Interior Design Director

Role Description
The Design Director at Studio Munge is a key figure in delivering the firm's creative vision and delivering bespoke design solutions that epitomize luxury. This role is essential in supporting and elevating Studio Munge's design ethos, ensuring that each project resonates with the unique identity and aspirations of clients while upholding Studio Munge's high design standards. The Design Director will balance artistic vision with practical leadership, guiding the team to create exceptional spaces that inspire and captivate.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Leadership

• Ensure the design team's work is fully aligned with Studio Munge's vision.
• Proactively seek design inspiration and propose design/narrative ideas to the Artistic Manager for projects.
• Conceptualize groundbreaking design ideas that push boundaries while remaining functional.
• Lead teams and peers to focus on design excellence while staying informed on the latest industry trends.
• Foster an environment that promotes innovation and motivates staff to think creatively.
• Create a "design culture" that nurtures the next generation of design talent.

Communication

• Responsible for communicating design direction to the team, ensuring it is maintained throughout all phases of the project.
• Train and monitor the design team and project managers on best practices in communication with clients.
• Manage emotions effectively, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and empathy when working with staff, clients, and stakeholders.
• Foster open communication and transparency, creating a safe environment where team members and clients feel comfortable expressing feedback.
• Facilitate brainstorming and feedback sessions with other leaders to find effective resolutions.
• Ensure smooth communication between the design team and external consultants, based on project contracts and agreements.

Conflict Resolution

• Mediate disputes and foster a positive team culture.
• Provide constructive feedback to facilitate team growth and collaboration.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques to resolve conflicts with staff, clients, peers, and stakeholders.
• Actively listen to clients and peers, ensuring timely follow-ups on action items and addressing concerns.
• Schedule regular check-ins with project managers, leads, and team members to ensure all potential conflicts are addressed.

Project Management

• Clearly define project goals, deliverables, timelines, and resources, ensuring alignment with client expectations and business objectives.
• Utilize Wrike to develop realistic project timelines and manage all project phases, including design, approvals, procurement, and installation.
• Collaborate with the Project Manager to assign roles and responsibilities based on team strengths, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Assess risks (design changes, vendor delays, etc.) and develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans.
• Oversee collaboration between designers, contractors, and suppliers to ensure alignment on project goals.

Client Relations

• Act as the face of the account, representing the project to clients.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Take full responsibility for client communication and ensure the Artistic Manager is kept informed with clarity.
• Present design concepts and proposals effectively, addressing client feedback and concerns.
• Proactively manage client expectations by providing transparent updates on project progress and potential delays.

Team Leadership

• Set clear expectations for the department and individual team members, offering mentorship and developmental feedback.
• Ensure project managers remain committed to the approved design and project goals.
• Monitor staff hours in Deltek Ajera, ensuring projects stay within budgeted hours and addressing concerns like overtime or burnout.
• Coordinate with HR for team members' professional development and succession planning.
• Conduct performance evaluations and promote a culture of feedback and improvement.

Quality Control

• Review submissions for quality, including specs, plans, and compliance.
• Oversee the design process from concept to production, ensuring the highest design standards are met.
• Conduct site visits to monitor progress and quality, ensuring that designs are executed as intended.
• Supervise the design process to guarantee the project satisfies design quality and aligns with the brand's visual character.
• Implement client feedback loops to assess satisfaction and identify areas for improvement post-project.

Business Acumen

• Demonstrate strong market awareness of the luxury design market and Studio Munge's positioning within it.
• Identify business development and client acquisition opportunities within the luxury sector.
• Understand financial aspects of projects, including pricing, profit margins, and cost control measures.
• Develop project budgets and monitor expenditures to ensure profitability.
• Review project contracts, timelines, deliverables, and ensure alignment with Studio Munge's goals.
• Negotiate project terms, budgets, and timelines while maintaining positive client relationships.
• Network with key industry players, suppliers, and potential clients to enhance Studio Munge's visibility.

Cultural Awareness

• Demonstrate a solid understanding of global and local design customs and trends.
• Participate in company procedure, protocol, and culture initiatives.
• Promote diversity and encourage input from team members of diverse cultural backgrounds.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Proven experience in a design leadership role, preferably in the luxury sector.
• Exceptional design portfolio showcasing creative vision and technical expertise.
• Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Deep understanding of project management tools, financial planning, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Emotional intelligence with the ability to manage interpersonal relationships and team dynamics.
• Ability to negotiate and maintain relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• A passion for fostering creativity and supporting the growth of junior design talent.

Benefits

• Direct mentorship from Alessandro Munge and our world-class design team.
• Competitive salary based on experience and industry standards.
• Extra time off during the annual end-of-year studio closure.
• Inspiring workspace with free parking.
• Access to a state-of-the-art gym.
• Healthy snack pantry.
• Competitive health benefits package.
• Open invitation to our regular team-building company events.

Studio Munge is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and all team members are empowered to reach their full potential.

To apply, send us a cover letter highlighting why you would be the perfect candidate, an up-to-date rsum, and other relevant documents aligning with Studio Munge's brand standards.

We look forward to meeting you!