Job Description:
Own the studio. Lead the team. Deliver exceptional commercial design. Emerald Design Works is looking for a seasoned Studio Director to lead our Chicago studio and its upscale and luxury multifamily and office interiors portfolio. Reporting to the VP of Interior Design, you’ll be responsible for the studio’s P&L and for the quality, profitability and client experience of every project it delivers. This is a true ownership role. You’ll build and lead our River North, Chicago studio: managing our studio leads, senior and junior designers, while collaborating closely with sales, procurement, project management and accounting, so every project moves smoothly from sale to completion. The Questions You’ll Help AnswerAre our design process and client deliverables meeting client expectations and the elevated brand EDW is known for? Is the Chicago studio hitting its revenue, margin and utilization targets, and what do we change if it isn’t? Which pursuits, clients and project types should the studio take on, and which should it pass on? Do we have the right people, in the right roles, to deliver the work we’ve sold? Where are errors and rework creeping in between quoting, design, procurement, installation and closeout? Are our fees, discounts and pricing protecting gross margin without compromising design quality? How do we build a studio that clients in Chicago choose, again and again? What You’ll OwnThe Chicago studio’s P&L: revenue, gross margin, utilization, staffing and profitability against plan, using fees, discounts and pricing as levers to manage margin Leadership and building of the Chicago team, including hiring, development, performance management and employee experience Project delivery from concept through installation and closeout, on time, within budget and true to the design intent Design quality and standards, and a culture of excellence and accountability that helps good designers grow Procurement: oversee bidding, quotation review, budgeting and vendor negotiation that protect cost-efficiency while preserving design integrity Clear, documented SOPs and repeatable processes from quoting to delivery and accounting closeout, to reduce errors and omissions Client, partner and supplier relationships across Chicago’s multifamily and office markets, including developers, owners and property management groups Growing the studio’s pipeline through your own network and relationships, while partnering closely with Business Development on pursuits, proposals, fees and handoff of won projects Smooth use of Emerald’s systems, including Studio Designer for project financials and procurement, Ramp for spend, and HubSpot for pipeline visibility As a growing company, we need a leader who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves, whether that’s stepping into a client meeting, reviewing a critical deliverable, or helping a project get across the finish line.
What We’re Looking For:- You’re a leader who is equally comfortable with design, numbers and people, and you like building something rather than inheriting a finished playbook.10–15 years of progressive experience in commercial interior design, with a track record of successful project delivery
- Proven leadership experience running a studio, team or practice, including managing managers, with a record of inspiring cross-functional teams and driving results
- Bachelor’s degree in interior design, architecture or a related field; NCIDQ certification or other professional credentials are a plus
- Experience in upscale and luxury multifamily and office interiors, including amenity spaces, common areas, model units and workplace environments; senior living or other adjacent sectors a plus
- Established relationships with developers, owners, property managers and design partners across Chicago’s multifamily and office market, with clients who continue to seek you out
- An entrepreneurial, business-minded approach: you see every client conversation, site visit and industry event as a chance to create new opportunities for the studio
- Financial acumen and experience delivering profitability against a budget or P&LStrong understanding of FF&E specification, procurement, vendor negotiation and installation
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage clients, partners and team members at every level
- A strategic mindset, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the organization to manage many projects at once without losing the details
- Proficiency with project management and design software and Microsoft Office; experience with Studio Designer, HubSpot or similar systems is a plus
- Why Emerald
We’re building a national commercial interiors company around one idea: exceptional design deserves exceptional delivery.
You’ll join us at a stage where you can shape how the Chicago studio grows, how our teams work together, and how our processes are built.
This senior leadership role reports directly to the VP of Interior Design, with significant opportunity to grow as the company scales.
Benefits:
Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage Supporting your health and well-being every step of the way.
Paid Time Off Time to rest, recharge, and return inspired.
Paid Sick Time Because taking care of yourself and your family matters.10 Paid Company Holidays—Including Your Birthday We believe life's milestones deserve to be celebrated.
Monthly Cell Phone Reimbursement Helping you stay connected wherever work takes you.
Professional Development Opportunities Continuous learning, new experiences, and opportunities to grow alongside a team that values curiosity and excellence.
A Collaborative Culture Work alongside talented professionals who value craftsmanship, trust, and white-glove service.
