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Design Director Interior Design Jobs in Rochester, NY

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Design Director Interior Design information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$36.5K

$134K

$239.8K

How much do design director interior design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for design director interior design in Rochester, NY is $133,953.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,000.00 and $160,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design director in interior design do?

A Design Director in Interior Design leads and oversees the creative vision for interior spaces, ensuring that projects align with client goals and brand identity. They manage design teams, coordinate with clients, architects, and contractors, and are responsible for the overall quality and consistency of interior design projects. Their role includes developing concepts, reviewing design plans, and making key decisions on materials, furnishings, and layouts. Design Directors also mentor junior designers and help secure new business for their firm by presenting ideas and proposals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design director in interior design?

To thrive as a Design Director in Interior Design, you need a strong background in interior design principles, project management, and a degree in interior design or a related field, often with NCIDQ certification. Expertise in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite is typically required. Leadership, creative vision, and excellent client communication skills set exceptional candidates apart. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering innovative design solutions, managing teams, and ensuring client satisfaction in complex projects.

How does a design director in interior design typically collaborate with clients and project teams throughout a project?

As a Design Director in Interior Design, you play a central role in bridging client vision with the creative and technical efforts of your team. You will regularly meet with clients to understand their needs, present concepts, and gather feedback, while also mentoring designers and coordinating with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that design intent is realized. Effective communication and leadership are key, as you'll review project progress, resolve challenges, and keep everyone aligned on goals and timelines. This collaborative environment not only ensures project success but also offers opportunities to refine leadership and project management skills.

What is the difference between Design Director Interior Design vs Interior Designer?

AspectDesign Director Interior DesignInterior Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Interior Design, certifications like NCIDQBachelor's degree in Interior Design or related field, NCIDQ certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLeading design teams, overseeing multiple projects, client presentationsExecuting design plans, working directly with clients, space planning
Employer & Industry UsageDesign firms, architecture firms, large corporationsInterior design firms, residential and commercial projects

While both roles require interior design credentials and industry experience, the Design Director Interior Design focuses on leadership, project oversight, and strategic planning, whereas the Interior Designer handles the execution of design concepts and client interactions. The director role involves managing teams and high-level decision-making, making it more senior and managerial in scope.

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Design Director Interior Design jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Design Director Interior Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Director Interior Design job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,953 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Director Campus Planning, Design & University Architect

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY • On-site

$130K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Leads planning and design activities related to university-wide space planning, renovation, and capital programs.

  • Oversees the design and development of campus capital projects, including managing budgets, schedules, and design criteria.

  • Collaborates with campus stakeholders and senior leadership to evaluate space needs and develop long-range programmatic and facility plans.


Rochester Institute Of Technology rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

292nd of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Highlights

Lead a talented and engaged team in a department that values innovation, collaboration, and service excellence. As a member of the Facilities Management Services (FMS) leadership team, you will help shape the future of RIT's campus through strategic planning and design, employee development, and organizational leadership.

The Director of Planning & Design leads the planning and design activities associated with university-wide space planning, renovation and capital programs, serving as the University's architectural representative by providing design leadership and oversight for more than $20 million in annual capital construction and renovation projects. In partnership with campus stakeholders, this role develops long-range programmatic and facility plans that support RIT's strategic vision.

Benefits

Eligible for RIT's comprehensive benefits program, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Sick and vacation time

  • 12 paid holidays per year

  • Retirement and financial planning resources

  • Educational benefits for employees and dependents

  • Employee wellness program

  • Free use of on-site fitness facilities

Facilities Management Services (FMS) Planning & Design Services
FMS supports the RIT community by designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining a high-quality, cost-effective campus environment. The FMS Planning & Design team shapes the future of RIT's campus through the space management, planning, design, and execution of renovation, capital, and infrastructure projects that support academic, research, residential, and administrative spaces. Working collaboratively with colleges and departments across the university, the team develops innovative solutions that align with RIT's strategic priorities and enhance the campus experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Manages planning and design activities including staff supervision, customer service, quality performance
  • Collaborates with senior leadership to evaluate campus space needs, provide expertise, and plan for new and renovated space
  • Oversees the design and development of campus capital projects using internal resources and external consultants, including the development of programmatic needs, basic aesthetic characteristics, and establishing project budgets and schedules
  • Coordinates with Project Managers and customer contacts to ensure programmatic needs, design criteria, and schedules and budgets are met throughout the development of design
  • Develops and revises processes and procedures to support collaboration across the university and provide excellent customer service
  • Contributes to departmental strategic planning and continuous improvement
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Knowledge of design and construction industries
  • Knowledge of relevant federal and state rules and regulations
  • Skill in project management
  • Skill in effective communication, both written and oral
  • Ability to plan and delegate the work of others and train and/or supervise the work of others
  • Ability to establish program goals and objectives that support the strategic plan and plan, implement, and evaluate programs

Minimum Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • 15 years of relevant experience
  • Equivalent combination of experience & education may be considered
  • NYS Architect License

Job Level Overview

Management and People Leadership Level 3 - Heads a department, multiple smaller functions with a department, or a specialized function with institution-wide span. Integrates strategic thinking to drive cross functional initiatives to optimize efficiency, performance, and innovation.


FLSA Category

Exempt

Work Location

On Campus

Compensation

$130,800-$155,000

Application Materials

When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information. This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.

Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.


Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.


If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request tocareers@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.


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About Rochester Institute of Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a preeminent institution in the education services industry, located in Rochester, NY, US. Renowned globally for its innovative and industry-aligned education, RIT was established in 1829 and has since then been committed to offering academic rigor in fields of study with an emphasis on applied learning. This is evidenced by their broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as engineering, science, business, and fine arts. RIT's mission centers on providing technology-based educational programs for career-minded students.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, NY, US

Year founded

1829

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