Business Development Director - A/E/C

Our SelectLeaders client is a leading creative consultancy operating at the intersection of real estate and hospitality. They bring together strategy, design, and execution to shape high-impact environments, with a strong focus on the multifamily sector through their Interior Architecture and Design studio. They are seeking a Business Development Director to support the continued growth of this studio. This individual will play a key role in driving revenue by sourcing, developing, and closing new business opportunities aligned with the team’s core strengths, with an emphasis on multifamily residential and hospitality projects. In this role, you will lead business development efforts for the Interior Architecture & Design team, owning the pipeline from early relationship-building through proposal, pitch, and close. You will work closely with studio leadership, design teams, and executive leadership to secure opportunities that align with strategic priorities and strengthen the firm’s presence in the market. This position complements existing business development efforts across other service lines, with a clear mandate to generate consistent, repeatable work for the Interior Architecture practice. Responsibilities Lead and grow a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities for the interior architecture studio, with a strong focus on multifamily residential and related sectors (mixed-use, residential conversions, senior living, student housing, etc.). Originate new client relationships and expand existing ones with developers, owners, architects, and real estate partners. Speak fluently in the language of interior architecture and interior design - demonstrating credibility with technical teams, principals, and C-suite stakeholders. Proactively identify, qualify, and pursue outbound opportunities aligned with business goals and market positioning. Collaborate closely with leadership to shape growth strategy, target clients, and priority markets. Lead and support proposal development, including strategy, narratives, fee structures, and pitch presentations. Act as a company representative at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to build visibility and long-term relationships. Maintain accurate and up-to-date pipeline reporting and forecasting in HubSpot CRM. Conduct research on prospective clients, projects, and market trends to inform outreach and positioning. Partner cross-functionally with Place Consulting and Agency business development leaders as needed, while maintaining clear ownership of focused pursuits. Your Attributes A connector and closer with the ability to open doors, build trust, and convert relationships into signed work. Deeply fluent in interior architecture and interior design, with the confidence to engage meaningfully on scope, process, and value. Strategically minded, able to identify the right opportunities and position the team as the best-fit partner. Entrepreneurial and self-directed, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for results. Collaborative by nature - energized by working alongside designers, architects, and leadership to win work together. Your Qualifications 7+ years of experience in business development, client development, or sales within interior architecture, interior design, or design-focused real estate sectors. Demonstrated experience driving work in the multifamily development residential market strongly preferred. Experience and knowledge of interior architecture and design business development. Existing industry network across developers, owners, operators, and consultants. Proven track record of generating leads, closing deals, and growing a design-focused practice. Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills. Experience managing pipelines and forecasting in HubSpot or a comparable CRM. Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Business, Real Estate, Marketing, or a related field. Willingness to travel as needed based on client opportunities For candidates within the Washington DC area, this role will have a hybrid in office. For candidates outside of the Washington DC area, this role will require travel at least once a month to the office headquarters. $150,000 - $175,000 a year Competitive compensation with a base salary of $150,000-$175,000 base with performance-based bonus structure. Opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the growth of a highly respected Interior Architecture studio. A collaborative, design-forward culture that blends hustle, heart, and creativity. In addition to base salary, the compensation package will include benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, 401(k) with employer match, and other wellness resources. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.