Principal - Interiors Studio (Costa Mesa)

Job description

SDK Design Group is an award-winning Architecture, Planning, Landscape and Interiors firm with locations Costa Mesa, CA, Scottsdale, AZ and Washington, D.C. As an award-winning design firm driven by determined optimism and youthful demeanor. Our craft relies on working closely with clients and collaborators. We recognize mutual goals, build lasting relationships and value voices throughout the design process. Our studios have been designed to allow our creative collective to inspire one another

we are architects and designers guided by the belief that we are stronger as a team than as individuals.

Our passion is to create distinct and valuable designs by producing new interpretations of traditional styles and provide captivating designs that extend across a full spectrum of markets. Recognized for our sophisticated style and distinctive design, we are driven by implementing a unique strategy for each client that is both innovative and conducive to a true lifestyle. We are committed to excellence and providing a memorable experience for our clients by appreciating every opportunity that we are given to demonstrate our creativity and deliver an authentically defined space. By prioritizing coherence in design strategies, inventiveness, and determination we empower our team to use originality and imagination to ensure our projects lead through cutting-edge design.

We are currently seeking a

Principal - Interiors Studio

in our Costa Mesa, CA office.

About the Role

As the interior design lead at SDK Design Group, you will be responsible for guiding the creative direction, strategy, and delivery of high-impact projects. Youll lead across all project phases - championing design quality, fostering collaboration, and cultivating strong client relationships. Your leadership will play a key role in shaping progressive environments that reflect our clients brand, culture, and future ambitions.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Practice Leadership and Management :

Provide leadership and motivation to our studio, specifically the Interior design department

Lead the interior design process from concept through completion on residential and commercial projects

Collaborate with clients, consultants, and internal teams to deliver integrated, high-performance design solutions

Establish and foster relationships with existing and new clients, afford new project opportunities, and collaborate with the Business Development Team to prepare proposals to pursue new projects

Establish a culture of design excellence in interior projects across the North America region

Foster a commitment to exceptional client service

Provide mentorship to others within the practice

Develop and review fee proposals, budgets, and financial projections

Utilize and encourage best uses of technology for design, presentation, and production

Manage design presentations, documentation, and quality control across all project phases.

Manage the design solution by :

Ensuring the execution of necessary research to provide a thorough understanding of client needs, leading to responsive design solutions

Communicating design intent to clients in a clear, compelling way

incorporating design requirements and goals to demonstrate creative and unique design solutions

Overseeing the preparation and delivery of design presentations to the clients and coordinating with consultants to achieve design goals on schedule and within budget

Ensuring that graphic representations and construction documents clearly and accurately convey design intent

Business development and Marketing :

Establish and maintain close relationships with clients

Collaborate with the architecture and landscape studio to increase opportunities and revenue from clients

Strategize with office leadership on the Business Development approach for specific opportunities

Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the interior design market

Work closely business development prepare fee proposals and write and / or edit appropriate sections of proposals

Work with the Marketing Manager to integrate strategy and goals for the Interiors group into the marketing plan

Provide content of public relations activities for press releases, feature articles, and advertisements

Join professional, trade, and industry organizations and attend networking events, seeking opportunities to participate in seminars, panels, and speaking opportunities

Participate on juries at schools and industry awards programs

Staff Development :

Recruit talent to grow the practice

Lead ongoing dialogue within the Interiors group and with the practice at large regarding design philosophy, approach, and process

Mentor, coach, and motivate teams and individuals within the practice

Foster an environment of mutual respect and trust among team members as the group continues to grow and develop

Create opportunities for continuing education and professional development, including site visits, lectures, Lunch and Learns, etc.

About You

As a successful candidate, you are a highly motivated, creative, and resourceful leader with a strong collaborative spirit. You are committed to delivering business value for clients by applying bespoke solutions grounded in SDK Design Groups research, design expertise, and industry experience.

You excel at conceptualizing and translating ideas into exceptional design outcomes, combining strong space planning abilities with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics. A natural collaborator and clear communicator, you bring a positive, professional presence to every interaction and presentation.

Required Experience and Skills :

Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related field (or the international equivalent)

At least 12 years experience working in the Interior Design field

Strong residential portfolio is essential, additional experience in retail / hospitality / commercial would be a bonus

Demonstrated experience successfully leading and managing projects and a team

Demonstrated success in identifying and securing new business opportunities

Salary / Wages

We offer an extensive benefits package for this position including :

Expected Base Salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $165,000.00

Commission Based Bonus Structure

Medical / Dental / Vision Plans

401k Retirement