Director of Interior Design

Director of Interior Design Project Type: Hospitality, High End Luxury, Boutique Hotels Location: Seattle, WA or Portland, OR Work Model: Hybrid | Leadership Role STRM Recruiting is representing a high-impact leadership opportunity with a design-forward hospitality studio seeking its next Director of Hospitality Interior Design. This is a studio leadership role for a senior hospitality design professional who brings strong creative judgment, business maturity, and the ability to lead both people and growth. The right person will have deep experience shaping lifestyle-driven, amenity-rich, and bespoke hospitality environments and understands how to translate design vision into strong studio performance. This opportunity is best suited for a leader who has worked across boutique hotels, upper-upscale hospitality, luxury hospitality, and design-forward guest experiences rather than templated, standardized brand work. About the Opportunity This role will lead an established hospitality interiors studio with a talented team of approximately 10 designers across multiple locations, with the largest concentration in Seattle and Portland. The Director will be responsible for the overall direction of the studio, including: Creative leadershipTeam managementFinancial oversightBusiness development supportLong-range growth The studio is looking for a leader who can step in, provide direction, strengthen team alignment, and help guide the next phase of growth with a clear point of view. This is a hybrid position based in either the Seattle or Portland metro area, with an in-office expectation of at least two days per week. Candidates open to relocation may also be considered. Occasional travel is expected, as projects are located nationwide. What You Will Be Responsible For Studio Leadership Lead and mentor a hospitality interiors team across multiple experience levelsCreate clarity, accountability, and direction across the studioSupport team development, performance, staffing, and studio cultureBuild alignment across design, delivery, and business priorities Creative Direction Guide the design vision across hospitality interiors projectsElevate concept development, storytelling, materiality, guest experience, and executionLead reviews and provide design direction that strengthens project outcomesMaintain a high standard of design quality across the studio’s body of work Business and Financial Management Oversee studio performance, utilization, resourcing, and financial healthManage studio planning with an eye toward profitability and sustainable growthBring sound judgment around team structure, workload planning, and business decisionsSupport operational discipline without compromising design quality Growth and Market Presence Help drive the studio’s growth strategy and market positioningBuild and maintain relationships with clients, ownership groups, operators, and industry partnersSupport business development efforts including proposals, interviews, and opportunity selectionRepresent the studio well in the market and help expand its visibility and relevance What They Are Looking For 15+ years of experience in hospitality interior designStrong background in lifestyle, boutique, upper-upscale, luxury, and amenity-rich hospitality environmentsExperience collaborating with major hospitality brands such as Marriott, Hilton, and IHGClear understanding of the difference between branded hospitality standards and truly bespoke, design-forward guest environmentsProven ability to lead a team, mentor designers, and manage a studio functionExperience contributing to or leading studio growth strategyStrong command of studio financials, performance management, and business operationsAbility to balance creative ambition with deadlines, staffing realities, and business goalsStrong communication and leadership presenceBachelor’s degree in Interior Design or related field preferredNCIDQ is a plus Ideal Background The strongest candidates will likely come from hospitality design practices where they have led work across: Boutique hotelsLifestyle hospitalityLuxury hospitalityAmenity-rich mixed-use hospitality environmentsRestaurants, lounges, social spaces, and guest experience-driven interiorsBranded hospitality work with enough range to understand standards, while still bringing a strong bespoke design lensThis is not a fit for candidates whose background is primarily in highly standardized or templated retail-driven environments. Location and Work Model Hybrid roleBased in Seattle, WA or Portland, ORIn-office expectation of at least 2 days per weekOpen to candidates willing to relocateRelocation assistance may be available for the right personSome travel required Compensation Portland, OR: $120,000 - $135,000Seattle, WA: $130,000 - $145,000Compensation will depend on experience, leadership background, and overall alignment with the role. Application Materials Requested Candidates should be prepared to provide: ResumePortfolioStatement of Interest