Director - Interior Design

About DAHLIN

DAHLIN is an award-winning architecture, planning, and interiors firm with five decades of experience cultivating community-focused environments across the Western United States. With a dedication to creating spaces that foster human well-being, DAHLIN supports a vibrant in-house culture that encourages professional growth and collaboration.

Role Overview

The Director of Interior Design will act as DAHLIN's ambassador for the Pacific Northwest market, focusing on enhancing the firm's reputation, growing the client base, and driving sustainable revenue by leveraging strategic relationships and leadership in market sectors. This hybrid leadership position combines business development with in-depth design expertise, guiding clients on interiors, procurement, and project implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Devise and implement the interior design business growth plan for DAHLIN in the Pacific Northwest, aligned with company-wide objectives.
• Leverage an existing network of developers, owners, builders, investors, and partners to generate new business.
• Collaborate with architectural leaders and marketing to lead business development initiatives.
• Establish and nurture relationships with industry stakeholders including municipalities, consultants, contractors, and brokers.
• Represent DAHLIN at industry forums, conferences, and community events.
• Create annual market plans to identify target clients, sectors, and strategic revenue opportunities.
• Build and maintain executive relationships with key developers and investors to increase market presence.
• Lead executive client meetings, serve as a trusted advisor aligning DAHLIN's services with client objectives, ensuring an outstanding client experience from pursuit to project completion.
• Direct major pursuit strategies and decision-making, partnering with marketing and technical teams to maintain a competitive positioning.
• Apply interior design and architectural knowledge to advise clients on design solutions and project delivery.
• Provide technical insights that enhance client confidence and distinguish DAHLIN from competitors.
• Support practice leaders in positioning DAHLIN’s design expertise during client pursuits.
• Monitor industry trends and competitors to uncover new opportunities.
• Cultivate a collaborative and inclusive team environment promoting accountability and continual improvement.
• Offer mentorship, coaching, and professional growth opportunities to team members.
• Set clear performance standards and encourage open communication to align individual efforts with organizational goals.
• Guide interior designers and project leaders in business development and client engagement strategies.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture required.
• Certified Interior Designer (CID) designation preferred.
• Over 10 years of progressive management and leadership experience within respected design firms.
• Minimum 10 years of proven success in business development.
• Familiarity living or working within the Pacific Northwest region.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. without restrictions; visa sponsorship is not provided.

Preferred Skills

• Expertise in leading complex pursuit strategies and negotiating professional service contracts.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and relationship-building capabilities at executive levels.

Leadership Attributes

• Exhibits humility alongside strong professional confidence.
• Handles difficult conversations openly and constructively.
• Prioritizes collective success above individual recognition.
• Pursues clarity before seeking consensus.
• Understands that workplace culture is as critical as financial outcomes and is measurable and manageable.
• Holds peers accountable with respect and courage.
• Prefers building trust as the foundation before introducing processes.

Compensation & Benefits

DAHLIN offers a competitive salary range from $150,000 to $162,500 based on qualifications, experience, and project complexity. Benefits include medical, dental, vision coverage, pre-tax flexible spending for medical, childcare and commuting, an employee stock ownership plan, and 401(k) retirement plans.

Additional Information

Due to high application volume, phone inquiries about application status are not accepted. DAHLIN is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from women and people of color. The firm participates in E-Verify. Recruitment fraud warnings and privacy policies are in place. Unsolicited resumes from agencies without agreements will not be considered for referral fees.