# Studio Director-Interior Design > Emerald Design Works · Chicago, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-10-15 **Salary:** USD 125,000–150,000 **Workplace:** on_site ## 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 Answer** - Are 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 Own** - The 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&L - Strong 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. ## Apply [Apply at Emerald Design Works](https://apply.workable.com/emerald-design-works/j/029663B429/apply) --- Powered by [Workable](https://www.workable.com)