Hiring

Part-Time Senior Interior Designer / Project Manager

Charleston, South Carolina
Part-Time · In-Office · Approximately 20 Hours per Week

Chelsea Handegan Interior Design is seeking an experienced, highly organized Senior Interior Designer / Project Manager to join our downtown Charleston studio on a part-time basis.

This is a senior-level position for someone with substantial experience in high-end residential interiors who can manage design development and sourcing through procurement, construction coordination, and final installation.

We are looking for someone who is confident working independently, has excellent taste and attention to detail, and enjoys being part of a small, collaborative studio.

Responsibilities

  • Work closely with the principal designer on the development and execution of residential and specialty interior design projects

  • Source and specify furniture, antiques, lighting, fabrics, wallcoverings, rugs, finishes, and accessories

  • Develop furniture plans, elevations, and other project drawings in AutoCAD

  • Prepare client presentations, schedules, specifications, proposals, and project documentation

  • Coordinate with architects, contractors, fabricators, workrooms, vendors, and other project partners

  • Manage project schedules, deadlines, outstanding decisions, and follow-up

  • Assist with procurement, including pricing, proposals, order review, vendor communication, and installation planning

  • Maintain accurate project and purchasing information in Studio Designer

  • Participate in client meetings, local site visits, deliveries, and installations as needed

This is a hands-on role within a small studio. While the primary focus is senior-level design and project management, everyone occasionally assists with samples, local pickups, installation preparation, and the day-to-day details that keep projects moving.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 5 years of professional interior design experience

  • Experience with a well-established high-end residential interior design firm strongly preferred

  • Significant experience with FF&E, textiles, custom workrooms, vendor coordination, procurement, and installation

  • Strong proficiency in AutoCAD

  • Experience with Studio Designer

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

  • Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings and coordinate effectively with architects and contractors

  • Excellent organizational, project-management, and written communication skills

  • Strong visual judgment and attention to detail

  • Ability to work independently while remaining collaborative, flexible, and responsive

  • Must be based in or near Charleston and willing to work primarily in the studio

Experience limited primarily to architecture, commercial interior architecture, staging, showroom sales, or retail design is not the background we are seeking for this particular role.

Schedule

This is a part-time, in-office position of approximately 20 hours per week.

The preferred schedule is approximately 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., four weekdays per week, although exact days and hours may be discussed with the selected candidate.

Some flexibility may occasionally be needed for client meetings, local site visits, deliveries, and installations. Any out-of-town travel would be discussed and arranged in advance.

Compensation

$45–$60 per hour, commensurate with experience.

This is a part-time W-2 hourly position.

To Apply

Please email chelsea@chelseahandegan.com with your resume, portfolio or representative work samples, a brief introduction describing your experience in high-end residential interiors, current availability and preferred weekly schedule, and relevant software proficiency

Qualified candidates will be contacted directly to arrange an interview.