Lead Design Manager

Job Description

The Director of Design will lead creative development for small‑scale commercial and hospitality projects under $1M, supporting both internal design initiatives and client‑facing work. This role is ideal for a designer earlier in their career who has grown into leadership and is ready to manage the full design process without being stuck in CAD production work.

The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in architecture or interior design, preferably from restaurants, F&B spaces, and other high‑touch commercial environments. The Director of Design will guide concept development, lead aesthetic direction, collaborate with architects and project teams, and ensure all visual and functional elements align with brand and operational needs. This role requires someone confident in hands‑on design, client communication, and team leadership.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to  To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy:

• Develop look‑and‑feel concepts, space plans, and aesthetic direction for interior and architectural elements.
• Produce sketches, Photoshop renderings, and visual mockups for internal and external review.
• Partner with architects and junior designers to bring concepts through schematic design (without being the primary CAD operator).

• Lead internal design for smaller‑scale commercial projects.
• Review drawings, finishes, and design packages prepared by the team.
• Provide guidance to ensure design intent is maintained through construction.

• Work closely with the architectural team to align design vision with technical feasibility.
• Participate in cross‑functional planning meetings.
• Lead design discussions and support junior team members on workflow and design quality.

• Attend on‑site walkthroughs to validate design intent.
• Support in‑person presentations with stakeholders and vendors.
• Conduct field verifications and collect design data from sites.
• Travel required (20–30%); all travel is reimbursed.