Head of Design

Head of Interior Design

Company: DNB Renovations
Location: New York City / Tri-State Area
Position: Full-Time
Experience Required: Minimum 3+ years of professional interior design experience in New York City

About DNB Renovations

DNB Renovations is a full-service design-build and renovation company specializing in high-end residential projects throughout New York City and the Tri-State area. We provide our clients with a complete renovation experience, combining interior design, project management, construction, and execution under one team.

As the company continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Head of Interior Design to lead, develop, and manage our design department.

About the Role

The Head of Interior Design will be responsible for overseeing the entire design department and managing the design process from the initial client consultation through final handoff to the construction team.

This is a hands-on leadership position. We are looking for someone who is not only an experienced and talented interior designer, but also an excellent communicator, highly organized, client-focused, and capable of building and managing a growing design team.

The ideal candidate understands the unique requirements of residential renovations in New York City and knows how to successfully move a project from concept and design into construction.

You will work closely with clients, project managers, contractors, vendors, suppliers, architects, and the company’s leadership team.

Key ResponsibilitiesDesign Department Leadership

• Lead and oversee DNB Renovations’ interior design department.
• Take ownership of the company’s overall design process, standards, quality, and client experience.
• Recruit, interview, hire, train, and manage additional interior designers as the department grows.
• Assign projects and responsibilities among members of the design team.
• Review designers’ work and ensure projects meet DNB’s quality and design standards.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level designers.
• Establish clear expectations, deadlines, and accountability within the department.
• Help determine future staffing needs based on project volume and company growth.

Design Process & Workflow Development

• Create, implement, and continuously improve a structured design workflow for all DNB projects.
• Establish clear design phases, timelines, deliverables, approval processes, and internal procedures.
• Develop templates, checklists, specifications, and systems that allow the department to operate efficiently.
• Create a clear process for client selections and approvals.
• Ensure all design decisions and specifications are properly documented.
• Establish an organized system for tracking selections, samples, orders, lead times, approvals, and outstanding decisions.
• Identify potential design or procurement issues before they impact the construction schedule.

Client Management

• Serve as a senior client-facing representative of DNB Renovations.
• Lead design consultations and presentations with clients.
• Understand each client’s vision, lifestyle, functional requirements, aesthetic preferences, and budget.
• Guide clients confidently through design decisions and material selections.
• Present concepts, layouts, finishes, materials, fixtures, and other recommendations in a professional manner.
• Manage client expectations regarding budget, timelines, availability, and design decisions.
• Maintain excellent communication throughout the design process.
• Build trust with clients and provide a high level of service appropriate for high-end residential renovation projects.
• Professionally handle client concerns, changes, and challenging situations.

Interior Design & Project Development

• Develop and oversee design concepts for residential renovation projects.
• Review and develop floor plans, layouts, elevations, millwork concepts, finish selections, and design details.
• Coordinate kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, hardware, paint, tile, stone, cabinetry, and other interior finishes.
• Ensure designs are practical, buildable, and aligned with the approved project scope and budget.
• Review design packages before they are released to construction.
• Maintain consistency between approved designs, specifications, and construction documents.

Material & Finish Sourcing

• Source materials, finishes, fixtures, …