SARASOTA, FL · HIGH-END RESIDENTIAL
Interior Designer
Full-time, On-site Sarasota, FL, Residential Luxury, Client Sales
ABOUT US
We are a boutique, five-person interior design firm based in Sarasota with a singular focus: creating exceptional, one-of-a-kind residential interiors for discerning clients. Our close-knit team collaborates with homeowners, architects, and artisan vendors to bring imaginative, refined spaces to life — from whole-home renovations to bespoke furnishing programs. We pride ourselves on deep client relationships, impeccable craft, and a studio culture where every designer’s voice matters.
THE ROLE
As Interior Designer, you will be expected to be a team member on full-cycle luxury residential projects from concept through installation. You’ll work directly with clients and vendors and help contribute towards the creative standard for the studio. The right candidate brings a genuine sales mindset — you are comfortable presenting design concepts persuasively, guiding clients toward decisions. This position mixes autonomy and collaboration with a Sr Designer as needed and is a role suited to a confident designer who thrives on team collaboration, meticulous execution and the fast pace of a small, entrepreneurial firm.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist Sr. Designer on Large Projects and independently manage smaller projects from initial consult through final install and punchlist
- Assist in developing concept presentations, mood boards, and space plans
- Source furniture, fixtures, wallpaper, fabrics, art, and custom millwork for high-end budgets
- Procurement of furnishings and all facets of interior décor (including purchase order production)
- Work with Install Manager to schedule trades & vendors
- Creation of Autocad drawings including space plans, reflected ceiling plans, electrical plans, furniture plans, elevations & creation of corresponding schedules for all interior items
- Assist with managing project budgets and timelines with accuracy
- Collaborate with architects, contractors, and trades
CORE QUALIFICATIONS:
- 4+ years of interior design experience, with at least 1 in high-end residential
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or related field (NCIDQ preferred)
- Proven ability to manage multi-task and work on multiple projects simultaneously
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Familiarity with luxury furnishings, window treatments, wallpaper, bedding
- Familiarity with building materials, finishes and products
- Florida-based or willing to relocate to the Sarasota area
SOFTWARE & TECHNICAL EXPERTISE - Design & Drafting:
- AutoCAD — space planning, construction documents **MUST BE PROFICIENT**
- Adobe— Powerpoint for presentations
- MS Office Excel for Schedules
PROJECT & BUSINESS MANAGEMENT:
- Quickbooks — for procurement, purchase orders, estimates & invoices
SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:
- Ability to guide clients through the design sales process.
- Ability to identify upsell opportunities — furnishing packages, additional rooms, etc.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
- Salary commensurate to experience
- Annual Performance Bonus, project-based
- Insurance Stipend & Phone Stipend
- PTO 13 days + 6 paid holidays
- Professional development CEU support, markets & trade show access (High Point, Dallas, etc.)
- Collaborative studio work environment
TO APPLY:
Send resume to jnolan@distinctiveinteriorsdesign.com
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person