Senior Interior Designer

Senior Interior Designer - High End Residential

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 Senior Interior Designer, you will lead full-cycle luxury residential projects from concept through installation. You’ll serve as the primary client liaison on your projects, manage junior team members and vendor relationships, and set the creative standard for the studio. Critically, the right candidate brings a genuine sales mindset — you are comfortable presenting design concepts persuasively, guiding clients toward decisions, and contributing to the firm’s growth through new client development and referral relationships. This is a highly autonomous role suited to a confident designer who thrives on client collaboration, meticulous execution, and the fast pace of a small, entrepreneurial firm.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Lead projects from initial consult through final install and punch list

· Develop concept presentations, mood boards, and space plans

· Manage client relationships with professionalism and creative confidence

· Source furniture, fixtures, art, and custom millwork for high-end budgets

· Oversee procurement, vendor coordination, and site visits

· Supervise and mentor design staff

· Manage project budgets and timelines with accuracy

· Collaborate with architects, contractors, and trades

CORE QUALIFICATIONS:

· 7+ years of interior design experience, with at least 4 in high-end residential

· Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or related field (NCIDQ preferred)

· Strong knowledge of luxury vendors, trade resources, and showrooms

· Proven ability to manage multiple projects and clients simultaneously

· Exceptional communication and presentation skills

· Detail-oriented with strong organizational and financial acumen

· 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

PROJECT & BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

· Quickbooks — Procurement: estimates, PO’s & invoicing workflows

SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:

Demonstrated ability to guide clients through the design sales process — from initial consultation to signed contract.

Experience presenting design concepts in a way that builds client confidence &

drives project approvals.

Comfortable discussing design fees, project scope, and budget parameters with

high-net-worth clients.

Track record of generating referrals and repeat business through exceptional client

relationships.

Ability to identify upsell opportunities — furnishing packages, additional rooms,

phased project expansions.

Experience participating in or leading new business pitches, proposals, and RFP

Responses.

Familiarity with systematic follow-up practices to nurture prospective clients.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary commensurate with experience
Performance Bonus Annual, project-based
Insurance Stipend / Phone Stipend
PTO 13 days + 6 paid holidays
Professional development CEU support & trade show access (Highpoint, Dallas, etc.)
Work environment Collaborative studio, no corporate bureaucracy

TO APPLY:

Send resume to jnolan@distinctiveinteriorsdesign.com

Benefits: