Interior Design Lead

Interior Design Lead Samuelian Group | Los Angeles, CA About Samuelian Group Samuelian Group is a Los Angeles-based real estate development company focused on creating high-quality affordable and workforce housing communities throughout California. We believe affordable housing should be thoughtfully designed, financially sustainable, and positively contribute to the neighborhoods in which it is built. As we continue to grow our development pipeline, we are seeking an Interior Design Lead to establish and oversee the interior design vision across our portfolio of multifamily residential projects. Position Overview The Interior Design Lead will be responsible for developing and implementing the interior design strategy for all Samuelian Group projects, from early concept through construction and project completion. This role will ensure that every project reflects the firm's design standards, budget objectives, operational requirements, and resident experience goals. The ideal candidate combines strong design sensibility with practical knowledge of multifamily housing, construction, affordable housing requirements, and value engineering. This individual will work closely with ownership, architects, consultants, contractors, property management teams, and public agency stakeholders. Key ResponsibilitiesDesign Leadership Establish and maintain Samuelian Group's interior design standards across all projects. Develop project-specific design concepts, material palettes, finish selections, FF&E packages, and amenity programming. Create cohesive design narratives that align with project goals, target residents, financing requirements, and neighborhood context. Build and maintain a library of approved finishes, fixtures, furnishings, and design standards. Project Design Management Lead interior design efforts from schematic design through construction administration. Review architectural plans, unit layouts, common areas, amenity spaces, leasing offices, and exterior resident-facing elements. Coordinate with project architects and consultants to ensure design intent is incorporated into construction documents. Participate in design review meetings and provide clear direction to project teams. Budget & Value Engineering Prepare and manage interior design budgets. Evaluate product and finish selections for durability, maintenance, lifecycle cost, and affordability. Collaborate with contractors and consultants to identify value engineering opportunities without compromising design quality. Maintain awareness of market pricing and supply chain considerations. Affordable Housing & Compliance Ensure designs meet accessibility, Fair Housing, ADA, and applicable regulatory requirements. Understand design implications associated with affordable housing financing programs, including tax credit developments and publicly funded projects. Create attractive, durable, and resident-focused environments within affordable housing budget parameters. Procurement & Construction Support Assist with FF&E procurement strategies and vendor selection. Review shop drawings, finish submittals, mock-ups, and material samples. Conduct site visits during construction to verify design execution. Coordinate punch list items related to interior finishes and design scope. Branding & Resident Experience Collaborate with leadership to develop Samuelian Group's design identity. Create amenity and common area concepts that enhance resident wellness, community engagement, and quality of life. Support leasing, marketing, and project branding efforts through thoughtful design execution. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Environmental Design, or related field. 5+ years of interior design experience, preferably focused on multifamily residential, mixed-use, hospitality, or affordable housing projects. Strong understanding of construction documents, specifications, and construction administration. Experience managing consultants, vendors, and project teams. Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office. Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced development environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience with affordable housing, tax credit, or public-private development projects. NCIDQ certification or California Certified Interior Designer (CID) credential. Experience with FF&E procurement and installation. Familiarity with California accessibility requirements and multifamily housing standards. What Success Looks Like Establishes a recognizable Samuelian Group design standard across all developments. Delivers high-quality design solutions within budget and schedule constraints. Improves resident experience through thoughtful, durable, and functional design. Creates efficient design systems that can be scaled across a growing development portfolio. Serves as a trusted design partner to ownership, consultants, contractors, and operating teams. Compensation Competitive salary, bonus opportunity, and benefits package commensurate with experience.