The Lead Designer is the day-to-day driver of project execution, leading design development, managing client and vendor communication, and ensuring operational excellence across all active projects. This role requires a design leader who can translate the Principal’s vision into fully realized, buildable, and install-ready designs while managing a small team with clarity, confidence, and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Execution
• Drive daily execution of projects from concept to install, ensuring design intent and studio standards are upheld.
• Translate the Creative Director’s conceptual vision into detailed, actionable design documentation.
• Review all design development sets, drawings, and samples prior to Principal sign off.
• Maintain quality control across all creative deliverables, ensuring consistency with the Corinne Mathern Studio aesthetic.
Project & Client Management
• Own all project management: timelines, task assignments, meeting coordination, and execution tracking.
• Serve as the primary client point-of-contact once the project is underway.
• Manage site coordination with contractors, vendors, and consultants to ensure flawless execution.
• Oversee procurement and installations, addressing any issues with urgency and professionalism.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
• Lead weekly internal check-ins to align priorities across assistant designers, procurement, and operations.
• Mentor junior team members in design execution, technical detailing, and client service.
• Delegate effectively while maintaining oversight on all critical deliverables.
Operational & Financial Accountability
• Track project profitability by monitoring time, deliverables, and workflow efficiency.
• Anticipate potential challenges and develop proactive solutions to keep projects on schedule and on budget.
Qualifications
Required Experience:
o 8+ years in interior design, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead role within a high-end or luxury focused design firm.
o Proven track record managing full project cycles with limited principal oversight.
o Strong portfolio showcasing work aligned with luxury, bespoke residential interiors.
Skills & Competencies
o Strong leadership, delegation, and proactive communication skills.
o Expert knowledge of design documentation, detailing, and specifications.
o Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Studio Designer
o Exceptional client-facing presence with the ability to convey design intent clearly and persuasively.
o High level of organization and ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
Corinne Mathern Studio is a full service interior design firm based in Montecito and Los Angeles, California.
We create environments that provide balanced backdrops for living – places full of meaningful objects, art and heirlooms, where distractions are minimized and life feels more serene. Homes are a reflection of our true selves and we pare properties back to their pure character to let that step forth. Our goal is to design inspirational spaces that improve our everyday experience.
Corinne Mathern Studio ushers in elements of the natural world to create familiar touch points. Our distinct color palette begins in earthy tones. Materials, textures and layers are used to create warmth and character. Our vision is forged around works of art and we often collaborate with clients to commission new pieces. Our involvement begins at concept development and ends with final construction and installation.
Corinne Mathern established her eponymous studio in 2014 to work with residential, commercial and hospitality clients. In addition to creating bespoke furniture for the studio's projects, Corinne also designs a standalone collection of furniture, lighting and accessories.
