Intermediate/Senior Interior Designer Studio Valano Millbrae, CA Job Details Full-time $90,000 - $110,000 a year 15 hours ago Benefits Health insurance 401(k) Paid time off 401(k) matching Professional development assistance Referral program Qualifications CAD software Google Workspace Teamwork Spreadsheets Architecture Direct client contact Interior Design Revit Driver's License Bachelor's degree Construction industry experience Millwork Residential design (architectural design tasks) Construction stakeholder communication Managing projects Productivity software Lighting design Full Job Description

ABOUT US

Studio Valano is a growing architecture and interior design studio based on the San Francisco Peninsula, specializing primarily in high-end residential projects. The studio brings architecture and interiors together as one integrated practice, approaching each project holistically from early planning and design through construction, furnishing, and final installation. Led by founder and designer Amy Corinne, the studio brings together an appreciation for architecture, interiors, craftsmanship, and both traditional and contemporary design. Projects range from ground-up residences and extensive renovations to furnishing-focused engagements, with an emphasis on thoughtful space planning, custom millwork and cabinetry, bespoke furnishings, and highly considered details throughout. Studio Valano is a small, close-knit and highly collaborative team. Everyone is hands-on, ideas are welcomed regardless of title, and team members have the opportunity to work across many facets of a project rather than being confined to one narrow area of design.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Studio Valano is seeking an experienced Intermediate to Senior level Interior Designer to join its growing team. This role sits at the intersection of interior design and interior architecture. The ideal candidate brings a sophisticated design eye and strong FF&E capabilities alongside the technical fluency to develop detailed drawings, understand construction, and carry design intent through execution. We're looking for a well-rounded designer who brings strength across both design/FF&E and technical interior architecture. You may naturally lean more strongly toward one, but you should be genuinely capable and confident working across both. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys being involved throughout the full lifecycle of a project—from design development, sourcing and detailed documentation through construction, installation, and client presentation. You'll work closely with studio leadership while taking increasing ownership of projects, with the opportunity to ultimately lead projects independently. The right person is not only a strong designer, but a thoughtful problem-solver who sees what's coming. You connect the dots, anticipate issues before they become problems, take ownership of your work, and don't need to be reminded of what comes next.

WHO YOU ARE

Proactive and self-directed. You see what needs to happen next and take initiative rather than waiting to be told. Thoughtful and detail-oriented. You care about getting things right and bring a high level of attention to drawings, specifications, communication, and project details. Solution-oriented. When an unexpected issue arises, you stay calm, think ahead, and focus on finding a path forward. Accountable and growth-minded. You take ownership of your work, learn from mistakes, and are always looking for ways to improve. Collaborative and low ego. You're confident in your expertise while remaining open to other perspectives, and you're kind, communicative, and comfortable having a point of view.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

include but are not limited to: Support and increasingly lead high-end residential projects from design development through construction and final installation, taking meaningful ownership of day-to-day project execution. Develop thoughtful, sophisticated design solutions across both interiors and interior architecture, including space planning, materials and finishes, FF&E, custom furnishings, lighting, cabinetry, and millwork. Produce and revise detailed AutoCAD drawings, including floor plans, elevations, custom cabinetry/millwork, furniture, and lighting details, with a strong understanding of residential design standards and construction. Review redlines, shop drawings, and project documentation; coordinate details across consultants and trades and identify potential conflicts or missing information before they become problems in the field. Source and specify FF&E, materials, and finishes; obtain quotes and coordinate with vendors and trade partners around pricing, availability, lead times, and project requirements. Manage day-to-day project priorities, schedules, and deliverables across multiple active projects, proactively anticipating needs and keeping work moving forward. Coordinate closely with architect, contractors, fabricators, vendors, and trades throughout design and construction to ensure design intent is carried through accurately. Participate in client meetings, presentations, site visits, and construction coordination, building toward greater client and project leadership as experience and trust develop. Approach challenges with foresight and sound judgment, identifying solutions and taking ownership rather than waiting for direction. Collaborate closely with Principals and extended project teams in a hands-on environment where responsibilities often cross between architecture, interiors, and construction.

QUALIFICATIONS 6-10

years of professional interior design/interior architecture experience, with significant experience in high-end residential design. Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture Strong proficiency in AutoCAD, with the ability to independently produce and revise detailed, accurate drawings. Demonstrated knowledge of custom cabinetry and millwork, including the ability to develop and understand detailed elevations. Strong command of residential design fundamentals and industry standards, including space planning, dimensions and clearances, cabinetry and millwork, lighting, and construction detailing. Strong understanding of residential construction and how design decisions translate into the field. A sophisticated design eye with demonstrated experience in FF&E, materials, finishes, custom furnishings, and sourcing. Ability to move comfortably between the creative and technical sides of a project. Strong project management skills with the ability to organize and prioritize across multiple active projects. Confident, professional communication skills and comfort interacting directly with clients, contractors, vendors, and trades. Proficiency with Google Workspace and spreadsheets; experience with Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and AI-assisted design/workflow tools is a plus. Valid driver's license required; access to a personal vehicle strongly preferred. Must currently reside within commuting distance of the San Francisco Peninsula.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS

Please submit the following via email to with the subject line "Intermediate/Senior Designer, Studio Valano": Resume Portfolio Brief Introduction Email Please include an answer to this question: Would you describe your experience as stronger FF&E/design, interior architecture/technical documentation, or fairly balanced between the two? Please briefly explain.

WHY STUDIO VALANO

This is an opportunity to join a growing practice at an exciting stage and have a meaningful impact on both the work and the studio's future. You'll work directly with the principals on sophisticated residential projects and gain exposure to the full arc of design—from architecture and interior detailing through custom furnishings, construction, and installation. Rather than being siloed into one piece of the process, you'll have the opportunity to develop broad expertise, take real ownership, and grow into independently leading projects. Studio Valano values high standards without ego, thoughtful collaboration, transparency, and people who genuinely care about the work and one another. The studio is building for the long term and is looking for someone who wants to do the same.

WHAT WE OFFER 14

days PTO Healthcare stipend - $400/mo Discretionary bonus Professional development opportunities 401(k) with company match after six months Hybrid schedule Local travel to project sites, showrooms, vendors, and fabricators as required

Location:

Millbrae, CA Schedule:

Full-Time | Hybrid (Monday-Wednesday in studio; Thursday-Friday remote)

Note:

This is not a fully remote position. Candidates must currently reside within commuting distance of the San Francisco Peninsula and be available for regular in-studio work and local project/site visits.

Compensation:

$90,000 - $110,000, commensurate with experience

Pay:

$90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Application Question(s): Would you describe your experience as stronger in FF&E/design, interior architecture/technical documentation, or fairly balanced between the two? Please briefly explain.

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

interior design or interior architecture office: 6 years (Required)

Location:

Millbrae, CA 94030 (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Millbrae, CA 94030 (Required)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Millbrae, CA 94030