Job Description

Kelly Wearstler Studio is a globally recognized multidisciplinary design studio specializing in luxury interiors, product design, and creative collaborations across architecture, fashion and art. Our work is defined by innovation, timeless craftsmanship and storytelling. We’re seeking an experienced and forward-thinking marketing leader with strong business acumen to drive brand growth, collaborate with key teams and develop partnerships that elevate our presence in the design and lifestyle space.

The Senior Designer of Textiles leads the creative, strategic, and operational development of the brand’s textile collections, ensuring designs align with the studio’s vision and market trends. This role oversees the full lifecycle of textile design, from conceptualization to execution, while maintaining quality standards and fostering innovation through new materials, techniques, and sustainable practices. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, supplier management, and market research to deliver diverse collections suited for residential, hospitality, and outdoor applications. Additionally, the Sr. Designer of Textiles drives strategic growth, inspires a team of designers, and ensures the brand maintains a competitive edge through continuous innovation and cohesive design narratives.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Leadership

• Oversee the development of new textile designs and ensure alignment with the brand’s vision and identity.
• Research trends, techniques, and materials to innovate and keep the collection relevant and competitive.
• Collaborate with other departments (e.g., furniture, lighting) to create cohesive design narratives across collections.

Competitive Research and Market Analysis

• Regularly study competitors’ collections, identifying emerging trends, standout materials, and innovative constructions.
• Visit trade shows, design fairs, and industry events to gather inspiration and benchmark the brand against industry leaders. Present findings and actionable insights to the team, integrating competitive advantages into the collection.

Sourcing New Fabrics and Techniques

• Explore and introduce new fabrics, textures, and construction methods to diversify and elevate the collection.
• Build and maintain relationships with mills, manufacturers, and suppliers globally to ensure access to cutting-edge materials and technologies.
• Experiment with new constructions, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations.

Sourcing New Fabrics and Techniques

• Explore and introduce new fabrics, textures, and construction methods to diversify and elevate the collection.
• Build and maintain relationships with mills, manufacturers, and suppliers globally to ensure access to cutting-edge materials and technologies.
• Experiment with new constructions, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations.

Collection Development

• Plan and execute the creation of seasonal or thematic textile collections.
• Ensure the collection includes a diverse range of patterns, textures, and materials suited to different applications (e.g., residential, hospitality, outdoor fabrics).
• Review and approve designs, materials, and samples to maintain quality and brand standards.

Material and Supplier Management:

• Source high-quality materials and work with vendors, mills, and manufacturers to achieve the desired product specifications.
• Develop strong relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and adherence to sustainability and ethical practices.

Quality Control

• Establish and enforce quality standards for all textiles.
• Oversee testing for durability, colorfastness, and other performance metrics relevant to the collection.

Marketing and Client Support

• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop campaigns and presentations that showcase the collection’s unique qualities.
• Provide expertise to clients, sales teams, and showrooms about the textiles’ design, functionality, and applications.

Managing Partnerships

• Lead all communication with external partners related to strategy, design, budgets and launches.
• Ensure all partner communications are conducted in line with studio expectations and standards

Strategic Planning and Budgeting

• Develop a strategic vision for the textiles collection, setting goals for growth, innovation, and market positioning.
• Manage budgets for design, production, and marketing activities, ensuring cost efficiency.

Sustainability and Innovation

• Champion sustainable practices in material selection and production methods.
• Experiment with new technologies (e.g., digital printing, AI in design) to push the boundaries of textile design.

Collaboration and Cross-Departmental Support

• Partner with other departments (e.g., interiors, product development) to integrate textiles into broader design projects.
• Support the e-commerce team with product descriptions, visuals, and narratives that highlight the textiles’ unique features.

Research and Development

• Stay updated on industry trends, innovations, and competitors to maintain a leading position in the market.
• Attend trade shows, design fairs, and exhibitions to gather inspiration and network.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Proficiency in textile design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CAD software).
• Strong understanding of materials, printing techniques, and manufacturing processes.
• Exceptional creativity with a focus on detail and craftsmanship.
• Ability to adapt designs to different scales and applications, from intimate residential spaces to expansive commercial projects.
• Oversee partnerships: Tile Design Partnership, Wallcovering.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with clients, manufacturers and cross-disciplinary teams.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Knowledge of current trends and innovations in textile and interior design.
• Experience in creating custom patterns, prints, and textures tailored to unique client needs.
• A keen eye for color, texture, and composition to develop visually striking and functional designs.
• Familiarity with sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials in textile design is a plus

The salary range for this position is $115K - $130K annually.

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