Design Manager / Design Leader

About the Role

Role Overview

We are seeking a talented Design Manager / Design Leader to join our award-winning ICRAVE team in New York as we embark on an exciting portfolio of new projects this year. In this role, you will play an integral part in shaping projects from concept through completion—balancing creative direction, client engagement, and fostering team leadership.

As a key contributor to both project design and execution, you will help ensure each project is delivered with exceptional quality and thoughtful attention to detail, while also mentoring and supporting our emerging design talent. The ideal candidate is a seasoned interior or architectural designer with a strong collaborative mindset, able to inspire creativity while maintaining a clear and strategic focus.

Key Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Lead interior design projects from concept through completion, ensuring alignment with client goals, project scope, and budget. 
• Build trust and foster strong relationships with multiple clients, managing expectations and facilitating clear communication. 
• Provide project teams with context and direction, explaining the “why” behind design decisions and guiding them in solving client challenges. 
• Conduct and lead internal work sessions, management meetings, and client presentations. 
• Mentor, conduct performance reviews and support career development for more junior designers.
• Ensure design documentation quality by reviewing and redlining outgoing deliverables to minimize risk and liability. 
• Coordinate with peers and project managers to maintain schedule, budget, and resource allocation. 
• Proactively identify design and delivery issues, developing solutions before escalation. 
• Source and coordinate with external vendors, consultants, and contractors as needed for project execution. 
• Participate in recruiting by interviewing candidates and onboarding new hires during growth periods. 
• Support client retention and account growth by contributing to project extensions and additional scopes of work. 

Candidate Qualifications & Skills

Required:

• Professional degree from an accredited interior design or architectural program
• A minimum of 10 years of post-graduate experience working in an architectural or interior design studio
• A proven track record leading complex design projects with key stakeholders
• Outstanding presentation and communication skills
• Solid leadership capabilities across a project team
• Confidence in managing client communications and team workflows while still deeply engaged in creative problem-solving.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and BIM/Revit
• Proficiency in Bluebeam and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign and Photoshop)
• Direct experience in the Hospitality industry is desirable.
• Knowledge of 3D Studio Max and Rhino are a plus. 

Location: Our Broadway Studio is a hybrid design Studio. This role is based in our New York Studio with regular in-person studio hours working with the wider team. On this occasion we can only consider applications from those fully authorized to work in the U.S.

Application: Please submit a resume and portfolio demonstrating your experience as a design manager or design leader along with a cover letter explaining how your experience meets the required criteria for this role. Due to the clear design experience required for this role, applications without portfolios cannot be considered.