Senior Designer

Senior Designer | San Francisco

Studio: IA | Design That Moves - San Francisco

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 San Francisco studio is seeking a Senior Designer to establish the design vision and lead teams through all phases of commercial interiors and workplace projects. You'll work closely with clients to understand their goals and translate those insights into thoughtful, buildable environments. Collaborating with senior leadership, you'll guide design quality, mentor team members, and connect planning, materials, and architectural details to the way people experience space.

What You'll Do

• Establish the overall design vision and guide its development through each project phase.
• Direct the development of design drawings and coordinate with technical leaders on documentation, reviewing team members' work for quality, accuracy, and alignment with design intent.
• Research and select fixtures, materials, and finishes that support a cohesive design and each client's goals.
• Produce, review, and finalize space plans that respond to client needs and support how people move, work, and connect.
• Develop and refine interior architectural details in coordination with design and technical leadership.
• Research furniture and finish costs and develop coordinated design and furniture packages that align with project requirements.
• Verify existing site conditions and assist with field surveys to inform design decisions and documentation.
• Manage the design team's work within assigned budgets, partnering with the Project Manager to align design priorities, staffing, and project resources.
• Organize and lead client interviews to understand space needs, operational requirements, and project goals.
• Present design concepts and recommendations, incorporating client feedback while maintaining a clear design direction.
• Guide and mentor junior designers, providing clear direction and constructive feedback.

What You Bring

• A degree in architecture or interior design, or equivalent professional experience.
• 8 or more years of experience working on commercial interiors and workplace projects.
• Demonstrated ability to lead design teams and guide staff through clear direction and design expertise.
• Extensive knowledge of commercial interior architecture and design practices.
• Extensive knowledge of design principles, aesthetics, and space planning methods, with the ability to translate client goals into meaningful spatial experiences.
• Expert sketching and rendering skills to explore concepts and communicate design intent.
• Expert interior architectural detailing skills to translate ideas into thoughtful, buildable solutions.
• Extensive knowledge of construction documentation and related procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of building systems, applicable building codes, and accessibility requirements, including ADA.
• Extensive knowledge of construction contract administration and how to maintain design intent through construction.
• Working knowledge of budget preparation and a proven ability to deliver work within budget constraints.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit.
• Strong presentation, graphic, verbal, and written communication skills to convey ideas clearly and guide client conversations.
• The ability to build team alignment and support design quality through project leadership and technical expertise.

Salary: $105,000 - $120,000 annually, based on education, licensing, and relevant experience.