Role Overview
You will lead multiple luxury residential projects end to end—owning the creative vision, guiding clients with clarity and confidence, and translating our signature look into site-ready documentation and flawless installations. You’ll mentor designers, collaborate with architects and trades, and uphold the studio’s standard of refined, quietly bold design.
Key Responsibilities
Lead full-scope residential projects from discovery, concept, and design development through construction administration and white-glove install.
Create concept narratives and mood boards aligned with our aesthetic: layered neutrals, nuanced textures, clean architectural lines, bespoke millwork, and sculptural, well-edited moments.
Produce and review drawings: floor plans, RCPs, elevations, millwork/shop drawings, custom furniture details, tile/stone layouts, and interior specs to luxury standards.
Specify FF&E, finishes, fixtures, lighting, and window treatments; assemble spec books, schedules, cut sheets, pricing, and alternates consistent with budget and lead times.
Present to clients with polish; translate feedback into actionable revisions while protecting design intent and our brand point of view.
Partner with GCs, fabricators, and trades; conduct site walks; resolve field conditions while maintaining the AHD standard.
Build and manage project budgets and schedules; value-engineer without compromising the look and feel.
Mentor junior and intermediate designers; enforce deliverable quality, drawing standards, and presentation excellence.
Curate and evolve the library and vendor relationships; scout materials and artisans that reflect our refined, livable luxury.
Represent AHD at showrooms and industry events; embody our client-service ethos.
5+ years in interior design with a strong luxury residential portfolio; demonstrated leadership of full-scope projects.
Degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture
Expert in Revit or AutoCAD; adept with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator); SketchUp/Enscape or equivalent visualization a strong plus.
Proven excellence in millwork detailing, lighting design, finish schedules, custom furniture, and construction administration.
Exceptional client-facing communication—confident guiding high-net-worth clients through complex, aesthetic-driven decisions.
Strong financial acumen and schedule management; deep experience with procurement workflows and vendor coordination.
Robust knowledge of luxury materials, textiles, and trade resources; NY/NJ vendor network a plus.
Competencies
Design Excellence: Portfolio demonstrates edited, modern warmth—texture-rich neutrals, sculptural lighting, thoughtful negative space, and bespoke detailing.
Leadership: Sets clear direction, delegates effectively, and elevates the team’s craft and pace.
Problem Solving: Anticipates field issues; delivers crisp solutions with precise documentation.
Detail Orientation: Flawless specs and drawings—dimensions, tolerances, finish callouts, and hardware schedules are second nature.
Client Service: Poised, discreet, and solutions-forward; balances taste leadership with collaborative partnership.
Allison Handler Design is a boutique, full-service interior design studio crafting elevated homes in Bergen County and beyond. Our aesthetic blends crisp, modern lines with layered warmth—textural neutrals, tailored millwork, sculptural lighting, and edited statements that feel effortless yet meticulously considered. We’re an AD PRO–listed studio with work featured in leading design publications, and we partner closely with discerning clients on high-end renovations, new builds, and transformative furnishings projects. Note: Our visual language is best understood on Instagram at @allisonhandlerdesign—candidates whose portfolios resonate with this sensibility will be prioritized.
