Job Openings Studio Manager - Interior Design

About the job Studio Manager - Interior Design

Studio Design Manager

Interior Design
Salary: $90,000–$110,000
Toronto, ON
5 Days a week in office


Our client is seeking a Studio Design Manager to join their leadership team. This is a senior role responsible for driving design excellence, operational efficiency, and the successful delivery of complex projects across the studio. The ideal candidate brings a strong interior design background, proven leadership experience, and the ability to balance creative vision with execution and resource management.

Working closely with Creative Design Managers, Studio Operations, and technical leadership, the Studio Design Manager will oversee studio-wide project delivery while mentoring high-performing teams and contributing to the continued growth of the practice.

Primary Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Project Delivery

  • Lead the overall execution, productivity, and quality of all studio projects from concept through implementation

  • Oversee adherence to contracts, scopes of work, schedules, and deliverables throughout the full project lifecycle

  • Partner with Creative Design Managers to lead project kick-offs, ensuring clarity on objectives, client expectations, timelines, and deliverables

  • Champion collaboration across design leadership to improve workflow efficiency, alignment, and idea sharing

  • Work closely with the BIM Manager and technical teams to ensure timelines, technical standards, and deliverables are met

  • Identify project risks, resolve challenges, and implement solutions to maintain momentum and design quality

  • Manage project changes, additional services, and scope adjustments, including oversight of additional scope documentation and fee approvals in collaboration with senior leadership

  • Oversee Gantt charts, studio-wide planning, and staffing needs

  • Participate in client and consultant meetings as required, representing the studio in client-facing situations

  • Ensure all work reflects the firms commitment to design excellence, innovation, and quality

Studio Resourcing & Operations

  • Oversee studio resourcing in collaboration with Creative Design Managers, BIM Manager, and Studio Operations

  • Anticipate staffing needs related to complex technical scopes and construction-driven timelines

  • Lead weekly resource planning meetings

  • Review and manage vacation and overtime requests, proactively minimizing overtime where possible

  • Collaborate with Studio Operations to improve workflows, performance, and studio efficiency

  • Lead recruitment planning, including resume review and interviews alongside design leadership

  • Support onboarding and integration of new hires

People Leadership & Development

  • Mentor and support Creative Design Managers and design staff at all levels

  • Support performance reviews, goal setting, promotions, and career development initiatives

  • Conduct probationary check-ins and support successful onboarding

  • Address performance issues clearly and constructively, taking ownership of performance management when required

  • Foster a culture of trust, feedback, collaboration, and continuous growth

Collaboration & Business Support

  • Deliver a consistently high level of service to internal teams and clients

  • Support proposal development, scope reviews, and business development efforts as required

  • Assist with forward-looking resourcing based on potential and incoming projects

  • Represent the firm at industry events and client engagements when needed

Leadership Values

  • Lead with integrity, accountability, and authenticity

  • Inspire and motivate teams to achieve exceptional results

  • Build trust through collaboration, expertise, and transparency

  • Encourage inclusivity, ethical practice, and personal ownership

  • Mentor generously and support the growth of others

Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor of Applied Arts (Interior Design) or Bachelor of Architecture

  • Minimum 10 years of experience delivering large, complex design projects

  • Extensive experience leading teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously

  • Strong background in hospitality, food & beverage, multi-unit residential, and retail design

  • Experience working with major hotel brands, residential developers, or marine projects is an asset

  • International and multi-disciplinary project experience is considered an asset

Certifications (Preferred)

  • NCIDQ

  • BCIN

  • ARIDO membership

  • LEED accreditation

Technical Skills

  • Advanced AutoCAD and XREF proficiency

  • Working knowledge of Revit

  • Bluebeam Revu (essential)

  • Strong Microsoft Office skills

  • Adobe Creative Suite an asset

  • Experience with project management software (e.g., Deltek)

  • Thorough knowledge of building codes and regulations

  • Strong understanding of multi-disciplinary coordination and technical delivery

Compensation

  • Salary range: $90,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume and portfolio to:
kim@citybuildrecruitment.com or erik@citybuildrecruitment.com


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