Design Manager

About the Role

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Design Manager to join us for a specific project across 2026. You will play a key role in driving projects forward—balancing creativity, client management, and team leadership. You’ll serve as the backbone of project delivery: leading design execution, building client relationships, mentoring junior designers, and ensuring the creative vision is translated into high-quality results. Working closely with both clients and internal teams, you’ll be responsible for managing design workflows, overseeing deliverables, and guiding teams toward impactful outcomes.

We're unable to offer further details about the project online, but are happy to share details in interview once an NDA has been signed.

This role will be suited to an existing Design Manager or a Senior Designer looking to focus on their management skills for the duration of the project.

Key Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Lead interior design projects from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with client goals, project scope, and budget. 

• Build trust and foster strong relationships with multiple clients, managing expectations and facilitating clear communication. 

• Provide project teams with context and direction, explaining the “why” behind design decisions and guiding them in solving client challenges. 

• Conduct and lead internal work sessions, management meetings, and client presentations. 

• Mentor and provide real-time feedback to junior designers, conducting performance reviews for levels A/B and supporting career development. 

• Ensure design documentation fidelity by reviewing/redlining outgoing deliverables to minimize risk and liability. 

• Coordinate with peers and project managers to maintain schedule, budget, and resource allocation. 

• Proactively identify design and delivery issues, developing solutions before escalation. 

• Source and coordinate with external vendors, consultants, and contractors as needed for project execution. 

• Participate in recruiting by interviewing candidates and onboarding new hires during growth periods. 

• Support client retention and account growth by contributing to project extensions and additional scopes of work. 

Candidate Qualifications & Skills

Required

• A minimum of 10 years of post-graduate experience working in an architectural or interior design studio
• A proven track record leading complex design projects with key stakeholders
• Solid leadership capabilities across a project team
• Confidence in managing client communications and team workflows while still deeply engaged in creative problem-solving.
• Fluency in AutoCAD 2020, AGI132, and Revit
• Proficiency in Bluebeam, Adobe Acrobat, InDesign, and Photoshop

Desirable:

• Direct experience in the Hospitality industry
• Knowledge of 3D Studio Max and Rhino

Contract: This is a Temporary Contract for the duration of the project with view to extend should the project extend.

Location: Our Broadway Studio is a hybrid design Studio. This role is based in our New York Studio with regular in-person studio hours working with the wider team.

Application: Please submit a resume and portfolio demonstrating your experience as a design manager or senior designer along with a cover letter explaining how your experience meets the required criteria for this role. Due to the clear spatial design experience required for this role applications without portfolios cannot be considered.