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Principal Interior Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Interior Designer will work closely with the Senior Interior Designer, Design Principals, and Project Managers to help shape interior environments that are fully integrated with S9 ...

The Interior Designer will work closely with the Senior Interior Designer, Design Principals, and Project Managers to help shape interior environments that are fully integrated with S9 ...

Interior Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

The Interior Designer will work closely with the Senior Interior Designer, Design Principals, and Project Managers to help shape interior environments that are fully integrated with S9 ...

DESCRIPTION The Designer is a key creative contributor to all phases of the studio's luxury ... Support the Principal, Director, and Project Manager, and team in the implementation and management ...

... s), and Principal(s) as applicable. The Interior Designer-III will have a passion for continuous improvement of Design solutions and project deliverables related to overall project design ...

An award-winning residential interior design firm specializing in the Western region is looking for ... Management and Supervision: • • Collaborate with Principal and Senior Designers on assigned ...

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Principal Interior Designer information

See salary details

$30.5K

$72.8K

$108K

How much do principal interior designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal interior designer in the United States is $72,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 3-5-7 rule in interior design?

The 3-5-7 rule in interior design is a guideline for creating balanced and harmonious spaces by grouping objects or furniture in odd numbers—typically three, five, or seven—since odd groupings are more visually appealing. Interior designers often use this rule to arrange decor, artwork, or furniture to achieve a pleasing aesthetic and flow within a room.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Interior Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Interior Designer, you need advanced design expertise, project management skills, and typically a degree in interior design or architecture, often with NCIDQ certification. Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with knowledge of building codes and sustainable practices, is standard. Leadership, client communication, and creative problem-solving are crucial soft skills that set top designers apart. These abilities ensure the delivery of innovative, functional spaces and the successful management of complex design projects from concept to completion.

What is the 70 30 rule in interior design?

The 70/30 rule in interior design suggests that 70% of a space should be composed of neutral or subdued colors, while 30% can feature bold or accent elements. As a principal interior designer, applying this rule helps create balanced and visually appealing environments by managing color distribution and focal points.

What is a principal interior designer?

A principal interior designer is a senior professional responsible for leading interior design projects, managing client relationships, and overseeing design teams. They often have extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and may hold certifications such as NCIDQ or LEED. Their role includes conceptualizing designs, coordinating with contractors, and ensuring project completion within budget and schedule.

What is the highest paid interior design job?

Senior interior designers, especially those in executive or specialized roles such as design directors or firm partners, tend to have the highest salaries in the interior design field. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and strong project management skills, with top earners working on high-end commercial or luxury residential projects.

How does a Principal Interior Designer typically balance creative vision with client expectations and project constraints?

A Principal Interior Designer often serves as the main point of contact between clients and the design team, ensuring that the creative vision aligns with the client's goals, budget, and timeline. This involves actively listening to client needs, translating their preferences into viable design concepts, and coordinating with contractors, suppliers, and junior designers to manage resources effectively. Balancing creativity with practical limitations is a common challenge, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills. Regular meetings and clear documentation help ensure all stakeholders are aligned throughout the project's lifecycle.

What is the difference between Principal Interior Designer vs Senior Interior Designer?

AspectPrincipal Interior DesignerSenior Interior Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a professional interior design degree and licensure or certificationUsually holds a degree in interior design; licensure may be preferred but not always required
Work EnvironmentLeads design projects, manages teams, and interacts with clients at a strategic levelExecutes design concepts, manages project details, and supervises junior staff
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects, business development, and client relationshipsDevelops design plans, coordinates with vendors, and ensures project execution

The main difference between a Principal Interior Designer and a Senior Interior Designer lies in their scope of responsibilities. The Principal typically holds a leadership role, overseeing entire projects and business aspects, while the Senior focuses on executing design work and managing project details. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Principal's position involves strategic decision-making and client management.

More about Principal Interior Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Interior Designer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Interior Designer job openings:
What states have the most Principal Interior Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Interior Designer jobs include:

Principal Interior Designer

CPL ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$109K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Principal Interior Designer

Why This Role Matters:

A CPL Principal Interior Designer is a design leader who serves as a resource and mentor to a growing team. The Principal Interior Designer is engaged in project development, responsible for directing large-scale multidisciplinary projects and/or medium-sized projects featuring a high degree of technical complexity. The Principal Interior Designer is a leader who develops and manages the design direction and standards of the discipline.

What You’ll Do:

  • Act as a culture guardian, promoting all that is good in the culture
  • Develop relationships and networks internally to advance our multi-disciple capabilities
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the business and CPL’s Value Proposition and how technical excellence supports that Value Proposition
  • Ensure appropriate resources are allocated throughout the organization to deliver a high-quality client experience
  • Supervise and guide project outcomes, design concepts, technical means, and quality control
  • Keep abreast of design trends, new technologies and developments affecting the discipline for the purpose of recommending changes
  • Oversee the interiors team throughout the design process including kickoff and programming client needs, conceptual and schematic design, design development, construction documentation, construction administration and furnishings selections and purchases
  • Supervisory requirements, including recruitment and retention of talent including:
    • Engage and foster the growth of CPL team members. Provide encouragement and regular feedback; and serve as a mentor/example for all levels of the team.
    • Manage/oversee career conversations with your team on an established schedule (annual career conversations, regular check-ins, and the development of career plans for each team member)
    • Develop future leaders within the organization (train your replacement)
    • Engage, motivate, and lead internal and external stakeholders to develop strategies and plans to move the organization in the desired direction.
    • Influence people through effective communication
    • Promote justice, diversity and fairness in the organization
  • Execute work by managing the work of others, providing direction and removing obstacles.
    • Fulfill the role of Project Manager as needed
    • Oversee project schedules and budgets
    • Perform quality assurance/control on other's work, verifying quality, methodologies, calculations, outcomes, etc
    • Develop project scopes and objectives and coordinate all efforts – administrative and technical – to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective execution of assigned projects
    • Advocates for sustainable approaches to design solutions
    • Provide management of internal finances, which include billing, invoice generation and asset/resource allocation.
  • Collaborate with the other CPL leaders in preparing and implementing annual business development plans

What You Bring:

  • You earned a professional degree in your discipline from an accredited institution and have at least fifteen (15) years of interior design experience, with at least five (5) served in a Project Manager role – or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • You maintain NCIDQ certification
  • You have a thorough understanding of current trends and areas of growth within the Interior design field
  • You are considered a subject matter expert, internally and in the community
  • You’re an excellent communicator with resolute interpersonal skills
  • Highly accountable, you approach every project with a positive attitude and an eagerness to exceed client expectations
  • You have previous leadership experience, having worked to identify thoughtful solutions to complicated design problems
  • You thrive in a collaborative, team-based and entrepreneurial environment
  • You are willing and able to travel regionally (as necessary) in support of firm goals

What We Offer:

Benefits for Regular Full-Time & Part-Time Employees Working 30+ Hours/Week

  • Healthcare for you and your family: Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
    • Single HDHP Medical plan with 100% paid premium
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match
  • Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • FREE Life Insurance and AD&D Insurance
  • Voluntary Life Insurance for you and your family
  • FREE Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • PTO + Sick Time + 8 Holidays per year
  • Retirement Savings Plan with contribution from CPL to grow your retirement funds
  • Internal Mobility & Career Advancement
  • Licensure Assistance

Additional benefits available to FT Employees Working 40+ Hours/Week

  • Tuition Assistance: You may be eligible for continuing education assistance
  • Student Loan Assistance Program: CPL will contribute up to $100/month for 5 years ($6,000 total) toward student loan debt

What Does It Look Like Working Here?

We believe that building a strong community is about establishing a prevailing sense of fellowship among our team members, friends, and neighbors.

  • Collaboration – working with others towards the best solution, placing great emphasis on the collective wisdom of our internal teams.
  • Family – celebrating others’ successes, genuinely caring about the happiness and well-being of our team members and recognizing their own families as extensions of the CPL family.
  • Fun – not taking oneself too seriously, fully understanding that fun at work is conducive to productivity.
  • Inspiration – contributing to an uplifting workplace that facilitates growth a positive, upbeat attitude.
  • Integrity – doing what is ethically right and providing reliable follow-through on commitments.
  • Ingenuity – seeking new opportunities and consistently identifying unexpected and practical ways to solve problems.

The rate for this position generally ranges between $109,000 to $137,000 annually. This range is a good faith estimate provided pursuant to the New York Pay Transparency Law. It is based on what a successful New York applicant might be paid and assumes that the successful candidate will be in New York or perform the position from New York. Similar positions located outside of New York will not necessarily receive the same compensation. Actual pay rates may vary from the range, as permitted by New York Equal Pay Transparency Law. Compensation offers will be based on various factors, including operational needs, individual education, qualifications and experience, work location and comparison to employees already in the role, as well as other considerations permitted by law. A potential new employee's pay history will not be used in compensation decisions.

CPL does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting professionals or agencies, nor do we accept resumes from any source that does not reference a specific, open position. CPL will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resumes submitted by recruiting professionals or agencies that do not have a current placement fee agreement with CPL. All initial communication with recruiting professionals or agencies must go through our Talent Acquisition Team.

CPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, citizenship, military or veteran status, gender expression and/or identity, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.