Interior Designer for Luxury Custom Homes

The Interior Designer serves as the primary interior design professional for luxury custom home projects and is responsible for guiding clients through the interior design and selections process from concept through construction completion.

This individual works closely with homeowners, architectural designers, construction professionals, and trade partners to create beautiful, functional, and highly personalized living environments. The Interior Designer is responsible for developing cohesive design concepts, managing client selections, coordinating design details, and ensuring the design vision is successfully executed throughout construction.

The ideal candidate possesses exceptional design talent, outstanding communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and a passion for creating extraordinary custom homes. This role requires equal parts creativity, technical knowledge, project management, and client service.

Key Responsibilities

Client Leadership

• Serve as the primary interior design contact throughout the design and construction process.
• Lead clients through all interior and exterior finish selections.
• Build strong relationships through trust, communication, and exceptional service.
• Facilitate design meetings and help clients confidently make design decisions.
• Guide clients through a structured selections process while minimizing decision fatigue and overwhelm.
• Balance client preferences with design integrity, functionality, budget, and project objectives.

Design Development

• Develop comprehensive interior design concepts that align with the architectural vision of the home.
• Create cohesive design palettes, material specifications, and finish selections.
• Design custom interior features including cabinetry, built-ins, fireplace surrounds, feature walls, ceiling details, and specialty millwork.
• Collaborate with architectural designers to ensure seamless integration between architecture and interiors.
• Develop presentation materials, mood boards, renderings, and design concepts when appropriate.

Selections Management

• Manage all client selections including:
• Flooring
• Tile
• Countertops
• Plumbing fixtures
• Lighting fixtures
• Cabinetry finishes
• Hardware
• Paint and stain selections
• Appliances
• Specialty materials and finishes
• Maintain accurate selection documentation and approval records.
• Coordinate selections with project budgets and construction schedules.
• Communicate selections clearly to estimating, purchasing, and construction teams.

Design-Build Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with architectural designers, estimators, project managers, and superintendents.
• Participate in design reviews and project planning meetings.
• Ensure selections and design decisions align with project budgets and construction requirements.
• Assist in resolving design-related challenges during construction.
• Conduct field reviews as necessary to verify design intent is being properly executed.

Vendor and Trade Partner Coordination

• Build and maintain relationships with showrooms, vendors, suppliers, and specialty craftsmen.
• Stay informed regarding new products, materials, technologies, and industry trends.
• Coordinate pricing, lead times, samples, and product availability.
• Assist in sourcing unique and specialty products appropriate for luxury custom homes.

Construction Support

• Provide design clarification during construction.
• Review shop drawings, cabinetry drawings, and finish details.
• Conduct site visits to verify quality and design execution.
• Participate in final walkthroughs and project closeout activities.
• Assist in developing punch lists related to design and finish quality.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of residential interior design experience.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional residential design work.
• Experience managing client selections and finish specifications.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Strong understanding of residential construction and interior detailing.
• Proficiency in design software and presentation tools.

Preferred

• Experience with luxury custom homes.
• Design-build experience.
• Knowledge of cabinetry design and millwork detailing.
• Experience collaborating directly with affluent and high-expectation clientele.
• NCIDQ certification or equivalent professional credentials.

Desired Characteristics

The ideal candidate:

• Has exceptional design instincts and attention to detail.
• Creates highly personalized spaces tailored to each client.
• Possesses outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Thrives in a client-facing environment.
• Maintains a calm and professional demeanor under pressure.
• Is highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Balances creativity with practicality and budget awareness.
• Anticipates challenges and proactively develops solutions.
• Understands that every interaction contributes to the client's overall experience.

Performance Metrics

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Client satisfaction.
• Design quality and creativity.
• Accuracy and completeness of selections documentation.
• Adherence to project schedules.
• Budget management of client selections.
• Quality of collaboration with construction and design teams.
• Reduction in selection-related change orders.
• Successful execution of design intent during construction.

Furnishings and Decorative Design

Furnishings Design

• Develop comprehensive furniture plans and room layouts that complement the home's architecture and the client's lifestyle.
• Select and specify furnishings including:
• Sofas and seating
• Dining furniture
• Bedroom furniture
• Occasional tables
• Office furniture
• Outdoor furnishings
• Custom furniture pieces
• Create cohesive furnishing packages that balance aesthetics, functionality, comfort, and durability.
• Coordinate custom furniture design and fabrication when appropriate.
• Present furnishing concepts, specifications, and budgets to clients.

Window Treatments and Soft Goods

• Design and specify custom window treatments including draperies, shades, shutters, and specialty treatments.
• Coordinate fabrics, trims, hardware, and installation details.
• Select rugs, bedding, pillows, and other soft furnishings that support the overall design vision.
• Collaborate with specialty vendors and workrooms to ensure exceptional quality and execution.

Decorative Design and Styling

• Curate artwork, accessories, decorative lighting, mirrors, and decorative objects.
• Develop styling concepts that create warmth, personality, and visual interest throughout the home.
• Coordinate final installation and styling of furnishings and decorative elements.
• Assist clients with art placement and decorative curation.
• Ensure all decorative elements align with the home's architectural character and interior design concept.

Procurement and Installation Management

• Coordinate ordering, tracking, receiving, and installation of furnishings and decorative items.
• Manage furnishing budgets and maintain accurate procurement records.
• Coordinate with receiving warehouses, vendors, installers, and trade partners.
• Monitor lead times and proactively address procurement challenges.
• Conduct installation oversight and final styling activities to ensure design intent is fully realized.

Additional Performance Metrics

Success in this role will also be measured by:

• Furnishings and design services revenue.
• Client participation in furnishings and styling services.
• Furnishings project profitability.
• Successful installation and completion of furnishing projects.
• Client satisfaction with completed interiors.
• Vendor and supplier relationship management.
• Overall contribution to enhancing the luxury client experience.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a highly competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:

• Base salary
• Profit sharing bonuses
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan participation
• Professional development opportunities

This position offers the opportunity to create extraordinary homes while helping clients bring their vision to life through thoughtful design, exceptional service, and meticulous attention to detail.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Profit sharing

Work Location: In person