About Us
Umé Studio is a multi-disciplinary design practice in Oakland and New York City, founded and led by architect Mei-Lan Tan. We focus on hospitality: hotels, spas, wineries, retreats, bath houses—and the materials, furniture, interiors, and landscapes inside and outside them.
Current projects include a winery renovation in Carmel currently in Construction Administration, a 26 room oceanfront inn in Pacific Grove, and a large-scale bathhouse in Lombok in Concept Design.
Role Summary
We're seeking a design-driven, technically capable Interior Designer / Interior Architect to join our team full-time. The ideal candidate brings a strong sensibility for materiality, spatial storytelling, and interior detailing, with experience across all project phases from Concept through Construction Administration. Working closely with the Principal and project leads on hospitality and wellness projects, you'll contribute to interior architecture, FF&E strategy, documentation, and site coordination.
This role demands both aesthetic rigor and technical fluency, with the ability to operate independently within a small, highly focused studio. Position is remote-eligible; California project experience is required, and occasional travel for site visits and key meetings may be necessary.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop interior design concepts aligned with brand and architectural direction
- Lead FF&E strategy including custom furniture, lighting, material selection, and millwork
- Coordinate consultants including structural, MEP, civil, and specialty trades
- Manage internal project timelines, deliverables, and drawing packages
- Production assets like drawing sets, details, and specifications that reflect design intent, design diagrams, project visuals like renders and collage
- Produce interior drawing packages including plans, elevations, reflected ceiling plans, finish plans, schedules, and interior details. Develop millwork and custom detailing that reflects design intent. Coordinate finishes and specifications
- Support Revit, CAD, Rhino model development and documentation integration
- Review submittals, RFIs, and shop drawings
- Support site visits and support construction problem-solving, ensure execution aligns with drawings, details, and design vision
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of professional interior design or interior architecture experience (candidates up to 12 years encouraged; role scope and compensation scale accordingly), working from concept design through construction
- Bachelor's or Master's in Architecture or Interiors
- Strong proficiency in Rhino, Enscape, AutoCAD, and Adobe Suite; Revit a plus
- Experience with hospitality, wellness, residential, or boutique commercial projects
- Deep understanding of interior detailing, millwork, and finish assemblies, including experience producing CD sets for review
- Familiarity with project management, construction administration, budget review, consultant coordination, furniture vendor coordination, and client relations, plus California codes and permitting
- Proactive, organized, and self-directed, with a calm, task- and detail-oriented approach and a passion for clarity and excellence
- A strong design sensibility with an eye for craft, detail, and materiality, able to strongly communicate visual and graphic sensibilities
Position Details
- Schedule: 40 hrs/week
- Duration: Full Time
- Compensation: Starting at $80K + based on experience, with benefits
- Location: Flexible to be in person in east bay, Oakland, or fully remote.
UMÉ Studio is committed to building a more inclusive and equitable design practice. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We also hope to contribute to your career journey.
