from a team that feels supported, accountable, and connected. You’re ready to lead with confidence while staying approachable, curious, and open to better ways of working.

What You’ll Do

- Lead interior design projects from programming and concept design through documentation, construction administration, and closeout, serving as the primary day-to-day contact for clients and project teams.

- Define project expectations by establishing scope, deliverables, milestones, team responsibilities, and priorities at kickoff, keeping them aligned as projects evolve.

- Drive design direction across space planning, materials, finishes, furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E), lighting, millwork, and detailing, balancing client goals with budget, code, and constructability.

- Coordinate across disciplines by aligning interior deliverables with architectural, structural, MEP, lighting, acoustical, and other consultant teams, clarifying responsibilities, and resolving gaps.

- Manage project performance by tracking schedules, budgeted hours, fees, billings, and financial forecasts with Project Delivery and the Director of Interior Design. Identify risks early and communicate potential scope changes or additional service needs.

- Present with purpose by leading client meetings and design presentations, setting clear agendas, documenting decisions, managing expectations, and following through on next steps.

- Mentor and develop designers by directing, delegating, coaching, and reviewing work from interns and Interior Designers I–III. Balance project needs with individual growth goals, workload, NCIDQ preparation, and professional development.

- Own quality control by reviewing interior drawings, plans, elevations, details, schedules, and specifications for accuracy, completeness, coordination, and compliance with Kinetic standards before QC Committee handoff.

- Support construction through closeout by conducting site visits, verifying existing conditions, observing construction, reviewing submittals and RFIs, and leading interior punch lists and closeout activities.

- Support project pursuits by assisting the Director with proposals, scopes, fee estimates, budgeted hours, and schedules, with clear assumptions and deliverables.

- Build strong partnerships with clients, contractors, furniture dealers, vendors, and internal teams to support successful projects, repeat business, referrals, marketing, recruiting, and interviews.

- Improve how we work by using and refining interior design standards, templates, and workflows, sharing lessons learned, and staying current through continuing education and industry events.

- Lead with clear ownership by exercising day-to-day authority over assigned project design, quality, task direction, and client communication while partnering with firm leadership on proposals, design direction, and interiors standards.

- Strengthen the Krew by following Kinetics' delivery systems, design standards, and HR Handbook while contributing to a culture of collaboration, clear ownership, and shared accountability.

Tools You’ll Use

- Design and documentation: Revit, interior plans, elevations, details, schedules, and specifications.

- Visualization and presentations: Design visualization tools and presentation software.

- Project delivery and coordination: Kinetics' established project delivery systems, project schedules, budget tracking, consultant coordination, and quality control workflows.

- Construction administration: Submittal and RFI review processes, site observations, punch lists, and closeout documentation.

What You’ll Bring

- A bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or a related field.

- 7+ years of professional interior design experience in an architecture or multidisciplinary practice, including experience leading project teams.

- Required NCIDQ certification.

- Experience managing interior projects through programming, concept design, documentation, and construction administration.

- Strong knowledge of space planning, interior materials, finishes, FF&E, lighting, millwork, detailing, schedules, and specifications.

- The ability to apply accessibility, life safety, and building code requirements while evaluating constructability, construction methods, and client budgets.

- Proficiency in Revit and visualization tools, with the ability to review drawings and communicate design concepts through clear presentations.

- Experience managing project scope, deliverables, schedules, budgeted hours, consultant coordination, financial forecasts, and additional service needs.

- A sharp eye for detail and the ability to review coordinated documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established quality standards.

- Construction administration experience, including submittal and RFI reviews, site observations, punch lists, and closeout.

- An understanding of procurement coordination, including the boundaries between construction, millwork, and furniture packages, along with lead times and their impact on project delivery.

- Strong client communication, presentation, organization, and time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple projects and priorities.

- A collaborative leadership style, sound judgment, adaptability, and a practical approach to problem-solving.

- A commitment to mentoring teammates, delivering thoughtful design solutions, and following through on commitments with professionalism and care.

Why Join the Krew:

Our Vision:
Kinetic Design + Development is pushing the limits of traditional architectural practice. With a focus on forward motion in technology and design principles, Kinetic is dedicated to bringing energy and innovation to each and every project and client. Kinetic is dedicated to helping clients navigate the adventure of development with ease and energy that moves them forward.

Who We Are:
People are our purpose. Kinetic was created with the idea that people – both our staff and clients – should be above everything else. The firm puts this principle in motion in work-life balance for employees and emphasis on truly getting to know our clients so we can better understand their dreams, goals, and ideas.

Benefits & Perks:
FLEX FRIDAYS: Our standard workweek is Monday through Thursday. Need to shift a day for life stuff? No problem! Swap a weekday with Friday if/when needed.
Comprehensive health benefits
Flexible working arrangements
Opportunities for internal advancement and career development
Relaxed office environment with “smart casual” dress code
Monthly company sponsored events (Check out our socials for pics!)
Monday Morning Breakfasts
Frequent Lunches
PTO & paid company holidays (Including the entire week between Christmas and New Year!)

Traditional & Roth 401k with a 3.5% company match
Daily Snack Cart

Awards:

2026 Biz 417 Best Places to Work

2025 Biz 417 Best Places to Work
2025 ULI Impact Award
2024 Biz 417 Best Places to Work