ABOUT :

KARA MANN creates environments that elevate how people live. We bring life back to spaces - infusing warmth, character, and soul into every project. Our work honors what came before while designing for how people live today, creating a dialogue between past and present.​​

We practice lived-in elegance with a spirit of no-fuss. beautiful things, strategically edited for maximum impact. Design is personal - we invest in understanding each client story, not to impose our signature but to create spaces that feel authentically theirs. We partner with master artisans, curate with discipline, and design homes meant to be inherited: refined without being precious, timeless without being stuffy.

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PURPOSE :

Lead the design and delivery of complex, high-end residential projects from concept through installation. This role requires exceptional design talent, strong leadership capabilities, comprehensive project management skills, and the ability to independently drive design direction while mentoring junior team members.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :

Design Leadership & Execution

• Lead all phases of design: concept, SD, DD, CD, CA, and installation for multiple concurrent projects
• Drive design direction with individual creativity and confidence; articulate design vision to clients and team
• Design custom furniture, fixtures, and equipment with sophisticated understanding of fabrication, budget, and execution
• Produce and oversee complete FFE docs with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Lead client presentations and meetings; communicate design intent clearly and persuasively
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their stories and translating vision into design
• Coordinate professionally with general contractors, architects of record, vendors, and artisans
• Navigate client feedback and project challenges with resourcefulness and diplomatic problem-solving

Project Management

• Create and manage project schedules and budgets, both internally and in coordination with all trades, owners, and colleagues
• Oversee FFE sourcing, procurement, logistics, expediting, and installation
• Lead construction administration including site supervision, shop drawing review and approval, and vendor coordination
• Ensure design integrity is maintained from concept through final installation

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Manage and mentor design teams of 2–3 people; inspire team members to learn, grow, and create
• Review and take responsibility for all team deliverables; ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to firm standards
• Contribute to a collaborative, professional, and design-driven studio culture
• Support the development of junior designers through guidance, feedback, and example

Material & Product Expertise

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of diverse materiality, resources, and industry trends
• Source and curate materials with discipline; organize and maintain material libraries and documentation
• Conduct advanced product research for residential and commercial projects
• Develop relationships with vendors, artisans, and fabricators to support project excellence

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QUALIFICATIONS :

Professional Background

• 10+ years of experience at a comparably sized high-end residential interior design or architecture firm
• Completed and punched multiple residential projects through all main phases of design
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing project teams and client relationships

Education

• Bachelor's degree in interior design or architecture from an accredited university

Design Expertise

• Strong, distinctive design talent with proven ability to lead sophisticated, complex projects
• Comprehensive knowledge of construction administration, including site supervision, document review, and problem-solving
• Expertise in furniture design, custom fabrication, and budget management
• Individual point of view with confidence to advocate for design decisions

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SKILLS :

Technical Proficiency

• Required: AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop), SketchUp, Microsoft Office Suite
• Preferred: Rhino, V-Ray, Studio Designer, Outlook
• Ability to produce complete, detailed, and legible architectural drawing sets

Professional Competencies

• Excellent time-management and organizational skills; ability to prioritize across multiple projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to diverse audiences
• Strategic problem-solver in both design and construction challenges
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy for own work and team deliverables

Leadership & Collaboration

• Motivating leader who inspires creativity and excellence
• Collaborative and professional team player with strong interpersonal skills
• Adaptable and resourceful in navigating project complexities
• Commitment to maintaining the highest design standards and project excellence

Work Ethic & Collaboration

• Collaborative, professional, and adaptable team player
• Commitment to maintaining high design standards and project excellence

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Perks & Benefits

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
• 401(k) with up to 3% salary match from kara mann design

• Generous PTO package to ensure a balanced life outside of work
• Competitive parental leave benefits for new parents and caregivers

• Career pathways: offering extensive growth opportunities for team members

• Work-life balance: we respect your time and personal commitments

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KARA MANN is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, and we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community.