Job Description

Description of the company:

Our client is a Toronto residential interior design studio founded by a principal designer who spent over a decade with one of Canada's best-known design brands before launching the studio. The practice has grown into an experienced team working on full-home renovations, ground-up new builds, and large-scale furnishing and styling projects for private clients in Toronto and beyond. Their work blends traditional sensibilities with modern details, organic textures, and historical elements to create spaces that are warm and elevated, beautiful and livable. Client relationships sit at the centre of how the studio works, and the practice has attracted steady press and a growing roster of design-led clients.

Why is this role open:

The studio is growing, and the principal is looking for a senior designer who can lead projects end to end, from client relationship and design direction through drawings, procurement, and site, and help mentor the team as the practice scales.

Responsibilities:

• Lead full-home renovation, new-build, and furnishing projects from initial consultation through installation as the client's primary design contact.
• Develop and present design concepts, space plans, and material palettes that reflect the studio's aesthetic and the way each client lives.
• Direct the production of drawing packages (plans, elevations, millwork, lighting, and finish schedules) and review the work of intermediate and junior designers for accuracy and quality.
• Own FF&E selection, specification, and budgeting, and manage procurement from quote to installation with the studio's team.
• Coordinate architects, engineers, contractors, millworkers, and trades; run site meetings and resolve issues quickly.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and client communication so projects stay on track and clients stay informed.
• Mentor and guide intermediate and junior designers, and contribute to studio standards and processes.
• Support the principal with new client consultations, proposals, and scope definition.
• Take part in installs, styling, and photoshoots.

Must-haves:

• Diploma or degree in Interior Design from an accredited program.
• 7 or more years of residential interior design experience, including several years leading full-home projects end to end.
• A portfolio of completed, high-quality residential work: renovations, custom builds, and fully furnished interiors.
• Deep knowledge of residential construction, millwork detailing, materials, and finishes.
• Strong drawing and review skills in AutoCAD or Revit, and comfort in SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships, budgets, and timelines across multiple concurrent projects.
• Experience mentoring or supervising other designers.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Legally eligible to work in Canada, with a valid G licence.

Nice-to-haves:

• ARIDO registration or NCIDQ certification.
• Experience with heritage homes, high-end custom builds, cottages, or country properties.
• Established relationships with Toronto trades, showrooms, and vendors.
• Familiarity with procurement software such as Studio Designer or Houzz Pro.
• Experience in a published or media-facing design practice.

Work style:

Full-time, permanent, based in the Toronto studio with regular site, showroom, and client visits across the GTA and occasionally beyond. You will work closely with the principal and lead a small project team.

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Compensation Disclosure

Compensation for all roles Axis recruits for is multi-faceted and based on a range of factors including experience, skills, location, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may include performance-based bonuses, incentives, and a comprehensive benefits offering, in accordance with applicable Employment Standards Act (ESA) requirements. Final compensation will be discussed during the interview process. We do not request or consider compensation history. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process.

DEI Disclosure

At Axis, we consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, colour, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any characteristic protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single requirement. We don’t post all of the open positions so you might be a fit for a different role!