Business Development Strategist - Workplace & Technology

Interior Design Business Development Strategist

DES is seeking a seasoned Interior Design Business Development Strategist to fuel growth in our Workplace and Technology markets. This role blends strategic business development leadership with a deep understanding of design excellence, requiring strong industry connections, market insight, and creative thinking to expand our Interior Design presence and influence.

Strategically, you will play a crucial role in expanding our industry presence and book of business. This role partners closely with Interior Design leadership, Partners, and Marketing teams to expand market presence, strengthen client relationships, and position the firm for long-term success across targeted sectors.

This role dedicates approximately 80% of time to developing, implementing, and executing a comprehensive business development strategic plan, driving growth initiatives, identifying new market opportunities, and fostering strategic partnerships. The remaining 20% focuses on supporting the Interior Design team by strengthening client engagement, contributing market intelligence, and helping align business development efforts with design practice goals.

• Develop and execute business development and strategic marketing strategies for Workplace and Technology sectors
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to ensure alignment and support for business development initiatives in the Workplace and Technology sectors
• Enhance and cultivate relationships with clients and end users to support business development, inform design strategy, and strengthen client engagement
• Proactively identify and pursue target markets and client types within the workplace and technology sectors to expand market presence and drive growth
• Help expand the firm's presence into larger-scale Workplace and Technology projects
• Track and analyze key performance indicators to measure business development effectiveness and market growth
• Analyze market trends, competitor positioning, and client needs to inform growth initiatives
• Align shared values and objectives with prospective clients that drive new opportunities
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients, including developers, corporate clients, institutions, owner representatives, and end users
• Identify and pursue new client opportunities from initial engagement through contracts
• Actively participate in conferences, panel discussions and focused industry events to enhance, establish, and build new relationships while strengthening our presence in the market
• Support client retention, repeat work, and account growth initiatives
• Partner with Marketing and Design teams to support RFQs, RFPs, client interviews and presentations, ensuring alignment with business development objectives

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in Interior Design within the San Francisco Bay Area A/E/C industry, with a proven track record of leading business development initiatives, cultivating client relationships, and driving market growth
• Career progression from an Interior Design role into business development, with a proven track record of project leadership, team management, and client relationship development
• Demonstrated success in business development across Workplace and Technology sectors, complemented by experience engaging both public and private sector clients in related markets
• Experience with business development targeting Healthcare, Education, and Life Science sectors within the San Francisco Bay Area is a plus
• Strong Interior Design background with experience engaging directly with end users, managing their needs, and leveraging these relationships to inform design and business development strategies
• Active member in industry associations
• Established network within targeted Interior Design markets
• Proficiency with CRM systems required; experience with Deltek Vantagepoint strongly preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication, business acumen, and presentation skills
• Proven track record of building and sustaining strong client relationships
• Strong understanding of Interior Design services and market sectors
• Mentor with authenticity for the professional…