Senior Level Design Director Jobs
Senior level design director jobs place experienced leaders in charge of creative vision, cross-functional alignment, and the teams and projects that bring it to life. Openings concentrate in Technology & Software, Consulting & Professional Services, and Retail, with 40% remote or hybrid availability, and employers like WSP, Apple, and Poshmark hiring at this level now.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 72+ Senior Level Design Director jobs
INTRODUCTION
The Design Director is a senior creative and operational authority on all commercial engagements, accountable for design quality, project economics, team performance, and client experience. This is a full-time position based in New York City, with some flexibility to work from home.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Design Leadership:
- Follows the creative direction and design standards for all commercial projects, from concept through construction administration, ensuring every project reflects Company values: Elegance, Curation, and Integrity.
- Leads schematic design, design development, and construction documents on complex, high-profile commercial engagements.
- Integrates interior architecture seamlessly with decorating and FF&E across project phases.
Client and Business Development:
- Serves as the primary client relationship owner for commercial accounts, from first meeting through project closeout.
- Represents Pembrooke & Ives in pitches, presentations, and industry forums; helps grow the commercial pipeline.
- Identifies and cultivates strategic partnerships with developers, brokers, corporate real estate clients, and hospitality operators.
Team Development and Operations:
- Leads, mentors, and develops the commercial design team across all levels (Senior through Junior).
- Manages project scheduling and utilization planning.
- Drives adherence to disciplined phasing, proactive client communication, and margin-conscious delivery.
- Establishes and refines commercial-specific SOPs, drawing standards, and quality control protocols.
- Collaborates across Design and Decorating/FF&E teams to share knowledge and resource talent where appropriate.
Firm Leadership:
- Participates in firm-wide leadership discussions, including strategic planning, culture, and professional development.
- Contributes to the firm’s visibility in the commercial market through editorial placements, speaking engagements, and award submissions.
- Provides mentorship and growth pathways for rising talent in the firm.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 12+ years of experience in commercial interior design or interior architecture, with 4+ years in a senior leadership or studio director role.
- Demonstrated portfolio across multiple commercial projects and typologies.
- Deep proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite; comfort with 3D visualization tools.
- Strong command of commercial building codes and accessibility requirements.
- Proven ability to manage projects from concept and programming through construction administration in conjunction with external consultants.
- Experience managing project economics: fee negotiation, budget tracking, and margin accountability.
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills; polished client-facing presence with all parties of commercial projects.
- Experience with large scale presentations to membership groups through multiple phases of projects.
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or other relevant degrees.
- Experience working in or with boutique luxury or high-end design firms where craft and client service are primary differentiators preferred.
- New York City or other targeted geographic market experience and existing client relationships preferred.
SALARY RANGE
$190,000.00 - $220,000.00 (depending on experience) + Performance-Based Bonus
BENEFITS
- Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave Plans
- Paid Public Holidays
- Hybrid Work Schedule (Office Based in Midtown, Manhattan)
- Commuter Benefits
- 401(k) Match
INTRODUCTION
The Design Director is a senior creative and operational authority on all commercial engagements, accountable for design quality, project economics, team performance, and client experience. This is a full-time position based in New York City, with some flexibility to work from home.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Design Leadership:
- Follows the creative direction and design standards for all commercial projects, from concept through construction administration, ensuring every project reflects Company values: Elegance, Curation, and Integrity.
- Leads schematic design, design development, and construction documents on complex, high-profile commercial engagements.
- Integrates interior architecture seamlessly with decorating and FF&E across project phases.
Client and Business Development:
- Serves as the primary client relationship owner for commercial accounts, from first meeting through project closeout.
- Represents Pembrooke & Ives in pitches, presentations, and industry forums; helps grow the commercial pipeline.
- Identifies and cultivates strategic partnerships with developers, brokers, corporate real estate clients, and hospitality operators.
Team Development and Operations:
- Leads, mentors, and develops the commercial design team across all levels (Senior through Junior).
- Manages project scheduling and utilization planning.
- Drives adherence to disciplined phasing, proactive client communication, and margin-conscious delivery.
- Establishes and refines commercial-specific SOPs, drawing standards, and quality control protocols.
- Collaborates across Design and Decorating/FF&E teams to share knowledge and resource talent where appropriate.
Firm Leadership:
- Participates in firm-wide leadership discussions, including strategic planning, culture, and professional development.
- Contributes to the firm’s visibility in the commercial market through editorial placements, speaking engagements, and award submissions.
- Provides mentorship and growth pathways for rising talent in the firm.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 12+ years of experience in commercial interior design or interior architecture, with 4+ years in a senior leadership or studio director role.
- Demonstrated portfolio across multiple commercial projects and typologies.
- Deep proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite; comfort with 3D visualization tools.
- Strong command of commercial building codes and accessibility requirements.
- Proven ability to manage projects from concept and programming through construction administration in conjunction with external consultants.
- Experience managing project economics: fee negotiation, budget tracking, and margin accountability.
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills; polished client-facing presence with all parties of commercial projects.
- Experience with large scale presentations to membership groups through multiple phases of projects.
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or other relevant degrees.
- Experience working in or with boutique luxury or high-end design firms where craft and client service are primary differentiators preferred.
- New York City or other targeted geographic market experience and existing client relationships preferred.
SALARY RANGE
$190,000.00 - $220,000.00 (depending on experience) + Performance-Based Bonus
BENEFITS
- Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave Plans
- Paid Public Holidays
- Hybrid Work Schedule (Office Based in Midtown, Manhattan)
- Commuter Benefits
- 401(k) Match
See All 72 Senior Level Design Director Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSenior Level Design Director Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software15
- Consulting & Professional Services12
- Retail7
- Electronics & Hardware7
- Healthcare & Medical Services7
Senior Level Design Director Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level design director job?
Employers hiring at this level look for candidates who have owned end-to-end design outcomes, not just contributed to them. A portfolio that demonstrates strategic decision-making, cross-functional leadership, and measurable business impact carries more weight than a long list of deliverables. Mentoring experience and the ability to align design thinking with organizational goals give candidates a clear edge at this stage.
Which companies hire senior level design directors?
Companies hiring senior level design directors right now include WSP, Apple, and Poshmark, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Hiring at this level covers established enterprises scaling their design functions and growth-stage companies building out leadership for the first time.
Are there remote senior level design director jobs?
Yes, remote and hybrid options exist at this level, though they vary by industry and company stage. About 40% of senior level design director openings are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting continued flexibility for experienced leaders who can operate independently across distributed teams.
What makes a design director role senior level?
Senior level design director roles are defined by ownership and scope. These positions carry accountability for setting creative direction across products or brands, not just executing within it. They require deep craft expertise alongside the ability to mentor other designers, influence stakeholders at the executive level, and connect design decisions to broader business strategy.
Which industries hire the most senior level design directors?
Senior Level design director roles concentrate in Technology & Software, Consulting & Professional Services, and Retail, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. These sectors tend to invest heavily in design leadership because product differentiation, brand identity, and user experience are central to how they compete.