The Senior Designer is one of KWD's most trusted creative leaders. You bring deep expertise, a refined aesthetic, and the project fluency to drive complex, multi-phase residential design from first concept to final installation across multiple active projects simultaneously.
You lead, you mentor, and you set the standard. Clients trust you. Junior staff look to you, and the principal relies on you to carry the KWD vision forward with every design decision you make. Your work is a direct expression of the firm's reputation and you treat it accordingly.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Lead and drive all phases of complex, high-end residential projects from concept through installation
Serve as the primary design lead and client relationship owner across multiple simultaneous projects
Communicate with clients, architects, and contractors with authority, clarity, and a deeply professional presence, representing KWD at the highest level in all interactions
Demonstrate exceptional internal communication skills, ensuring the entire project team, including design associate and Principal, remains fully aligned throughout every phase
Represent KWD in all client, architect, and contractor meetings relaying decisions and design intent with authority
Manage project scope, scheduling, budget, and deliverables
Lead all project-level time forecasting, projecting monthly hours across the full team, tracking actuals against budget, and prepare/managing AutoCAD sets, finish schedules, specifications, and shop drawings
Create and manage comprehensive project budgets from initial estimate through project close, maintaining accuracy and communicating changes clearly to the Principal
Delegate tasks to and mentor junior staff; oversee design team progress against
Confer with vendors and fabricators across all stages of product development to ensure accurate production
Maintain complete project records in Studio Designer and electronic folders
Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Fine Arts, or a related field
8+ years of experience in high-end residential interior design, including renovation and construction projects
Expert proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Studio Designer; proficiency in hand drawing, rendering, and 3D visualization tools
Demonstrated history of successful design implementations and a deeply refined aesthetic sensibility
Exceptional client, contractor, and architect communication skills, both written and verbal, with a polished and authoritative professional presence
Proven ability to lead and align teams through clear, proactive internal communication across all project phases
Proven experience leading and mentoring design teams
Deep knowledge of Bay Area trade resources, custom furniture, finishes, fabrications, and antiques/vintage vendors
Kendall Wilkinson Design is a full-service interior design firm with over 30 years of experience creating bespoke luxury residences. With offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles, our portfolio spans the Bay Area, Lake Tahoe, Southern California, Hawaii, the Rockies, and the East Coast.
KWD was formed around one central theme: Individualism. It's in that narrative that the studio finds its heartbeat threading livable luxury and connection from room to room. With an emphasis on quality materials, customization, and comfort, each space is created with intention and thoughtfulness around the clients who call these rooms home.
Our versatile team of expert designers, project managers, and creative advisors fosters a language between architecture, interiors, and the landscapes they inhabit consistently bringing the vision of clients to life through creativity, collaboration, and service.
