COL-| Design Director

Manhattan, United States | Posted on 11/05/2026

Colwyn Group is a staffing and recruiting firm headquartered in Austin, Texas, working across healthcare, technology, and executive search. We place candidates with employers across the US.An American Staffing Association member firm.

Design Director – Luxury Residential Architecture & Interiors Firm Type:
Award-Winning Luxury Residential Interior Design & Architecture Studio

Location:

Manhattan, New York, NY (In-Studio / On-Site)
Position Type:
Full-Time, Permanent Compensation: $150,000 – $185,000 Base Salary (Commensurate with experience) + Comprehensive Benefits Package Studio

Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Summer Friday Schedule)
About the OpportunityA nationally celebrated, multidisciplinary interior design and architecture studio in Manhattan is seeking an accomplished Design Director to serve as the senior creative authority and team leader for its high-end residential portfolio.

The studio specializes in bespoke private estates, high-profile urban penthouses, and landmark development projects defined by bespoke architectural detailing, warmth, and elevated custom materiality.

Reporting directly to the Founder & Principal, the Design Director will direct the studio's overall design perspective, mentor an established team of interior architects and designers, and partner closely with Project Management, Purchasing, and Operations to bridge visionary aesthetics with flawless project delivery.

• 1. Creative Direction & Aesthetic Governance Define and safeguard the design narrative for all concurrent luxury residential and development projects from initial charrette through final installation.
  
  Lead internal design workshops and sign off on all conceptual presentations, space plans, finish boards, millwork packages, and FF&E specifications.
  
  Conduct continuous market research on emerging high-end residential materials, artisan fabricators, custom lighting makers, and international trade innovations.
  
  Direct high-stakes client presentations, articulating technical and design decisions with poise, clarity, and authority.
• 2. Staff Mentorship & Studio Leadership Directly oversee and develop a multidisciplinary studio team, including Lead, Senior, and Intermediate Designers, interior architects, and technical drafters.
  
  Conduct regular drawing redlines, critique presentation deliverables, and foster a collaborative environment centered on constructive growth and technical precision.
  
  Establish team staffing allocations, project milestone schedules, and design-department KPIs.Assist firm leadership in establishing hiring benchmarks, conducting portfolio interviews, and onboarding incoming design talent.
• 3. Technical Delivery & Quality Control Maintain quality assurance across all schematic design (SD), design development (DD), and construction document (CD) packages, ensuring constructability, coordination, and code compliance.
  
  Work in lockstep with Purchasing and Project Management teams to verify vendor lead times, custom procurement timelines, and installation logistics.
  
  Oversee Construction Administration (CA), advising project teams through complex site conditions and contractor coordination without compromising the core design intent.
  
  Monitor project design hours, utilization metrics, and budgets to uphold studio profitability.
• 4. Operational Systems & Industry Representation Refine internal CAD standards, presentation templates, specification protocols, and documentation guidelines.
  
  Partner with Operations to enhance handoff workflows between design, project management, and procurement teams.
  
  Represent the practice in industry panels, design awards, and high-profile architectural…