Sara Story Design is an AD100 interior design studio specializing in highly customized luxury residential interiors throughout the United States and internationally. We are seeking an experienced Freelance Senior Interior Designer to join our small, collaborative team during a four-month maternity leave.
This role is ideal for an accomplished designer who enjoys managing multiple aspects of sophisticated residential projects—from concept through installation—and is comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with our Principal and studio team.
Responsibilities
Manage multiple luxury residential interior design projects simultaneously
Develop and maintain project schedules and deadlines
Prepare AutoCAD drawing sets, revisions, and construction documentation
Create SketchUp models and Photoshop presentation renderings
Translate the Principal's design direction into detailed, executable design solutions while maintaining the studio's aesthetic and level of quality
Produce client presentations and design materials using Microsoft Office applications
Source furniture, lighting, textiles, finishes, decorative accessories, custom furnishings, and bespoke materials
Research new vendors, artisans, and product resources
Prepare specifications and manage product information within Studio Designer
Coordinate with architects, contractors, consultants, fabricators, and workrooms
Lead meetings and conference calls with clients, vendors, and project teams
Follow up with vendors regarding pricing, lead times, production schedules, and deliveries
Assist with site visits, installations, and punch lists as needed
Collaborate closely with the Principal and design team while working independently on assigned projects
Provide guidance and day-to-day direction to junior team members to ensure deadlines and design standards
We're looking for someone who enjoys becoming part of a close-knit team and can quickly step into ongoing projects with confidence. The ideal candidate is proactive, solutions-oriented, highly organized, and comfortable balancing design creativity with project management and execution.
Because our studio is small, everyone contributes across many aspects of the design process. Flexibility, collaboration, professionalism, and a positive attitude are essential.
This position is from September-December 2026. Flexible contract position (a hybrid of in-office and remote). Hours will vary based on project needs rather than a fixed weekly schedule.
Qualifications:
5–8+ years of professional interior design experience, with a strong focus on luxury residential projects
Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD
Strong working knowledge of SketchUp and Adobe Photoshop
Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook
Proficiency in Studio Designer
Excellent sourcing knowledge across furnishings, lighting, textiles, finishes, decorative accessories, and custom millwork
Experience managing projects from concept through installation
Experience coordinating and mentoring junior designers and/or interns
Outstanding organization and project management skills
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced studio
Professional, polished client-facing demeanor
Self-motivated with exceptional attention to detail
Since founding her eponymous design firm in 2003, Sara Story has forged a reputation for imparting to all of her projects an ineffable style she can truly call her own. Drawing inspiration from her extensive travels, an active interest in contemporary art and fashion, and a rigorous lifestyle, Sara wields a keen eye to exact her aesthetic vision. The legacy of Sara Story Design was published in The Art of Home by Rizzoli in September 2023, documenting the first two decades of her firm’s work.
In 2026, the studio was once again named to Architectural Digest’s coveted AD100 list, an accolade celebrating the top names in design today. Sara's projects have been recognized in Architectural Digest, Interior Design, Galerie, LUXE, Cultured, Aspire, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times to name a few. Sara Story Design continues to work on residential and commercial projects worldwide. Sara earned a B.F.A. from the University of San Diego and holds a degree in Interior Architecture from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
