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 mon