Design Director

Design Director | Seattle

Studio: IA | Design That Moves - Seattle

At IA, we bring architecture, design, and strategy together to create environments that move people and organizations forward. Our teams help clients respond to changing business needs by designing places that strengthen connection, support performance, and adapt to what comes next. Join us and bring your perspective to work that aligns culture, operations, and long-term goals. Together, we shape the future through people-centered design.

Our Seattle studio is seeking a Design Director to establish a clear design vision and guide teams in creating environments that connect human needs with business goals. You'll partner with clients, project teams, and firm leadership to translate insights into thoughtful, buildable solutions. Through mentorship, collaboration, and the purposeful use of emerging technologies, you'll advance design quality and help shape the studio's future.

What You'll Do

• Build trusted client relationships by understanding business objectives, culture, performance goals, budgets, and schedules, and translating those insights into a clear design vision.
• Guide design quality across the studio, bringing consistency, rigor, and fresh thinking to project outcomes.
• Lead concept development and design presentations for key projects and accounts, connecting ideas to client priorities through storytelling, data, and visual communication.
• Oversee space plans, design concepts, documentation, and furniture packages for priority projects and pursuits.
• Partner with Project Managers and technical leaders to coordinate design intent, documentation, and furniture deliverables around client goals.
• Mentor designers at all levels through regular feedback and coaching, supporting accountability, curiosity, and professional growth.
• Collaborate with studio leadership to lead training, design reviews, and team-building initiatives that strengthen design standards and shared practices.
• Maintain industry and client relationships and identify opportunities for new pursuits, business development, and thought leadership.
• Partner with design and marketing teams to guide project photography, storytelling, and award submissions that communicate the thinking and impact behind our work.
• Collaborate across studios and disciplines to share knowledge and align design work with IA's standards, processes, and strategic priorities.
• Guide the thoughtful use of emerging technologies, including AI, to support research, precedent analysis, test fits, visualization, and design exploration while maintaining design integrity and authorship.
• Partner with firm leadership to evaluate, test, and implement digital tools and workflows that improve design quality, coordination, and the client experience.
• Encourage ongoing learning around emerging technologies, automation, and data-informed design.

What You Bring

• A degree from an accredited architecture or interior design program.
• At least 15 years of progressive experience in workplace design, including leadership of complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Licensure as an Architect and/or Interior Designer is preferred.
• Exceptional storytelling, presentation, and client engagement skills to communicate a design vision and build alignment.
• Advanced expertise in concept development, space planning, and 3D visualization.
• Deep understanding of all design phases, from concept development through construction contract administration.
• Extensive knowledge of building systems, architectural detailing, local and state building codes, and accessibility requirements, including ADA.
• Strong knowledge of contract furnishings, finishes, and equipment and their integration into a cohesive design.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of AI-assisted design, visualization, and productivity tools, with the ability to guide teams in their effective and responsible use.

Salary: $145,000 - $160,000 based on education, licensing, and relevant industry experience.