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Lead Interior Designer at Luxury Design Firm
Corinne Mathern Studio
compensation:
$110k-$130k plus benefits | based on experience
employment type:
full-time
experience level:
senior level
job title:
Lead Interior Designer
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At Corinne Mathern Studio, we craft thoughtful, timeless interiors that reflect the lives and stories of our clients. Our projects span from high-end residences to boutique commercial spaces, and we approach each one with rigor, creativity, and a commitment to exceptional service. We are seeking a Lead Designer-a polished, organized, and inspiring leader who can bring structure, momentum, and clarity to our busy studio.
Role Overview
The Lead Designer will be the day-to-day driver of project execution, leading design development, managing client and vendor communication, and ensuring operational excellence across all active projects. This role requires a design leader who can translate the Principal’s vision into fully realized, buildable, and install-ready designs while managing a team with clarity, confidence, and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Execution
• Drive daily execution of projects from concept to install, ensuring design intent and studio standards are upheld.
• Translate the Creative Director’s conceptual vision into detailed, actionable design documentation.
• Review all design development sets, drawings, and samples prior to Principal sign off.
• Maintain quality control across all creative deliverables, ensuring consistency with the Corinne Mathern Studio aesthetic.
Project & Client Management
• Own all project management: timelines, task assignments, meeting coordination, and execution tracking.
• Serve as the primary client point-of-contact once the project is underway.
• Manage site coordination with contractors, vendors, and consultants to ensure flawless execution.
• Oversee procurement and installations, addressing any issues with urgency and professionalism.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
• Lead weekly internal check-ins to align priorities across assistant designers, procurement, and operations.
• Mentor junior team members in design execution, technical detailing, and client service.
• Delegate effectively while maintaining oversight on all critical deliverables.
Operational & Financial Accountability
• Track project profitability by monitoring time, deliverables, and workflow efficiency.
• Anticipate potential challenges and develop proactive solutions to keep projects on schedule and on budget.
Qualifications
• Required Experience:
o 8+ years in interior design, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead role within a high-end or luxury focused design firm.
o Proven track record managing full project cycles with limited principal oversight.
o Strong portfolio showcasing work aligned with luxury, bespoke residential and/or commercial interiors.
• Skills & Competencies:
o Strong leadership, delegation, and proactive communication skills.
o Expert knowledge of design documentation, detailing, and specifications.
o Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Studio Designer (or similar).
o Exceptional client-facing presence with the ability to convey design intent clearly and persuasively.
o High level of organization and ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
What We’re Looking For
We need a design leader who:
• Can fully embody and communicate the Corinne Mathern aesthetic.
• Thrives in a creative, fast-paced, high-standard environment.
• Excels at bridging conceptual vision and technical execution.
• Inspires the team while maintaining accountability and precision.
• Is committed to delivering exceptional design outcomes that meet the level of an AD100 firm.
Compensation
• Competitive salary
• Benefits package
• Opportunity to work on nationally recognized, high-profile projects
This position is either full time in Santa Barbara, California or in Los Angeles with a few days a week at our design studio in Santa Barbara.
How to Apply
Please send your resume, a curated portfolio of relevant work, a brief cover letter describing your leadership and design experience, salary requirements, and 2–3 references to the email in this post with the subject line: Lead Designer Application – [Your Name].
- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.