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Principal Interior Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Interior Designer will be working from our office in Kansas City, MO reporting to our Principal Director of Sports Design and supports Ampere's interior design practice, contributing to project ...

The Interior Designer will be working from our office in Kansas City, MO reporting to our Principal Director of Sports Design and supports Ampere's interior design practice, contributing to project ...

The Interior Designer will be working from our office in Kansas City, MO reporting to our Principal Director of Sports Design and supports Ampere's interior design practice, contributing to project ...

Concetti is hiring an Associate Designer to support our CEO/Principal Designer and Design Team on residential and commercial interior design projects. This hybrid role (1 day/week in-office) is ideal ...

Interior Designer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$32 - $42/hr

We are seeking a Interior Designer to join our team! Studio Schicketanz is a full-service ... Hourly: Based on Experience Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.

Interior Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$32 - $42/hr

We are seeking a Interior Designer to join our team! Studio Schicketanz is a full-service ... Hourly: Based on Experience Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.

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Interior Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$32 - $42/hr

We are seeking a Interior Designer to join our team! Studio Schicketanz is a full-service ... Hourly: Based on Experience Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.

Interior Designer

Carmel, CA · On-site

$32 - $42/hr

We are seeking a Interior Designer to join our team! Studio Schicketanz is a full-service ... Hourly: Based on Experience Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.

The Interior Designer will be working from our office in Kansas City, MO reporting to our Principal Director of Sports Design and supports Ampere's interior design practice, contributing to project ...

The Interior Designer will be working from our office in Kansas City, MO reporting to our Principal Director of Sports Design and supports Ampere's interior design practice, contributing to project ...

Principal Duties and Responsibilities Design Development * Develop and refine interior design ... At ADG Blatt, interior designers are integral to shaping environments that support learning ...

Principal Duties and Responsibilities Design Development * Develop and refine interior design ... At ADG Blatt, interior designers are integral to shaping environments that support learning ...

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Senior Interior Designer San Francisco, CA $115,000 - $145,000 + benefits A Senior Interior ... You will act as lead designer across complex projects while working closely with principals ...

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Senior Interior Designer San Francisco, CA $115,000 - $145,000 + benefits A Senior Interior ... You will act as lead designer across complex projects while working closely with principals ...

Support the Principal Designer in managing all phases of the interior design process from concept development through final installation. * Translate conceptual design ideas into cohesive and ...

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Reporting to the Studio Director / Principal, works as a member of the design team, is responsible ... interior design standards. • Assists senior-level designers in the development of design ...

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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:

Interior Designer / Interior Architect

SAWA DESIGN STUDIO LLC

Sarasota, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

SAWA IS LOOKING FOR AN INTERIOR ARCHITECT / INTERIOR DESIGNER 
 
PRACTICE DESCRIPTION 
 
SAWA Design Studio LLC is a full-service design studio located in Sarasota, Florida devoted to providing innovative design solutions for residential, commercial and hospitality projects. The SAWA Design team takes a collective approach to exploring design concepts and developing creative solutions for our client’s environments. Our team is committed to working closely with the client on each project, from initial concept to final construction, to ensure that each project milestone is a definitive celebration of our client’s vision for their home, workspace, or brand identity. Our broad spectrum of industry specialties includes interior design, lighting design, architectural integration, styling, custom furniture and furniture procurement.
 
YOUR ROLE
We are looking for Interior Architect/ Interior designer  to join the Sarasota office. The Architect/Interior designer will be the team member primarily responsible for the documentation of the project, and coordination with the Principal. Candidates must have experience in Revit. 
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
  • Work closely with Firm Principals and Lead Interior Designer on project design, material and finish selections, project documentation, and management.
  • Conceptual design, schematic design, design development and construction Documentation.
  • Collaborate and participate in selection and documentation of furniture, fabrics, equipment, lighting and specifications.
  • Produce millwork/furniture drawings and details, which meet various and specific program requirements while also representing an overall design concept.
  • Develop space planning concepts and generate program documents.
  • Provide project team coordination for the finished plans, specifications, and material selections required for construction 
  • Work with vendors, consultants, fabricators, and regulatory agencies to meet overall project objectives 
  • Participate in the construction administration of projects and review of submittals and finish samples, when necessary
  • Assist in managing client expectations, team communication and consultant coordination
  • Contribute to office activities, initiatives, and learning programs
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
  • Completed a bachelor’s in interior architecture/interior design degree is a must.
  •  Have a minimum of plus 5+ years of post-graduate progressive experience 
  • Computer skills required (2-5 years) : Revit, AutoCAD, Illustrator, Photoshop, SketchUp. 3ds Max is a plus. 
  • Possess exceptional attention to detail and good understanding of construction detailing in general.
  • Confident in preparing documentation for permit and bid and construction.
  • Possess a solid understanding of building codes.
  • Experienced and comfortable to coordinate with consultants, contractors and clients as needed 
  • Are prepared and comfortable leading projects and directing a small team 
  • Are comfortable delivering large decorative (furniture) packages
  • Have a solid understanding of project sequencing 
  • Have a proven track record of delivering projects through to construction and completion, including project management experience within Florida. 
Candidates who do not provide work samples AND do not meet the minimum qualifications will not be considered.
JOB TYPE: Part time/Full-time
WHAT WE OFFER YOU:
  • An attractive salary package, appropriate to experience and skillset
  • A strong commitment to supporting continuing professional development 
  • A social and supportive studio culture 
BENEFITS:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Birthday Day off 
BENEFIT CONDITIONS:
  • Waiting period may apply
  • Only full-time employees eligible
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's (Required)
EXPERIENCE:
  • Revit: 1-2 years (Required)
  • Interior Design: 5 years (Required)
COMPANY'S WEBSITE: www.SAWADESIGNSTUDIO.com
Life at SAWA 
At SAWA, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. 
We encourage our employees to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, paid holidays and paid time off. We also offer annual bonus opportunities. 
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, SAWA offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes.   We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future. 
If you do not meet the minimum qualifications, please don’t apply for the job position.