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Workplace Design Director, Interior Design

SmithGroup is an award-winning, integrated design firm that blends research, data and technology with innovation and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and move us closer to a carbon-free future. Care to join us?SmithGroup is looking for a Workplace Design Director, Interior Design to join our team. This position can be located in any SmithGroup office.The Workplace Design Director, Interior Design has a nationally significant design portfolio of built work in this market and partners with the Market Directors and Regional Directors to develop and implement market strategies. The individual selected provides the leadership and vision necessary to elevate design quality, promote a just, design-centric culture, and create a diverse pipeline of future design leaders.Key functions of this role:• Working with Market Directors and Regional Directors, establish and achieve market goals at the local, regional, and national levels.• In collaboration with Market Directors, Regional Directors, Business Development Directors, and Studio Leaders, identify, pursue, win, and lead projects.• Supervise and coach Studio Design Leaders; define career paths for future design leaders, mentor design staff across the firm, and participate in performance coaching.Additionally, you will:• Work with Market Directors and Regional Directors to consistently elevate design quality and align design values across the firm.• Lead initiatives that support a firmwide culture of design excellence including critiques, thought leadership, design week, portfolio reviews, SG Design Awards, achievement recognition, and talent development.• Serve as Project Designer to continue building portfolio and to model SmithGroup’s design philosophy.• Serve in a project leadership role on key projects within a studio and region and ensure projects are assigned qualified design leaders.• Review market and firmwide portfolio annually to evaluate consistency and gaps in design excellence.• Drive overall design-related public relations initiatives with marketing, representing the firm in media outputs, award programs, and design presentations at national events and outside associations.• Participate in business development activities, project pursuits, and client interviews across geographies and markets.• Play an active role in the recruitment and interview process of prospective senior designers across the firm.• Actively participate in national initiatives, Board of Directors, committees, etc.An ideal candidate has:• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in architecture or interior design.• Professional licensure or certification, required.• Sustainability credentials required.• Minimum 15 years of professional experience.• Original design work that has been built and recognized as design excellence by external professional organizations, publications, and other organizations.• A sophisticated knowledge and proven commitment to sustainability and design justice as drivers of our design process and a measure of our design quality.• Advanced understanding of the competitive landscape of design in their market, client concerns, industry trends, and emerging issues.• A proven record as a resourceful and strategic problem solver, committed to integrated thinking and holistic sustainability.• A creative and entrepreneurial spirit to embrace cultural trends, future technologies, production and presentation software, and other tools of our trade.• Effective communication and presentation skills to build positive relationships and trust with clients, team members, and direct reports.• Demonstrated a decisive and actionable leadership style, motivating other leaders and staff through a positive, inclusive, and supportive approach.• A strong record of coaching and developing future design talent.• Proven ability to lead an integrated design process including architects, interior designers, engineers, planners, and site designers.SmithGroup's competitive compensation and benefit package is designed to meet the needs of a diverse staff. It includes flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 401(k), parental leave, wellbeing resources, PTO immediately available to new hires, plus 15 extra Fridays off - on top of holidays. Join us and see first-hand how these and other programs - like one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities - build culture, enhance collaboration and yield richer, more inclusive solutions.If you are not sure that you meet all of the suggested qualifications described above, please don't leave this page. Your talents and attributes could be just what we're looking for - and we strongly encourage you to apply. If you need additional accommodations to complete the application process, please contact careers@smithgroup.com
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What You Should Know About Workplace Design Director, Interior Design, SmithGroup

If you’re an innovative thinker passionate about creating inclusive and resilient workplaces, then the Workplace Design Director, Interior Design position at SmithGroup might just be your dream role. SmithGroup is not just any design firm; we blend cutting-edge research, technology, and creative spirit in our mission to address our clients' greatest challenges across a variety of sectors including healthcare, education, and urban spaces. In this pivotal role, you'll be a major player in shaping market strategies and leading design initiatives that elevate quality and justice in design. You’ll collaborate with Market and Regional Directors to achieve local and national goals, pursue exciting projects, and inspire our talented design team. Mentorship is at the heart of what we do, and you’ll not only coach future design leaders but also engage in performance coaching across the firm. Your expertise in sustainability will be essential as you drive key public relations initiatives and represent SmithGroup in the broader design community. With your deep knowledge of industry trends and your entrepreneurial spirit, you’ll pave the way for innovative solutions that meet client concerns while fostering a culture of design excellence. If you’re ready to push boundaries and help us navigate a carbon-free future, we would love for you to join our diverse team at SmithGroup!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Workplace Design Director, Interior Design Role at SmithGroup
What are the responsibilities of a Workplace Design Director at SmithGroup?

As a Workplace Design Director at SmithGroup, you will oversee the development and implementation of market strategies while supervising design projects. Your role includes collaborating with the Market and Regional Directors to establish market goals, mentoring future design leaders, and leading initiatives that uphold a firmwide culture of design excellence. You’ll also actively participate in client interactions and business development activities, ensuring our design philosophy is reflected throughout all our projects.

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What qualifications are needed for a Workplace Design Director at SmithGroup?

To qualify for the Workplace Design Director position at SmithGroup, candidates must have at least a bachelor's degree in architecture or interior design, along with professional licensure or certification. A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in design is required, along with a sophisticated understanding of sustainability and design justice. Proven leadership in integrated design projects, coupled with strong communication skills and a talent for mentoring, is essential for success in this role.

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How does SmithGroup foster a culture of design excellence?

SmithGroup fosters a culture of design excellence through various initiatives including critiques, design week events, portfolio reviews, and talent development programs. As a Workplace Design Director, you will lead these initiatives and encourage collaboration among design teams. The firm values innovative ideas and promotes a supportive environment that allows diverse talents to flourish, ultimately benefiting our clients and the communities we serve.

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What kind of projects does the Workplace Design Director work on at SmithGroup?

The Workplace Design Director at SmithGroup works on a diverse portfolio of projects that span various sectors including healthcare, science and technology, higher education, and urban design. You will be actively involved in leading key projects while modeling our design philosophy, which emphasizes sustainability and inclusivity. Your contributions will not only enhance the built environment but also aim to create spaces that positively impact the people who use them.

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What are the benefits of working as a Workplace Design Director at SmithGroup?

Working as a Workplace Design Director at SmithGroup comes with a competitive compensation package that includes flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, generous PTO, and wellbeing resources. Additionally, you will benefit from professional development opportunities, one-on-one career coaching, and various initiatives that promote inclusivity within the workplace. The firm’s commitment to sustainability and a carbon-free future makes it an exciting place to grow your career.

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Common Interview Questions for Workplace Design Director, Interior Design
Can you describe your experience with leading design teams?

In answering this question, provide specific examples of teams you've led, the projects you worked on, and how you motivated your team members. Highlight your approach to mentorship and how you've supported others in developing their careers, as this aligns with the Workplace Design Director role at SmithGroup.

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How do you approach sustainability in your design projects?

Discuss your philosophy surrounding sustainability and how it affects your design choices. Provide examples from your portfolio where sustainable practices were integrated effectively, explaining the impact those decisions had on the project and its users.

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What strategies do you use to foster collaboration among design teams?

Share tactics that have worked for you in the past, such as regular brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and team-building exercises. Emphasize the importance of a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

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How do you stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies?

Explain your methods for keeping ahead of trends, such as attending industry conferences, engaging with professional organizations, and participating in continuous education. Mention any resources, blogs, or thought leaders you follow.

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Can you give an example of a challenging project you managed and how you overcame obstacles?

Provide a concise overview of the project, detailing the specific challenges faced. Discuss your problem-solving approach and the strategies you implemented to bring the project to successful completion, showcasing your resourcefulness.

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How do you measure design excellence in your projects?

Discuss metrics you use to assess design quality and successful project execution, such as client feedback, sustainability certifications, and design awards. Articulate how these measures influence your design process.

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What role does mentorship play in your leadership style?

Highlight your commitment to developing future design leaders, sharing examples of how you have mentored others in the past. Describe specific mentoring practices that have seen success and brought positive outcomes.

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What is your vision for fostering diversity in design?

Articulate your perspective on diversity as it relates to design. Discuss specific initiatives you would advocate for or have participated in that promote inclusive design practices and diverse hiring.

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How do you handle feedback and criticism of your designs?

Share your approach to receiving feedback, emphasizing your openness to constructive criticism. Discuss how you incorporate feedback into your design process to create better outcomes.

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Why do you want to work at SmithGroup as a Workplace Design Director?

Express your admiration for SmithGroup's commitment to sustainability and innovative design. Draw connections between your values, your experience, and the firm’s mission, making sure to convey your excitement about contributing to its future.

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Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
December 4, 2024

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