Interior Project Designer: Education Studio

About the role

This position invites an experienced Interior Project Designer to join Lpadesignstudios' Education Studio in Irvine, CA, where you will contribute to projects that shape the future of learning environments. As a leader within a firm recognized for sustainable architecture, you will own the end-to-end conceptual and design development process for education projects. You will synthesize complex research and stakeholder input into coherent, evidence-based spatial narratives that support 21st-century skills. This role demands a proactive collaborator who can balance creative ambition with programmatic, regulatory, and practical constraints while mentoring colleagues and upholding firm design standards. Your work will directly influence how students and educators interact with their surroundings, and you will have a high degree of ownership and responsibility in defining the firm's educational portfolio.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the generation of design concepts with clients and internal project teams, ensuring alignment with pedagogical research and client goals.
• Guide an integrated design process by involving all relevant disciplines and stakeholders from the start to foster coordinated outcomes.
• Develop and refine conceptual and schematic design solutions based on thorough research and best practices.
• Present design concepts and project deliverables to clients for feedback and approval, clearly articulating design intent and decisions.
• Direct and participate in project design meetings, presentations, and workshops to advance project vision and resolve design challenges.
• Contribute to firm-wide design charrettes and collaborative initiatives that elevate collective creativity and standards.
• Partner with leadership to define project vision and deliver innovative, research-driven design solutions.
• Cultivate strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies to ensure smooth project execution.
• Mentor design team members, providing guidance to ensure adherence to firm standards and design excellence.
• Represent the firm at industry events to expand professional networks and enhance brand visibility.
• Synthesize research and best practices to inform evidence-based design decisions that respond to educational needs.
• Oversee documentation development to ensure clarity, accuracy, and constructability throughout all project phases.
• Balance creative aspirations with project constraints such as budget, schedule, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive project milestones and deliverables in alignment with client expectations and established timelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or Interior Design.
• At least 10 years of experience across all phases of architectural or interior design projects.
• Licensed Architect or Certified Interior Designer.
• Strong understanding of programming, building codes, and functional relationships within learning environments.
• Proficiency in Revit for documentation and coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple project responsibilities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective client and stakeholder interactions.
• A portfolio showcasing relevant work in education or similar sectors that illustrates design process and outcomes.

Nice to have

• Experience with Rhino for complex form development and detailing.
• LEED accreditation or demonstrated knowledge of sustainable design principles applicable to educational facilities.

Skills & tools

• Revit
• Rhino (preferred)

Practical notes

This position is eligible for an annual bonus. Compensation is determined by factors such as location, skills, education, experience, and project complexity, with an emphasis on pay equity. The firm offers career development support, including professional development grants and in-house training, along with 8 paid hours of volunteer time annually. This role is based in Irvine, California, and requires relocation or local candidacy for full-time engagement. The position is eligible for an annual bonus, and the start date is dependent on business needs and candidate availability. Travel is not currently required, and the role does not involve international projects or visa sponsorship at this time. All employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable equal opportunity laws and firm policies.