Design Director

About this position
About Workshop/APD

Workshop/APD is an award-winning, multidisciplinary architecture and design firm. From dramatic penthouses and seaside retreats to luxury residential developments and groundbreaking hotels and restaurants, our projects are uniquely defined by a sense of place and purpose and a desire to ultimately enhance users experience through exceptional design. Our aesthetic is timelessly modern but site-specific, unbound by project type or a singular style. Our diverse and collaborative team of creative architects, interior designers, and product designers leverage vast and highly varied experiences to solve complex design challenges, resulting in holistic spaces, products and experiences that are exceptionally beautiful and accessible.

About the role

We are seeking a Design Director to lead design excellence and oversee project delivery across high-end residential, and hospitality/development projects.

This is a leadership role responsible for shaping a strong design point of view aligned with our brand, mentoring teams, and ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and with design integrity. The ideal candidate is both a strategic thinker and hands‑on leader with a passion for design innovation, operational rigor, and client relationship development and a business development mindset.

What you’ll do

Manage high‑end residential and hospitality projects with demonstrated experience across all phases

Maintain deep familiarity with the firm’s portfolio, standards, and detailing to drive consistency and efficiency

Understand client needs and user experience to develop design concepts and establish final project briefs

Provide guidance and design solutions throughout all phases.

Monitor project performance, ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, budget, and design intent

Serve as a key client‑facing leader and decision‑maker on projects

Ensure deliverables meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and level of development (LOD) expectations

Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members, fostering growth and skill development

Qualifications

Professional Degree (BFA Interior Design, MFA Interior Design, B. Arch or M. Arch)

10+ years in architecture/interior design (should be able to showcase finished/built work).

Proven ability to win work and manage multiple projects

Strong leadership experience in managing large teams

Proficiency in sketching, planning, and presentation skills

Software skills: Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD – Revit skills are a plus

Willingness to travel for projects outside the New York area.

Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and collaborative

About Us
At Workshop/APD, we believe great design begins with great people. Our studio is a collaborative, supportive community where architects and designers can do their best work while enjoying a flexible hybrid schedule, generous time‑off policies, and comprehensive health and wellness benefits. We offer a 401(k) with profit sharing, a stocked office pantry, and regular company events that keep us connected and inspired. Our culture is rooted in growth: from structured mentorship and performance coaching to cross‑team design reviews and continued‑education opportunities, we invest deeply in every team member’s development. We’re committed to fostering creativity, community, and a workplace where people feel supported, empowered, and excited to grow their careers.

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