Job Description
Senior Interior Designer, Team Lead
📍 Abbotsford, BC | Full-Time | In-Studio 4 days
ABOUT OUR CLIENT
Our recruitment team is partnering confidentially with a highly respected, design-forward residential studio to identify an exceptional Senior Interior Designer, Team Lead.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced designer who thrives at the intersection of creative excellence, leadership, and mentorship.
In this role, you'll guide a talented team of designers while leading the delivery of stunning high-end residential projects. Beyond creating beautiful interiors, you'll play a key role in shaping the design culture, mentoring emerging talent, and contributing to the strategic direction of the studio.
The ideal candidate brings both deep design expertise and proven people leadership, with the ability to confidently lead projects, inspire teams, and build trusted client relationships. If you're ready to step into a role where you can lead, influence, and elevate both projects and people, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Opportunity Leadership & Team Development
You'll be a central leader within the studio, responsible for nurturing talent and strengthening team performance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and mentoring a diverse team of senior, intermediate, and junior designers
- Creating a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing team environment
- Providing regular feedback, technical guidance, and professional development support
- Reviewing and approving design work to ensure consistency and excellence
- Modeling best practices in design process, client communication, and project delivery
- Supporting team members through challenges with clarity, empathy, and strong leadership
- Contributing to design standards, workflow improvements, and departmental processes
- Participating in leadership discussions around strategy, design direction, and team growth
Project Leadership & Design Excellence
Alongside leading the team, you will maintain hands-on involvement with a curated portfolio of high-end residential projects.
You will:
- Lead the design and delivery of luxury residential interiors from concept through installation
- Oversee key projects while guiding the broader team's project delivery
- Set the creative direction for projects across all phases including concept development, drawings, sourcing, procurement, and installation
- Review and approve construction documentation including furniture plans, elevations, and reflected ceiling plans
- Collaborate with vendors and trade partners to source furnishings, materials, and custom elements
- Manage budgets, timelines, and project profitability while proactively addressing challenges
- Ensure clear and consistent communication with clients, builders, vendors, and internal stakeholders
Client Leadership
Strong client relationships are at the heart of successful design projects.
You will:
- Build trusted, long-term client relationships
- Lead client presentations and design discussions with confidence
- Manage complex expectations and serve as a primary point of contact on key projects
- Navigate challenges diplomatically while maintaining exceptional client service
- Represent the studio with professionalism and expertise in every interaction
WHAT YOU BRING
- 12+ years of interior design experience, ideally within high-end residential projects
- Degree in Interior Design or a related field
- Proven leadership experience mentoring and developing design teams
- Strong track record of contributing to collaborative, high-performing studio environments
- Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite
- Deep knowledge of residential construction methods, materials, building codes, and FF&E specification
- Exceptional design sensibility with the ability to balance aesthetics, function, and budget
- Strong communication skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and provide constructive feedback
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
- Self-directed and comfortable operating with a high level of autonomy
- A portfolio demonstrating the successful delivery of high-end residential projects
WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU
💰 Salary Range: $110,000 - $120,000
Additional benefits include:
- Leadership-level compensation with participation in company-wide profit sharing
- Ongoing professional development and leadership growth opportunities
- Comprehensive health benefits
- A collaborative, creative studio environment with a talented and passionate team
