Role Description The Manager of Interior Planning & Design Standards serves as a strategic bridge between facility planning/programming and interior design execution. This role leads the development and application of system-wide interior environments by integrating planning principles, operational workflows, and design standards into scalable, cost-effective solutions. This role ensures interior design decisions support project programming, capital planning, cost alignment, and long-term operational performance, while elevating user experience and brand consistency. The position provides leadership to interior design resources and partners, including direct supervision of interior design staff. Essential Job Functions - Interior Planning Integration & Programming Support - Partner with Planning & Preconstruction to integrate interior design into facility programming and space planning efforts. - Translate clinical, operational, and workflow requirements into interior planning strategies and design criteria. - Support early project phases including: Functional programming; Space standards development; & Planning narratives and room typologies. - Ensure interior design concepts align with project scope, budget, and phasing strategies. - System-Wide Interior Standards Leadership - Lead development, governance, and continuous improvement of interior finish and environment standards. - Align standards with: System branding; Clinical and operational requirements; & Lifecycle durability and maintenance considerations. - Expand standards beyond finishes to include: Room-level design applications; Planning-driven typologies (e.g., exam rooms, patient rooms, support spaces); & Developing space planning programming standards or templates. - Serve as SME for material performance, application, and standardization. - Design Oversight & Consultant Coordination - Guide external architects and interior designers to ensure alignment with planning intent and system standards. - Provide guidance and oversight to project teams rather than direct project leadership. - Review design deliverables across phases for: Programming alignment; Standards compliance; & Cost and constructability. - Provide direction where standards require project-specific adaptation or innovation. - Act as a key participant in design charrettes/kick-off and milestone reviews. - Furniture, Artwork & Signage (FAS) Leadership - Provide strategic oversight (not just execution) of: Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E); Artwork programs; & Signage and wayfinding systems. - Ensure FAS decisions are: Integrated with programming & space functionality, and consistent with brand & user experience goals. - Guide development of prototypes and repeatable solutions for system-wide deployment. - Cost Planning & Preconstruction Alignment - Collaborate with cost and planning teams to: Develop conceptual budgets for interiors and FAS, and validate alignment with system cost benchmarks. - Identify opportunities for: Standardization; Value optimization; & Bulk purchasing strategies. - Contribute to preconstruction decision-making and estimating inputs, consistent with department cost governance practices. - Develop and manage budgets related to interior finishes (as applicable) and FAS packages. - Procurement Strategy & Vendor Management - Oversee procurement approach for interiors and FAS: Define bid packages & scopes, and support vendor selection & evaluation. - Coordinate with system purchasing strategies and group purchasing organizations. - Ensure procurement aligns with project schedules, budgets, and standardization goals. - Leadership & Team Development - Directly supervise interior design staff. - Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and workload prioritization. - Establish workflows that integrate design staff with: Planning teams; Project management; & External consultants. - Promote a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. - Cross-Functional Collaboration - Serve as primary liaison for interior environments across: Planning and Preconstruction; Design and Construction project teams; Clinical and operational stakeholders; & Brand, compliance, and facilities teams. - Facilitate decisions that balance: User experience; Operational efficiency; & Cost and constructability. Qualifications - Professional licensure or certification (Registered Architect, NCIDQ) (Preferred) - Bachelor’s degree in architecture, interior design or related field (Required) Requirements - 8–12+ years of combined experience in: Architectural planning/programming (strongly preferred) or Interior design within healthcare or complex commercial environments (Preferred) - Demonstrated experience integrating planning, design standards, and project delivery (Preferred) - Experience working within or alongside design & construction / preconstruction teams (Preferred) - Experience in overseeing design consultants and mentoring staff (Preferred) Desired Skills - Hard/Tech Skills: - Strong expertise in facility planning, programming, and space typologies. - Deep understanding of interior materials, finishes, and FF&E systems. - Ability to connect design decisions to cost, operations, and lifecycle performance. - Proficiency in interpreting drawings, specifications, and planning documents. - Strong financial and cost-awareness mindset. - Proficiency in design and documentation tools (AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Adobe, MS Office). - Soft/Interpersonal Skills: - Attention to detail. - Communication across technical and non-technical stakeholders. - Acceptance of authority. - Critical thinking. - Collaboration/Teamwork. - Conflict resolution. - Active listening. - Relationship building. Benefits - Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible). - Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts. - Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders. - Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support. - Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.