Lead Interior Designer

Position: Lead Interior Designer
Industry: Interior Design / Interior Architecture
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience: Minimum 5 years relevant experience, including experience leading projects and/or design teams

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced and design-driven Lead Interior Designer to lead projects from initial concept through design development, documentation and completion.

The successful candidate should possess strong creative and technical abilities, with the confidence to present ideas to clients, lead a design team, coordinate with consultants and contractors, and ensure that the design intent is carried through accurately to the completed project.

This is a hands-on leadership position suited to a designer who is equally comfortable developing concepts, reviewing drawings, solving site issues and guiding junior designers.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Creative Leadership

• Lead the overall design direction and creative development of assigned projects.
• Translate client briefs and project requirements into strong and practical design concepts.
• Develop space planning, material palettes, mood boards, design presentations and detailed design proposals.
• Maintain a high standard of design quality, detailing and consistency across projects.
• Provide design direction, guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level designers.
• Review the team's work and ensure that drawings, presentations and specifications accurately reflect the intended design.
• Research new materials, products, design trends and construction methods.

Client & Project Management

• Lead client meetings, design presentations and design discussions.
• Understand client requirements, operational needs, budgets and project constraints.
• Communicate design concepts and technical considerations clearly and professionally.
• Manage multiple projects and design timelines concurrently.
• Coordinate closely with clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers and internal project teams.
• Take ownership of projects from concept development through construction and completion.

Technical & Documentation

• Develop and review detailed design drawings, construction drawings and specifications.
• Ensure drawings contain sufficient information for accurate construction and implementation.
• Review architectural, M&E and other consultant drawings to identify coordination issues.
• Resolve design and technical issues during the construction stage.
• Conduct site inspections to ensure workmanship and construction are aligned with the approved design intent.
• Review material samples, shop drawings and contractor submissions.
• Maintain awareness of relevant Singapore building regulations, authority requirements and industry practices.

Cost & Commercial Awareness

• Prepare and/or review design quotations, specifications and scopes of work.
• Design with consideration for the client's approved budget without compromising the overall design intent.
• Work with quantity surveyors, contractors and suppliers to evaluate materials and alternative solutions.
• Identify potential cost implications arising from design changes.
• Support tender exercises, contractor evaluations and value-engineering exercises where required.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant interior design experience.
• Proven experience independently managing projects from concept to completion.
• Strong design portfolio demonstrating creativity, space planning, detailing and material application.
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD and SketchUp.
• Experience with rendering software such as V-Ray, Enscape or equivalent is preferred.
• Good understanding of construction methods, materials, carpentry detailing and interior fit-out works.
• Ability to produce and review detailed construction drawings.
• Experience preparing project quotations, scopes of work and material specifications.
• Strong presentation and client communication skills.
• Ability to lead, guide and review the work of other designers.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to resolve design and site issues independently.
• Able to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Good understanding of Singapore's interior design and construction industry will be an advantage.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is not simply a senior designer, but a design leader who takes ownership of the entire design process.

The ideal candidate should be able to move confidently between creative thinking and technical execution—from presenting the initial concept to a client, developing the details with the design team, coordinating construction requirements and walking the completed site to ensure that the original design intent has been successfully realised.

The candidate should have a strong eye for detail, good commercial awareness and the ability to balance design, functionality, budget and buildability.