Lead Interior Designer

Lead Interior Designer

Detroit, MI | Hybrid Work Schedule 

About Hamilton Anderson Associates 
Hamilton Anderson Associates (HAA) is a Detroit-based, architecture and interior design firm dedicated to creating spaces that honor history, strengthen communities, and reflect the people who use them. Our work spans cultural, civic, educational, and commercial projects, with a strong focus on collaboration, equity, and design excellence. 

About the Role
The Lead Interior Designer is responsible for guiding interior design projects from concept hand-off through completion. Working closely with Principals, Directors, and Project Managers, this position ensures design intent is delivered within the firm’s aesthetic, technical, schedule, and budgetary parameters. This role regularly leads client-facing meetings and presentations and serves as a primary design representative for the firm. The Lead Interior Designer manages and mentors a small team while remaining hands-on throughout the design process.

What You’ll Do

Design Leadership & Project Execution

• Lead multiple interior design projects concurrently, overseeing design development, schedules, budgets, and installations
• Translate design direction into clear, actionable plans for project teams
• Develop and oversee space planning, construction documents, specifications, and finish schedules
• Review architectural and consultant documents to ensure coordination and design cohesion
• Ensure design solutions align with sustainability principles and fabrication considerations

Client & Relationship Leadership

• Lead client-facing meetings, presentations, and design discussions
• Build strong working relationships with clients, contractors, consultants, and vendors
• Clearly communicate design intent, decisions, and next steps throughout the project lifecycle
• Take ownership of issues as they arise and lead resolution efforts

Team Leadership & Studio Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor Interior Designers I–III, setting clear expectations around scope, schedule, and quality
• Review design work and provide constructive, growth-oriented feedback
• Lead weekly team meetings to align workloads and priorities
• Support a positive, collaborative studio culture grounded in HAA’s design mission

Operational & Firm Leadership

• Collaborate with firm leadership on project timelines, budgets, and staffing
• Track labor hours and projections and identify potential project risks
• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals, letter proposals, and RFP responses
• Participate in leadership meetings, trainings, and firm initiatives
• Represent HAA at industry and community events

What You Bring

• A strong professional design portfolio demonstrating thoughtful, well-executed work
• Confidence and professionalism in client-facing environments
• Proven experience leading teams and managing complex projects
• Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and Photoshop (required)
• Proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, InDesign, and Adobe Creative Suite (preferred)

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and/or Architecture (required)
• Seven (7) or more years of professional interior design experience, including commercial projects
• Experience with historic renovations and new construction
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience
• NCIDQ certification (required)
• Authorization to work in the United States

Salary Range

• $80,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and short-term disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and firm holidays
• Hybrid work schedule in accordance with firm policy

Equal Opportunity Employer
Hamilton Anderson Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.