Interior Designer - Lead

Lead Interior Designer (Residential) Mullen Design Co. | San Diego, CA (Hybrid) About Mullen Design Co. Mullen Design Co. is a nationally recognized interior design and renovation studio known for our refined, minimal aesthetic and deeply personalized approach. We specialize in creating elevated residential spaces that feel intentional, timeless, and distinctly tailored to the way our clients live. Our work extends beyond full-service design to include consultations, educational workshops, and a curated retail experience through our storefront—allowing us to engage with design at every level. The Role We are seeking a Lead Interior Designer to lead residential projects from concept through installation. This is a senior, client-facing role for a designer who brings a strong point of view, a high level of taste, and the ability to execute with precision. You will guide clients through a highly considered design process, lead creative direction, and ensure each project is carried through with clarity and intention. This role offers both collaboration and autonomy—ideal for someone who is confident taking ownership while contributing to a design-driven team environment. This position is primarily in-person, with flexibility for a hybrid schedule depending on project phase. What You’ll Do Creative Direction & Design Leadership Lead residential projects from concept through final installation Develop thoughtful space plans, material palettes, and furnishings aligned with our aesthetic Oversee the creation of mood boards, renderings, and construction documentation Ensure a cohesive, elevated design vision is maintained throughout Client Experience Serve as the primary point of contact for clients Lead presentations with clarity, confidence, and a strong design perspective Guide clients through decision-making with a refined and thoughtful approach Project Oversight Manage timelines, budgets, and overall project flow with precision Coordinate closely with contractors, vendors, and trades Oversee installations and final styling to ensure a polished result Procurement & Sourcing Source furnishings, materials, and finishes at a high level Cultivate and manage vendor and trade relationships Oversee procurement from specification through delivery What We’re Looking For 5+ years of residential interior design experience A strong, highly curated portfolio aligned with a refined, minimal aesthetic Proven ability to lead projects and manage client relationships at a high level A strong design point of view with attention to detail, materiality, and proportion Proficiency in SketchUp, Layout, and visual presentation tools Experience with photorealistic rendering tools such as Enscape, V-Ray, or similar Strong working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop for render refinement and presentation Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously A thoughtful, proactive approach to both design and execution Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary based on experience and skill ($80,000 – $110,000) Performance-based bonuses Paid holidays & PTO Partial health care plan provided Hybrid flexibility and work-from-home opportunities Professional development and continuing education opportunities Trade access and industry events Employee discounts A supportive, growth-oriented team environment To Apply Please submit your resume and portfolio. A strong portfolio and alignment with our aesthetic are essential. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Marcos, CA 92078