Design Lead / Lead Interior Designer – Commercial Interiors

Job Description:

JOB TITLE: Design Lead / Lead Interior Designer – Commercial Interiors

LOCATION: Andheri (E), Mumbai

EXPERIENCE: 6–10 Years

INDUSTRY: Commercial Interior Design & Build / Turnkey Interior Fit-Out

IMPORTANT – MANDATORY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE:

• Candidates must have relevant experience in Commercial Interior Design & Build / Turnkey Interior Fit-Out projects.

• Candidates must have hands-on experience in Corporate Offices, Workplaces, and Commercial Interior Fit-Out projects.

• Candidates with only Residential Interior Design or Residential Architecture experience will not be considered.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

We are looking for an experienced Design Lead / Lead Interior Designer who can independently lead commercial interior projects from client brief and concept development through layouts, presentations, design development, material selection, GFC/working drawings, and execution support.

The role requires someone who is strong in design and presentation and understands the requirements of a Commercial Design & Build environment, including budgets, timelines, technical detailing, coordination, and site execution.

The candidate will lead assigned projects, guide junior designers, and coordinate closely with clients, Business Development, Estimation, Projects, and Procurement teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. CONCEPT DESIGN & SPACE PLANNING

• Understand client briefs, business requirements, headcount, and workplace needs.

• Develop space plans, test fits, zoning, and furniture layouts for corporate and commercial spaces.

• Create strong design concepts, mood boards, and client presentations.

• Translate client requirements into functional, innovative, and commercially viable design solutions.

• Participate in presales design pitches and client presentations.

2. END-TO-END DESIGN OWNERSHIP

• Independently handle assigned projects from concept to design closure and execution support.

• Develop and review layouts, detailed designs, material specifications, GFCs, and working drawings.

• Ensure all design deliverables are accurate, coordinated, and issued within project timelines.

• Maintain consistency between approved concepts, drawings, specifications, and actual execution.

• Identify design and detailing issues before drawings are released for execution.

3. COMMERCIAL INTERIOR FIT-OUT EXPERTISE

• Apply strong knowledge of corporate office interiors and commercial fit-out projects.

• Design with a clear understanding of buildability, timelines, site conditions, and budget constraints.

• Demonstrate sound knowledge of partitions, ceilings, flooring, furniture, finishes, joinery, and other interior fit-out elements.

• Coordinate design requirements with relevant technical and services teams to ensure integrated and executable solutions.

4. CLIENT PRESENTATIONS & DESIGN COORDINATION

• Present concepts, layouts, materials, and design solutions confidently to clients.

• Understand client feedback and translate it into actionable design revisions.

• Drive timely design approvals and sign-offs.

• Maintain clear communication with clients throughout the design stage.

• Manage design revisions while controlling their impact on timelines, cost, and execution.

5. GFC, WORKING DRAWINGS & DETAILING

• Ensure timely preparation and issuance of accurate GFC and working drawings.

• Review drawings for dimensions, detailing, coordination, and execution feasibility.

• Ensure drawings issued to site are complete and sufficiently detailed for execution.

• Coordinate revisions and design changes systematically.

• Minimize site rework arising from design or drawing errors.

6. MATERIAL SELECTION & VALUE ENGINEERING

• Select materials and finishes aligned with the approved concept, project budget, and client expectations.

• Coordinate material samples, specifications, and client approvals.

• Work with Estimation and Procurement teams to ensure selections are commercially feasible.

• Support value engineering without compromising critical design intent or functionality.

• Consider availability, lead time, maintenance, and execution practicality while specifying materials.

7. PROJECT & SITE COORDINATION

• Work closely with Project Managers and site teams during execution.

• Provide timely design clarifications and resolve site-related design issues.

• Conduct site visits and design reviews at critical stages as required.

• Ensure execution follows approved drawings, specifications, and design intent.

• Coordinate design changes arising from actual site conditions.

8. TEAM GUIDANCE & REVIEW

• Guide and mentor junior and mid-level interior designers assigned to projects.

• Allocate and review project-specific design activities.

• Review layouts, presentations, drawings, and detailing before submission.

• Ensure team deliverables meet required quality standards and timelines.

• Support the Interior Design Studio Head in maintaining design standards and processes across the studio.

KEY PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

The Design Lead / Lead Interior Designer will be responsible for:

• Timely completion of concepts, layouts, and presentations.

• Timely client design approvals and sign-offs.

• Accurate and timely GFC/working drawing issuance.

• Minimal design-related errors and site rework.

• Design adherence to approved budgets.

• Timely material and finish finalization.

• Strong coordination between Design, Projects, Estimation, and Procurement.

• Quality and execution readiness of design deliverables.

• Effective handling of multiple commercial interior projects.

• Client satisfaction during the design and execution process.

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's, Master's Degree, or Diploma in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture.

• 6–10 years of relevant professional experience in Interior Design.

• Mandatory experience in a Commercial Interior Design & Build / Turnkey Interior Fit-Out company.

• Strong experience in Corporate Office, Workplace, and Commercial Interior projects.

• Must have independently handled projects from concept and space planning through GFC/working drawings and execution support.

• Strong understanding of commercial interior materials, detailing, specifications, and site execution.

• Experience in client presentations and design coordination.

• Experience guiding junior designers and project design teams.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and presentation software.

• Knowledge of relevant 3D/rendering tools will be an advantage.

• Strong communication, presentation, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

MANDATORY CANDIDATE PROFILE:

• Apply only if you have relevant hands-on experience in Commercial Interior Design & Build / Turnkey Interior Fit-Out projects.

• The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate experience across the following areas:

Commercial Office Interiors
Space Planning
Concept Design
Client Presentations
Design Development
Material Finalization
GFC / Working Drawings
Site Coordination
Project Closure

IMPORTANT:

• Residential-only profiles will not be considered.