Senior Interior Designer - Higher Ed and Civic Projects - API Partners, LLC

OVERVIEW:

Our client, an award-winning international architecture firm, has designed iconic structures and spaces across the US and globally. With an extensive portfolio encompassing educational, civic, and cultural projects, their combined exceptional design and technical expertise is a key differentiator. The firm's dynamic, team-oriented studio structure promotes collaboration and innovation while supporting ongoing investment in talent and sustainable design practices. Given the firm's continued growth and success, they are seeking a Senior Interior Designer for their Education and Civic Projects studio based in either their San Jose or Los Angeles office.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Interior Designer will be a creative and detail-oriented professional, skilled in generating and developing innovative design solutions for multiple interior design projects simultaneously. They will work closely with Principals and project teams to guide design efforts from Conceptual Design through Schematics, Design Development, and Construction Documentation. They will create a culture of design excellence within teams and organize all design efforts and client presentations. Key responsibilities include originating innovative solutions to complex design problems, managing design staff and coordinating with consultants, leading the interiors technical viewpoint, and working closely with Project Architects to ensure construction documents are consistent with design intent.

The Senior Interior Designer will confer with stakeholders on high-level design strategies, manage established design budgets, and advance the firm's commitment to ethical and sustainable materials. They will research, select, and document comprehensive interiors packages for various educational and civic projects, including programming, space planning, concept development, interior finishes, furniture selection, and millwork detailing. This role requires a professional who can balance multiple projects simultaneously and apply their expertise to progressively more complex and diverse assignments in the education and civic sectors.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture; Master's degree preferred, NCIDQ certification or CID preferred
• 10+ years of experience in interior design, with a focus on educational/ civic projects
• Substantial experience in interior design, documentation, and detailing for a wide variety of project types, including experience with governmental agencies and building codes
• Expert knowledge of FF&E, color and materials, furniture systems and specifications, and sustainable practices
• Excellent graphic, verbal, and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to lead client meetings and satisfy clients on a project level
• Expert proficiency in Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat or Bluebeam; working proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering software (e.g., Rhino, SketchUp, Enscape) a plus
• Proven ability to manage design staff, coordinate with consultants, and lead the interiors technical viewpoint in collaboration with Project Architects
• Demonstrated capacity to originate innovative solutions to complex design problems and guide project teams through all phases of design
• Commitment to design innovation and excellence, with a proactive approach to staying abreast of design trends in educational and civic projects