Experienced Interior Designer

KC Interior Design is looking for an experienced, talented, and highly detail-oriented Interior Designer to join our boutique design studio in Encinitas.

We specialize in bespoke, high-end residential interiors with a strong focus on customization, function, craftsmanship, and personality. Our projects are layered, thoughtful, and unique to each client, often blending modern design with color, pattern, texture, natural materials, and unexpected details.

We are looking for someone who can step into a fast-paced, creative studio and help lead projects from concept through completion with confidence, care, and strong technical ability.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Interior Designer with a strong background in high-end residential design. This person should be comfortable working through all phases of the design process, including concept development, construction documentation, client presentations, sourcing, FF&E, vendor coordination, and project follow-through.

This role is ideal for someone who is equally creative and technical. You should have a strong eye for design, but also understand the importance of accurate drawings, clear communication, organized systems, and strong follow-up.

You must be comfortable working directly with clients, contractors, architects, vendors, and the internal KCID team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support high-end residential projects from concept through completion
• Develop thoughtful, cohesive design concepts that reflect the client’s lifestyle, architecture, and project goals
• Create mood boards, material palettes, finish selections, furniture plans, and FF&E presentations
• Source furniture, lighting, plumbing, tile, stone, textiles, wallcoverings, accessories, and custom pieces
• Prepare detailed client presentations using InDesign
• Produce accurate construction drawings and design documentation using Revit
• Use SketchUp to help communicate design intent to clients
• Develop and maintain FF&E specifications, schedules, and project documentation
• Coordinate with architects, builders, contractors, fabricators, workrooms, showrooms, and vendors
• Attend site visits, client meetings, showroom appointments, and project installations
• Review drawings, details, dimensions, finish selections, and orders for accuracy
• Help manage project timelines, priorities, and deliverables
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients and project partners
• Support procurement, quoting, proposals, purchase orders, and Studio Designer workflows
• Bring creative solutions, strong follow-through, and a positive attitude to every project

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is experienced, polished, resourceful, and passionate about high-end residential design. You should be able to take initiative, think ahead, and help move projects forward without needing constant direction.

You are a strong fit if you are:

• Highly detail-oriented
• Technically strong with construction drawings
• Confident in sourcing and FF&E selections
• Comfortable communicating with clients and trades
• Organized and able to manage multiple projects at once
• Creative, curious, and excited by custom design
• Calm under pressure and solution-oriented
• Professional, kind, and collaborative
• Comfortable in a small business environment
• Willing to learn KCID systems, standards, and processes
• Passionate about creating beautiful, functional, deeply personal homes

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of lead designer / interior design experience, preferably in high-end residential design
• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or related field preferred
• Strong understanding of the design process from concept to installation
• Proficiency in Revit
• Proficiency in SketchUp
• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign
• Strong FF&E sourcing and specification experience
• Ability to read, create, and review construction drawings
• Strong understanding of materials, finishes, furniture, lighting, plumbing, tile, stone, and custom details
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and shifting priorities
• Must be able to work in person from our Encinitas studio

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with luxury residential projects
• Experience with ground-up construction or large-scale renovations
• Experience using Studio Designer
• Knowledge of custom furniture, millwork, upholstery, and fabrication
• Strong vendor and showroom relationships
• Understanding of sustainable materials and responsible sourcing
• Experience attending site meetings and coordinating with builders and trades

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience
• Opportunity to work on beautiful, high-end residential projects
• A creative, collaborative, and design-driven studio environment
• Hands-on experience with custom homes, renovations, furnishings, and styling
• Opportunities for professional growth and increased responsibility
• A supportive team that values creativity, integrity, communication, and attention to detail
• Flexible travel and vacation

Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour

Work Location: In person