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Design Director Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Catalyst Workplace Activation

Design Director

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

The Design Director ensures the design team plays a proactive role in business development, helping Catalyst win work through strategic insight, compelling solutions, and confident client engagement.

Catalyst Workplace Activation

Design Director

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

SUMMARY The Design Director leads Catalyst's design team and advances a culture of creativity, consulting, and accountability. This role strengthens alignment between Design and Sales, ensuring ...

Staffingine LLC

Design Director

Algona, WA · On-site

Design Director Job Location: Algona, WA Job Type: Contract * Act autonomously to manage and guide a team of designers to develop high-bar, impactful marketing creative from brief to delivery

Catalyst Workplace Activation

Design Director

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Description SUMMARY The Design Director leads Catalyst's design team and advances a culture of creativity, consulting, and accountability. This role strengthens alignment between Design and Sales ...

IA Interior Architects

Design Director

Seattle, WA · On-site

At IA Interior Architects, the Design Director sets a clear vision for design excellence and leads the studio in delivering innovative, high-performing environments. This role partners closely with ...

IA Interior Architects

Design Director

Seattle, WA · On-site

At IA Interior Architects, the Design Director sets a clear vision for design excellence and leads the studio in delivering innovative, high-performing environments. This role partners closely with ...

LMN Architects

Director of Interior Design

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Director of Interior Design will work closely with firm leadership, design leaders, project teams, and clients to ensure interior design is fully integrated, technically sound, and aligned with ...

HKS, Inc.

Studio Design Leader - Health

Seattle, WA · On-site

Collaborates with leaders such as Project Manager, Studio Practice Leader and Regional Design Director to lead the team through all phases by guiding, advising and mentoring other designers on ...

Lmn Architects

Director of Interior Design

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

The Director of Interior Design will work closely with firm leadership, design leaders, project teams, and clients to ensure interior design is fully integrated, technically sound, and aligned with ...

Hksinc

Studio Design Leader - Health

Seattle, WA

Collaborates with leaders such as Project Manager, Studio Practice Leader and Regional Design Director to lead the team through all phases by guiding, advising and mentoring other designers on ...

Perkins & Will

Design Principal

Seattle, WA · On-site

Partners with Design Director in interviewing prospective designers on an as-needed basis. * Participates in design staff year-end reviews and mentors design staff. * Participates in marketing ...

Perkins and Will

Design Principal

Seattle, WA · On-site

Partners with Design Director in interviewing prospective designers on an as-needed basis. * Participates in design staff year-end reviews and mentors design staff. * Participates in marketing ...

Teague

Director, UX Design

Seattle, WA · On-site

As a Design Director on Teague's UX team, you lead the creation of complex, information-rich software experiences, helping clients navigate ambiguity to define clear, usable products. Working at the ...

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Design Director information

See Renton, WA salary details

$41.8K

$153.3K

$274.4K

How much do design director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for design director in Renton, WA is $153,332.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,700.00 and $184,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Director, you need deep expertise in design principles, visual communication, and leadership, often supported by a degree in design or a related field and significant industry experience. Mastery of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and project management tools is essential, along with experience in overseeing brand and creative strategy. Exceptional communication, creative vision, and team leadership skills distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are crucial for delivering cohesive design solutions, inspiring creative teams, and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

How does a Design Director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

As a Design Director, you will regularly work with product managers, engineers, marketing teams, and other stakeholders to ensure that design solutions align with business goals and user needs. This role often involves leading design reviews, facilitating brainstorming sessions, and providing clear feedback to your team. Effective communication and the ability to advocate for design principles are essential, as you'll need to balance creative vision with practical constraints. Being proactive in building relationships across departments helps streamline workflows and fosters a collaborative environment that leads to successful project outcomes.

What does a Design Director do?

A Design Director leads and oversees the creative vision and direction of design projects within an organization. They manage design teams, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure that all visual outputs align with the company's brand and objectives. Design Directors are responsible for setting design standards, mentoring team members, and ensuring the quality and consistency of creative work across various platforms. Their role often includes strategic planning, project management, and communication with clients or upper management.

What is the difference between Design Director vs Art Director?

AspectDesign DirectorArt Director
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall design strategy, manages multiple projects, and leads design teamsFocuses on visual style, aesthetics, and execution of specific projects or campaigns
Required SkillsLeadership, strategic planning, broad design expertiseVisual creativity, technical skills, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentTypically in corporate, agency, or large studio settingsOften in advertising, media, or entertainment industries
Common UsageUsed when referring to senior design leadership rolesUsed for roles focused on visual and artistic direction

The main difference between a Design Director and an Art Director lies in scope and focus. A Design Director oversees overall design strategy and manages teams across multiple projects, while an Art Director concentrates on the visual style and execution of specific projects. Both roles require strong design skills, but the Design Director's responsibilities are broader and more strategic.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Renton, WA? The most popular types of Design jobs in Renton, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Design Director jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Design Director jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Design Director jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Design Director job openings:
Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Director job openings in Renton, WA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,332 per year, or $73.7 per hour.
Design Director

Design Director

Catalyst Workplace Activation

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
SUMMARY
The Design Director leads Catalyst's design team and advances a culture of creativity, consulting, and accountability. This role strengthens alignment between Design and Sales, ensuring designers contribute strategically throughout the client journey from discovery to solution development. By elevating design excellence and fostering a consulting mindset, the Design Director helps position Catalyst as a trusted advisor, translating client goals into thoughtful workplace solutions that deliver meaningful outcomes. The Design Director ensures the design team plays a proactive role in business development, helping Catalyst win work through strategic insight, compelling solutions, and confident client engagement.
KEYS TO SUCCES
1. Design Leadership & Team Development - You inspire and develop a high-performing design team. You provide coaching, mentorship, and clear expectations that encourage creativity, accountability, and professional growth.
2. Consulting Mindset - You elevate the role of design from task execution to strategic consulting. Designers ask better questions, uncover deeper client needs, and provide thoughtful insights that influence workplace solutions.
3. Creative Excellence - You cultivate a culture that values creativity, curiosity, and innovation. The design team feels empowered to challenge assumptions, elevate ideas, and deliver thoughtful environments that inspire clients.
4. Sales Alignment & Partnership - You strengthen the partnership between Design and Sales. Designers engage earlier in the sales process, contribute to pursuit strategy, and help create solutions that differentiate Catalyst in the marketplace.
5. Discipline & Accountability - You set the standard for technical rigor and design quality across the team. You ensure designers deliver accurate, well-coordinated work that aligns with project requirements, manufacture standards, and operational realities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Position Focus and Key Outcomes
  • Provides direction and leadership to a functional team of 12+ designers.
  • Defines and communicates innovative, clear and concise priorities to the Design Team that are in line with the Company direction and goals.
  • Fosters a collaborative culture that inspires creativity, excellence, and continuous improvement.
  • Supports sales management teams in securing new business, satisfying existing clients and meeting yearly sales goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Ensures development of a top performing design department through career planning, training, mentoring, constructive performance feedback, and coaching.
  • Works with designers to establish clear expectations and goals and holds them accountable for achieving these goals.
  • Develop designers' ability to confidently lead client discussions, present solutions, and influence workplace strategy conversations.
  • Makes decisions around hiring, promotions, and terminations; with HR, recruits, interviews, and hires the best designers.
  • Creates onboarding Design path for new hires; identifies gaps in skill set and implements necessary plans to close gap.
  • Assures maximum staff productivity through prioritizing and coordinating staff schedules; distributes and manages workload and workflow among the team.

Design Focus
  • Elevate Catalyst's design presence in the market through compelling storytelling, presentation standards, and thought leadership.
  • Represent and facilitate design in major presentations for current and prospective customers.
  • Create/maintain design standards including construction/installation drawings, CAD, CET, process, codes, etc.
  • Enhance Catalyst's portfolio of design-oriented product solutions. Coordinates the review and approval of new product sources and vendors.
  • Increase market visibility by establishing and maintaining contact with clients, potential clients, peers in the design community and people in related fields.
  • Maintain current knowledge of developments and trends in the contract furniture industry with related products, applications, design concepts, work styles, ADA, ergonomics, and uniform building codes.
  • Assure technology integration and innovation strategy to elevate design in our market; work with IT department to evaluate and acquire the best software/hardware productivity tools for the design department.
  • Facilitate continuous quality improvement of design processes and procedures to ensure accuracy and productivity, gaining efficiencies and reducing errors; propose new approaches, methods, or technologies.

Business Acumen
  • Manages design services profitability, including billable hours; develops and manages design budget.
  • Establish and monitor key performance metrics for the design team including utilization, project accuracy, design hours, and contribution to sales pursuits.
  • Continuously focuses on differentiating Catalyst from the competition and enhancing profitability through creative design and product solutions.
  • Manages design contracts and coordinates outsourced design work.
  • Understand the market strategy to increase sales of top manufacturers.
  • Interfaces with sales to ensure design services are sold to clients during initial sales meetings with clients.

Organizational and Industry Interface
  • Work cooperatively with internal and external team members; including interface with Catalyst teams, MillerKnoll and other manufacturers, subcontractors, etc.
  • Run Design team meetings; attend all Sales Team meetings, and leadership meetings as required.
  • Communicate Design project activity in team meetings and strategy sessions to ensure appropriate Design involvement.
  • Meet with customers and A&D influencers to promote Catalyst's creative design services.
  • Regularly attend industry events to expand network.
  • Participate as a positive team member with all Catalyst personnel.
  • Model and practice Catalyst values.

Requirements
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
  • Bachelor's degree in interior design or architecture
  • Minimum of 8+ years of design experience
  • Minimum 3+ years of supervisory experience
  • Minimum 3+ years in contract furniture experience
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Design technology requirements
  • Excellent communication skills; ability to have hard conversations, listen, advocate

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
  • Proficient use of AutoCAD, CAP, CET, and 3D rendering software to provide and coach appropriate design solutions.
  • Proficiency and understanding of company provided laptop, including Microsoft Office suite, MS Teams, and the internet.
  • Ability to use PowerPoint, Publisher, and/or Canva to present design solutions
  • Exposure to and understanding of Netsuite ERP system ideal.

BENEFITS
This position is eligible for 401(k) plan participation, medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, FSA, HSA, paid holidays, vacation time, sick time, and educational reimbursement.
Salary Description
$115,000 - $135,000 annually

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