Interior Designer (Intermediate)

About the role

The Intermediate Designer supports the design development, documentation, and coordination of interiors projects within the NY Interiors Studio. This role is intended for a designer with growing professional experience who can contribute meaningfully to project design, presentations, documentation, material research, and consultant coordination under the guidance of Senior Designers, Project Managers, Project Architects, Job Captains, and studio leadership.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of interiors projects from concept through design development, documentation, and construction administration.
• Contribute to space planning, design studies, test fits, finish palettes, furniture concepts, material research, precedent imagery, and presentation materials.
• Aid in translating client goals, project requirements, workplace strategy, brand, and design direction into thoughtful interiors-focused design solutions.
• Work with Senior Designers and project leadership to develop design concepts, narratives, planning strategies, and material approaches.
• Participate in internal design reviews and incorporate feedback from Senior Designers, Design Directors, Project Managers, Project Architects, Job Captains, and other project leaders.
• Support the advancement of design intent through an integrated team process, recognizing that design development is a collaborative effort between design, technical, and project leadership.
• Assist in the preparation and coordination of interior design packages, including plans, elevations, finish plans, reflected ceiling plans, furniture plans, material palettes, schedules, and presentation decks.
• Collaborate with Senior Designers, Project Architects, Job Captains, and technical team members to further develop the design and translate ideas into coordinated, buildable solutions.
• Review drawings and presentation materials for consistency, coordination, and alignment with the approved design direction.
• Coordinate with MatTech and project teams on materials, finishes, specifications, samples, and design standards.
• Support consultant coordination, including lighting, branding, sustainability, furniture, AV, MEP, structural, and other disciplines as required.
• Assist with construction administration activities related to design intent, including submittal reviews, RFI responses, site observations, punch list support, and finish / mock-up reviews, as appropriate to experience level.
• Aid in the preparation of client presentations, workshops, and design meeting materials.
• Develop clear visual materials that communicate design ideas, options, recommendations, and project narratives.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams, consultants, vendors, and clients, as appropriate to the project role.
• Review overall design direction with Senior Designers and, when appropriate, the Design Director, to ensure alignment with project goals, studio priorities, and HLW’s broader design standards.
• Work collaboratively with designers, architects, Project Managers, Project Architects, Job Captains, consultants, and specialty teams.
• Take direction from project leadership while also contributing ideas, observations, and recommendations.
• Manage assigned tasks, deadlines, and deliverables with accountability and clear communication.
• Cook regularly with project team members to understand priorities, schedule requirements, and deliverable expectations.
• Contribute to a positive studio culture through collaboration, curiosity, professionalism, and active participation in project and studio discussions.
• Support HLW’s design standards, presentation standards, and quality expectations.
• Prepare work that is thoughtful, coordinated, visually clear, and appropriate to the client and project goals.
• Maintain awareness of current design trends, materials, furniture systems, workplace strategies, sustainability considerations, and industry innovations.
• Support the continual improvement of studio design tools, templates, material libraries, and work product.
• Demonstrate attention to detail in drawings, presentations, finish selections, and documentation.
• Continue to develop design, technical, communication, and project coordination skills.
• Seek feedback from Senior Designers, Project Managers, Project Architects, Job Captains, and studio leadership.
• Participate in internal learning opportunities, design reviews, vendor presentations, and studio initiatives.
• Contribute to the studio’s design culture through engagement, curiosity, and a willingness to learn across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related design field from an accredited institution.
• 5–10 years of professional experience in interior design, architectural interiors, or a related design practice, with demonstrated experience working on interiors projects required.
• NCIDQ certification, architectural licensure, or active pursuit of either credential preferred.
• Strong graphic, verbal, written communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, 3D modeling / rendering software, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of building codes, ADA requirements, accessibility standards, and sustainable design principles.
• Experience with material selection, finish coordination, procurement support, and construction documentation.
• Understanding of construction, furniture, and material costs, with the ability to support design decisions that align with project budgets.
• Collaborative, proactive, and detail-oriented approach to design, communication, and project delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• LEED accreditation or familiarity with sustainable design standards.
• Experience in commercial, hospitality, or workplace design.
• Familiarity with coordinating MEP systems into project designs.
• Familiarity with material sourcing, bid processes, and furniture procurement.