Workplace Design Manager

Ripple Ripple · Fintech · New York, NY +1 · Global Workplace

This role is for a Workplace Design Manager at Ripple, responsible for developing and evolving global interior design standards, managing space planning, FF&E programs, and brand experience across all Ripple offices. The manager will lead design reviews, partner with external design firms, and mentor junior designers, ensuring spaces are functional, on-brand, and reflect Ripple's identity. The role emphasizes innovation, employee experience, and continuous improvement in workplace design.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop, own, and continuously evolve Ripple’s global interior design standards, ensuring consistency across all locations and project types.
  2. Create and maintain a robust library of design documentation — finish specifications, material palettes, FF&E standards, and brand-aligned guidelines.
  3. Establish and enforce design governance gates throughout project lifecycles.
  4. Develop and review space plans for new locations, expansions, relocations, and moves, adds and changes (MAC) across the portfolio.
  5. Translate programming requirements and headcount data into functional spatial solutions.

Skills

Required

  • Over 10 years of experience in commercial interior design
  • at least 3 years in a senior or lead role
  • Deep expertise in space planning, FF&E specification, and design documentation across a multi-site portfolio
  • Demonstrated ability to manage and influence external architecture and design firms
  • A strong sense of cost consciousness
  • Proficiency in design tools (AutoCAD, Revit, or equivalent)
  • strong visual communication skills for collaborator presentations
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
  • A portfolio that demonstrates a strong, consistent point of view across varied project types and scales

Nice to have

  • Experience in an in-house corporate real estate or workplace function is preferred
  • Tech experience is a plus
  • Experience with international projects and an understanding of regional compliance, culture, and construction norms across major markets
  • Experience building or formalizing a design standards program
  • Familiarity with WELL, LEED, or BREEAM standards
  • NCIDQ certification or architecture licensure

What the JD emphasized

  • global interior design standards
  • design documentation
  • design governance gates
  • space plans
  • project management
  • external architect and design partners
  • design review and approval processes
  • FF&E program
  • environmental graphic design
  • brand experience
  • as-built floor plans
  • employee experience
  • push the design program forward
  • Mentor and develop junior members of the design team
  • commercial interior design
  • senior or lead role
  • in-house corporate real estate or workplace function
  • Tech experience is a plus
  • space planning
  • FF&E specification
  • design documentation
  • manage and influence external architecture and design firms
  • strong sense of cost consciousness
  • design tools (AutoCAD, Revit, or equivalent)
  • visual communication skills
  • cross-functional collaboration skills
  • portfolio that demonstrates a strong, consistent point of view
  • international projects
  • regional compliance
  • culture
  • construction norms
  • building or formalizing a design standards program
  • WELL, LEED, or BREEAM standards
  • NCIDQ certification or architecture licensure