Design Manager

About the Role

Role Overview

We are seeking a talented Design Manager to join our award-winning ICRAVE team in New York as we embark on an exciting portfolio of new projects this year. In this role, you will play an integral part in shaping projects from concept through completion—balancing creative direction, client engagement, and fostering team leadership.

As a key contributor to both project design and execution, you will help ensure each project is delivered with exceptional quality and thoughtful attention to detail, while also mentoring and supporting our emerging design talent. The ideal candidate is a seasoned interior or architectural designer with a strong collaborative mindset, able to inspire creativity while maintaining a clear and strategic focus.

Key Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Lead interior design projects from concept through completion, ensuring alignment with client goals, project scope, and budget.
• Build trust and foster strong relationships with multiple clients, managing expectations and facilitating clear communication.
• Provide project teams with context and direction, explaining the “why” behind design decisions and guiding them in solving client challenges.
• Conduct and lead internal work sessions, management meetings, and client presentations.
• Mentor, conduct performance reviews and support career development for more junior designers.
• Ensure design documentation quality by reviewing and redlining outgoing deliverables to minimize risk and liability.
• Coordinate with peers and project managers to maintain schedule, budget, and resource allocation.
• Proactively identify design and delivery issues, developing solutions before escalation.
• Source and coordinate with external vendors, consultants, and contractors as needed for project execution.
• Participate in recruiting by interviewing candidates and onboarding new hires during growth periods.
• Support client retention and account growth by contributing to project extensions and additional scopes of work.

Candidate Qualifications & Skills

Required:

• Professional degree from an accredited interior design or architectural program
• A minimum of 10 years of post-graduate experience working in an architectural or interior design studio
• A proven track record leading complex design projects with key stakeholders
• Outstanding presentation and communication skills
• Solid leadership capabilities across a project team
• Confidence in managing client communications and team workflows while still deeply engaged in creative problem-solving.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and BIM/Revit
• Proficiency in Bluebeam and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign and Photoshop)
• Direct experience in the Hospitality industry is desirable.
• Knowledge of 3D Studio Max and Rhino are a plus. 

Location: Our Broadway Studio. We value regular in-person collaboration because we think it leads to the best creative work however hybrid working is available around project commitments.

Application: Please submit a resume and portfolio demonstrating your experience as a design manager or design leader along with a cover letter explaining how your experience meets the required criteria for this role. Due to the clear design experience required for this role, applications without portfolios cannot be considered.

Work Authorisation: For this particular opportunity we are only able to consider applications from those with pre-existing work authorisation in the location of the role.

Interviews: Introductory calls and interviews are anticipated from 1st September. We aim to run two rounds of interview for this role with various members of our project teams, time to visit the studio and opportunity to meet more people in person.

If you have any questions about accessibility in applying for this position please highlight this in your cover letter.

We follow pay transparency, meaning we publish a salary range for each role. The salary range is the full earning potential during someone’s time in a role. Salary offers are made within this range and based on your experience and parity with the strength of our existing team/s.

About Journey

The Multidimensional Experience Agency

Journey is a global design and innovation agency shaping the future through multidimensional experiences (MDX) that connect people, brands, and culture. 

Our layered MDX approach crafts story-driven, sensory-rich engagement across physical, immersive, digital, and virtual spaces—fuelled by creative and technological innovation. 

Born from a legacy of pioneering studios, Journey blends strategic thinking with deep creative expertise to deliver solutions across industries. 

Journey’s MDX approach fuels growth and forges lasting value for audiences and partners, by creating cultural connections that resonate with impact.

Start your journey here www.journey.world