Intermediate Interior Designer

Company Description

Novel, a global interior design practice, aims to create purposeful, emotionally resonant experiences with contextual meaning. At the heart of our practice is a dedication to human connection; we believe that thoughtful design has the power to enhance the quality of life and bring people together.

Founded and led by Marcia MacDonald, Emillie Jones, and Sonia Germain, with operations in Toronto, Canada, Novel is backed by 70+ years of combined experience, and taps into a multicultural design community, ensuring a distinct global perspective.  

Novel provides full-scope design services across various sectors. The practice emphasizes a community-based approach, collaborating with local designers, craftspeople, and specialists on international projects.

Role Description

An Intermediate Designer contributes to the design and execution of hospitality projects with growing independence and accountability. This role bridges conceptual design and technical development, translating ideas into cohesive spatial, material, and experiential solutions. The Intermediate Designer is expected to manage assigned project areas, coordinate with consultants and suppliers, and maintain design integrity through documentation and delivery. Curiosity, collaboration, and a developing sense of leadership are essential to success in this role.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design development, 3D modeling, planning, image research, specifications, CAD drawings, material selection, and presentation production.
• Contribute ideas and research to support project narratives and concept development.
• Lead design development for assigned project areas, from concept through documentation, ensuring intent and quality are maintained.
• Collaborate directly with project leads and senior designers to translate conceptual direction into cohesive spatial, material, and experiential outcomes.
• Participate in and occasionally lead client conversations and presentations, with occasional flexibility for sessions held outside standard hours for overseas partners.
• Potential to participate in overseas travel to project sites or in-person client presentations.
• Coordinate with consultants, vendors, and suppliers for technical input, pricing, and product information; ensure information is accurately integrated into design documentation.
• Develop and edit design drawings, plans, elevations, and details with increasing independence; prepare documentation to inform and support construction drawing sets.
• Contribute to quality control and review of drawings and deliverables prepared by junior team members.
• Support contract administration communications including instructions, submittals, and RFI responses.
• Support and occasionally lead FF&E selection, documentation, and styling.
• Maintain a high level of drawing, documentation, and file organization standards.
• Manage tasks and time independently; maintain a 40-hour work week while meeting project deadlines and deliverable standards.
• Clearly communicate workflow, priorities, and support needs to the project team.
• Project the studio’s vision and values through professional, thoughtful communication with all external partners, from clients and vendors, to collaborators.
• Maintain quality standards and consistency of output, ensuring clarity and alignment with the design vision.
• Take initiative to learn new tools, methods, and industry standards relevant to hospitality design; mentor junior designers where appropriate.
• Contribute positively to studio culture, upholding the firm’s values of collaboration, creativity, and care.

Qualifications

• 4-7 years of professional experience in an interior design studio, preferably with hospitality, commercial, or experiential projects.
• Interior Design, or similar, program graduate.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro, and Outlook/Microsoft Office.
• Strong visualization and concept development skills; proven ability to translate concept narratives into detailed design solutions. 
• Experience coordinating with consultants, suppliers, and contractors through multiple project phases.
• Strong aesthetic judgement, spatial awareness, and attention to detail; curiosity about materiality, lighting, and craft.
• Willingness to learn, take feedback, and develop both creative and technical skills.
• Positive, proactive team player who thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Apply

Please send your portfolio and resume to people@novelproject.com.

Novel is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, as outlined by federal, provincial, or local laws. We make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.