Interior Designer

About Cortland

Cortland is a forward-thinking leader in multifamily real estate investment, development, and management, committed to innovation, performance, and disciplined execution. Founded in 2005, Cortland is recognized as one of the top 10 multifamily owners and operators in the United States and focuses on delivering exceptional living experiences that enhance both resident satisfaction and asset value through an integrated approach encompassing design, construction, and operations.

Role Overview

The Interior Designer will be responsible for conceptualizing and delivering the complete design vision for acquisitions, renovations, and special projects throughout a large portfolio of multifamily apartment communities. This position involves creating aesthetically cohesive, functional, and brand-consistent environments aimed at enriching resident experience and increasing property value.

Key Responsibilities

• Design renovation and space reconfiguration concepts to maximize unit layout efficiency and flow.
• Manage model unit design, including selecting furniture, purchasing, budgeting, coordinating deliveries, supervising installations, and preparing Care Binders.
• Collaborate closely with investment teams, construction, architects, and external vendors to maintain design consistency across interior and exterior spaces.
• Review shop drawings and submittals to ensure they adhere to approved design standards.
• Lead furniture procurement processes including contract management, budget oversight, and installation coordination.
• Work alongside landscape architects to establish site-wide design strategies and finalize finish selections.
• Choose materials and finishes that reflect current and emerging design trends, establishing a clear design narrative aligned with brand identity.
• Partner with marketing to ensure design elements correspond with brand guidelines, including signage and color schemes.
• Develop detailed interior drawings, millwork specifications, building standards, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) requirements.
• Collaborate with pool designers and fitness facility planners to establish comprehensive design directions and material choices.
• Maintain design documentation and coordinate with preconstruction to align scope, cost, and budget goals.
• Create and manage project schedules for construction and furniture installation, tracking budgets to ensure financial targets are met.
• Work with in-house build and architecture teams to develop thorough construction documents.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of professional experience in interior design, preferably with a background in high-end residential or hospitality sectors.
• Minimum of 2 years practical experience with Revit software.
• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Decorative Arts, or a related discipline.
• Established relationships with vendors, suppliers, and tradespeople.
• Strong proficiency in measurements and interpreting site-specific dimensions.
• Excellent communication skills across written, verbal, and visual formats.
• Demonstrated project management skills and high organizational capability.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Revit, Photoshop, Illustrator, Bluebeam, and capable of freehand sketching.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% of the time.

Additional Information

Cortland is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring all qualified applicants receive fair consideration regardless of protected characteristics. The company maintains a drug-free workplace and participates in e-verify for employment eligibility verification. Candidates may request accommodations for disabilities during the application process.

California applicants have rights concerning their personal information, with processes in place for data access and deletion upon request. Cortland also complies with GDPR regulations, outlining the collection, processing, and protection of candidates' personal data, including data transfer safeguards when applicable.