Senior Sports Interior Designer – Director of Interiors Strategy

AECOM is seeking a Senior Sports Interior Design Lead and Director of Interiors to join our global Sports & Venues team. This leadership role operates at the intersection of client development visioning planning project and development advisory and advanced design and visualization workflows across multiple regions and markets. This position will be located in our Dallas TX office

The successful candidate will be a compelling storyteller capable of shaping and communicating the vision for sports and entertainment projects while engaging clients stakeholders and internal teams. This position requires the technical depth to translate visionary concepts into coordinated planning building programming and visually powerful presentations and expertise in delivering. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience as a lead designer on sports and entertainment projects combined with client-facing business development and project advisory roles that include early project definition stakeholder engagement and thought leadership.

This position shapes early project strategy leads physical feasibility and concept validation advances building programming strategies leads design strategies connecting to clients business objectives and integrates forward thinking approaches to sports and entertainment hospitality. 

AECOMs Sports practice delivers complex high-profile sports entertainment and mixed-use destinations around the world. From major league stadiums and arenas to global tournament venues and integrated districts our teams combine architecture engineering and advisory services to create high-performing resilient assets

The responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

• Set the overall design vision and provide direction for all projects ensuring a consistent high-quality brand experience across venues in direct alignment with sector leadership.
• Bridge the gap between architecture and interior design ensuring holistic and emotionally resonant environments.
• Act as a primary point of contact for clients building relationships and understanding their strategic objectives.
• Lead visioning sessions and workshops to translate client goals into innovative design solutions that drive revenue and ROI.
• Lead programming and conceptual phases ensuring designs are creative memorable and strategically aligned with client vision.
• Oversee all aspects of design from space planning and architecture to furniture finishes and digital integration.
• Build mentor and manage high-performing design teams including hiring professional development and project assignments.
• Foster a culture of design excellence and continuous improvement.
• Oversee projects from initial concept through to completion making critical decisions on design direction quality and delivery.
• Ensure seamless integration of interior and exterior architectural elements.
• Stay current on trends in sports hospitality and entertainment design driving innovation and identifying new opportunities for clients.
• Lead research on future-focused trends such as F&B local immersion and experiential design.
• Participate in the pursuit of new business leads and the growth of the firms portfolio.
• Drive major pursuits from visioning and strategy through proposal interview and win focusing on high-profile transformational projects.
• Represent AECOM at national and international events conferences and industry forums.
• Publish and present on sports design venue strategy and entertainment district development.
• Utilize qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to inform design decisions and optimize user experience.
• Integrate data-driven insights and evidence-based design into project strategies.
• Translate client brand identity into tangible environments that enhance loyalty and recognition.
• Create cohesive experiences that blend physical and digital storytelling.

Qualifications :

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Interior Design Architecture or related field 
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience including 2 years of leadership with a strong portfolio of sports hospitality or entertainment projects or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Advanced proficiency in design software (Revit AutoCAD Adobe Creative Suite etc.).
• Excellent communication presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex multi-office projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15 years of relevant experience and Master Degree preferred
• NCIDQ LEED WELL or equivalent 
• Experience with large-scale sports entertainment or public assembly venues.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative design strategies.
• Track record of mentoring and developing design talent.
• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and certifications.
• Strong relationships with sports industry stakeholders including team ownership athletic directors and public sector clients.
• Experience with computational design tools (Grasshopper Dynamo) advanced visualization and AI-assisted design.
• Proven success in securing major commissions and achieving annual sales targets.
• Experience on international or multi-region projects and with distributed teams.

Additional Information :

• This position will not offer sponsorship now or in the future.

What Sets You Apart

• Strategic storytelling through design blending artistic vision with operational efficiency.
• Deep understanding of target audiences and the ability to create emotional connections through built environments.
• Commitment to research-driven evidence-based design and continuous innovation.
• Recognized authority in the field with a record of published work speaking engagements and industry accolade

Summary

This expanded job description for the Senior Interior Design Strategist at AECOM Sports integrates strategic leadership creative vision client engagement and business development responsibilities. The role is designed for a senior leader who can drive innovation mentor teams and deliver world-class environments for sports hospitality and entertainment venues.

Additional Context

• The position is ideal for a visionary leader with deep expertise in design strategy team leadership and client engagement.
• The roles impact extends from project concept to completion influencing both the guest experience and business outcomes.
• The description reflects AECOMs commitment to design excellence innovation and client partnership.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status AECOM benefits may include medical dental vision life AD&D disability benefits paid time off leaves of absences voluntary benefits perks flexible work options well-being resources employee assistance program business travel insurance service recognition awards retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities we solve our clients complex challenges in water environment energy transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle from advisory planning design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at . 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts youll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills helping you build the career youve always envisioned. Here youll find a welcoming workplace built on respect collaboration and communitywhere you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time