Design Project Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Project Designer
Department: Interior Design
Reports to: Managing Director or Studio Director
FLSA Status: Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY
The Project Designer is responsible for leading and coordinating interior design efforts across assigned projects from early project analysis through project completion. This role translates design concepts into functional environments that align with client goals, project budgets, and architectural intent. The Project Designer works closely with the Managing Director or Studio Director, internal design teams, architects, consultants, and clients to guide the development of interior spaces and ensure that design solutions are cohesive, practical, and well executed. This position plays an active role in the design process while also helping organize project work, mentor junior team members, and maintain clear communication among all project teams.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position may provide guidance, direction, and day to day oversight to junior designers or support staff. Responsibilities may include reviewing work, providing design guidance, and assisting in the development of team members.
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position requires working closely with a team and consultants on multiple projects with various project diversity. The requirements below build on the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability from previous positions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. General duties and responsibilities added to this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead and contribute to the development of interior design concepts that align with the architectural vision, project requirements, and client objectives.

• Coordinate interior design efforts throughout all phases of a project from programming and concept development through documentation and implementation.

• Participate in client meetings and presentations. Prepare visual materials, presentations, and supporting documentation that communicate design intent clearly and effectively.

• Conduct programming activities including space planning, functional layout, and the study of furniture, fixtures, equipment, lighting, and circulation.

• Develop interior environments that are functional, aesthetically appropriate, safe, and supportive of the intended use of the space.

• Create thoughtful design solutions that balance creativity with constructability, schedule, and budget considerations.

• Prepare interior design drawings, specifications, and documentation in coordination with the architectural team.

• Select and specify furniture, lighting, flooring, wall coverings, finishes, and artwork that support the overall design concept.

• Research products, materials, and finishes to ensure they meet design intent, performance standards, and project requirements.

• Coordinate with manufacturers, vendors, and consultants to confirm product availability, pricing, and technical specifications.

• Assist with furniture planning, finish palettes, and material presentations for client review.

• Solicit vendor pricing and assist clients with the procurement of furniture, finishes, and other interior elements when required.

• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure that interior design solutions integrate seamlessly with building systems and architectural elements.

• Support project teams during construction administration by responding to design related questions, reviewing submittals, and assisting with site visits as needed.

• Maintain organized project documentation including finish plans, furniture plans, schedules, and specifications.

• Assist in maintaining project schedules and design deliverables to support overall project timelines.

• Contribute to a collaborative studio environment by sharing knowledge, supporting team members, and participating in internal design discussions.

• May provide support or expertise related to particular design styles, project types, or phases of work.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary design team.

• Comfortable contributing in a support role while also taking ownership of assigned project tasks.

• Ability to manage multiple projects or workstreams while maintaining attention to detail.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present ideas clearly to clients and team members.

• Demonstrated problem solving and critical thinking skills.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast paced environment.

• Effective presentation skills and the ability to communicate design ideas visually and verbally.

• Professional presence that reflects reliability, accountability, honesty, respect for others, and thoughtful listening.

• Proficiency in Revit and InDesign.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture from a CIDA accredited program.

• 4 to 10 years of professional interior design experience, preferably within an architecture or multidisciplinary design firm.

• Interior design certification is preferred.

WHY YOU'LL WANT TO WORK AT GF
Join a team where you can contribute and grow your career without limits. At GF, you'll help build community through meaningful work while shaping your professional growth and career path. Our team brings together diverse talents and backgrounds, creating an environment where you can explore fresh ideas, navigate new challenges, and adapt as your career and goals evolve. From our 4-day workweek and comprehensive benefits to intentional mentorship and career development, GF provides an environment where growth, balance, and job satisfaction go hand in hand.
CAREER PROGRESSION
We are passionate about supporting your career progression and professional growth. GF maintains a career progression framework that illustrates typical advancement in both title and responsibility. During the annual performance review process, and at other appropriate times, we will discuss the skills, experience, and competencies that may be demonstrated to achieve the next level position.

Career progression is not prescriptive. Advancement is based on a combination of demonstrated capability, technical and interpersonal skills, experience, initiative, attitude, performance, and overall contribution to the firm. We encourage open, direct, and ongoing conversations with your manager regarding your career goals and professional development.

We also recognize that not every employee aspires to continued upward advancement. If you are content in your current role, we are committed to supporting your growth through expanded responsibilities, new challenges, and horizontal development opportunities that allow you to remain engaged, challenged, and professionally fulfilled while maintaining your current level.

BENEFITS
Health and Wellness Support
We prioritize the well-being of our team members through comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a generous Firm contribution to health savings accounts. Other programs that further emphasizes our dedication to the holistic health of our employees include: voluntary short- and long-term disability; voluntary life insurance; accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity benefits; monthly wellness reimbursements; telehealth benefits; mental health counseling; employee assistance programs; Medicare transition services; and financial wellness benefits.

Professional Development Opportunities
Dedication to continued learning is ingrained in our culture. Our tuition reimbursement program empowers employees to pursue continuous learning, enhancing their education and skill sets to excel in their careers. Mentorship opportunities and benefits such as paid membership to a professional organization and opportunities for selection into our Next Generation Leadership Training or Associates and Directors Program further supports the growth and development of our team.

Ownership and Prosperity
As an ESOP company, GF takes pride in offering every team member a stake in our success. Through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, our employees benefit from shared company prosperity, creating a culture of shared goals and achievements. You fund your 401(k) through paycheck deferrals, and GF matches your deferrals into the ESOP with shares of company stock.

Work-Life Integration
We understand the importance of Work-Life Balance. Our commitment to flexible work schedules, paid time off, paid holidays, half-day Fridays, and paid parental leave allows our team members to achieve professional success while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, familial status, partnership status, protected veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

PAY TRANSPARENCY
Where required by applicable law, the pay range for this position is provided in the job posting. Compensation is determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience, education, internal equity, geographic location, and business needs. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and or benefits in accordance with applicable plans and policies.
PAYROLL
Employees paid on a bi-weekly basis, consisting of 26 pay periods annually, and is issued in arrears. Direct deposit is available.
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
Employment with GF isat will, which means that either the employee or GF may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description or posting creates a contract of employment or alters the at-will nature of employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work may be performed in a standard office setting, onsite at client locations, and or on active construction or project sites. Work environments may include exposure to weather conditions, uneven terrain, construction equipment, and other site-related conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires sufficient physical ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform essential job functions. These may include sitting or standing for extended periods; walking on uneven surfaces; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting; lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling light to moderate amounts of weight; operating office and field equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine motor coordination; communicating verbally and in writing; visual acuity within normal range with or without correction; and hearing within normal range with or without correction. This position may require physical mobility on and around active construction sites before and after installation of infrastructure and site improvements.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants throughout the hiring process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to perform essential job functions, please notify us. Reasonable accommodations may include modifications to the application process, work procedures, equipment, or work environment, in accordance with applicable law.

BACKGROUND CHECK
Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check, reference check, and or drug screening, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including fair chance and ban-the-box requirements.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
Employees are required to comply with all Company and client on-site safety policies and procedures. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when working on construction or project sites.

WORK AUTHORIZATION
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. GF participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility in accordance with federal law.

HARASSMENT-FREE WORKPLACE
We are committed to maintaining a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and inappropriate conduct. All employees are expected to uphold these standards and will attend annual harassment prevention training.

DISCLAIMER
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications and may be modified at any time to meet business needs.

Thank you for your interest in applying for a position at GF. We appreciate you taking the time to submit your information.Our team will review your qualifications, and if your skills and experience align with the needs of the role, a member of our recruitment team will reach out to begin the next steps in the process.We look forward to reviewing your information.