Lead Interior Designer (Hotels/Hospitality)

Department: Interior Design

Location: Dubai

• Role summary
• This is a senior leadership role within a globally focused interior design studio, working primarily across luxury hospitality and large-scale mixed‑use projects.
• As Senior Lead Designer – Interior Design, you will lead and inspire design teams to develop creative and technically robust interior environments across a diverse range of project types and international locations.
• You will own concept development, project execution, client engagement, and design team leadership, translating complex ideas into exceptional spatial experiences that align with client goals and brand standards.
• The position demands a strong design vision, confident project management skills, and the ability to balance creative ambition with commercial and technical realities.
• What you’ll do
• *Client engagement*
• Act as the primary point of contact for all design‑related discussions with clients, operators, and key stakeholders.
• Build strong, long‑term relationships based on trust, transparency, and consistent delivery.
• Engage clients to understand their goals, brand, and guest experience objectives, ensuring these are embedded in the design process and outcomes.
• Maintain open, proactive communication throughout each project to manage expectations and ensure client satisfaction.
• Clearly communicate design intent and its impact on programme and budget, offering pragmatic recommendations that balance vision with financial feasibility.
• *Project finance*
• Take ownership of project financial performance, ensuring budgets are tracked and design work remains within agreed parameters.
• Monitor and review project financial reports in collaboration with project management and finance teammates.
• Identify scope changes or additional workload requirements and support preparation of variation orders.
• Ensure efficient use of design hours and accurate time reporting across the design team.
• *Resource management*
• Plan and allocate internal design resources across multiple concurrent projects in collaboration with senior management.
• Communicate resourcing needs or constraints to the Design Director and project management team promptly.
• Maintain up‑to‑date internal schedules for team tasks, deadlines, and coordination points.
• Anticipate future resource gaps and flag risks early to senior leadership.
• Support onboarding and integration of team members into projects and wider studio culture.
• *Project management*
• Lead several medium‑ to large‑scale interior design projects across local and international markets.
• Fully understand project scope, timelines, deliverables, and budget as defined in client contracts.
• Lead internal planning, scheduling, and project setup in collaboration with project management.
• Oversee delivery timelines and maintain accountability for key project milestones.
• Proactively identify and manage design risks, ensuring alignment across consultants and stakeholders.
• Lead coordination with all project consultants—including architecture, structural, MEP, fire life safety, kitchen, lighting, signage, and art—to ensure integrated drawings and resolution of clashes prior to submission.
• Ensure timely provision of design information to support cost consultants in preparing accurate budgets throughout the design process.
• *Team leadership & development*
• Manage and inspire multiple design teams across several projects, setting clear expectations and direction.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively and provide ongoing mentorship, support, and constructive feedback.
• Foster a collaborative, solutions‑focused and innovative studio environment.
• Conduct regular check‑ins and design reviews to ensure alignment, quality, and efficiency.
• Encourage open communication, knowledge‑sharing, and collective problem‑solving within the team.
• Mentor and coach team members, creating opportunities for professional growth and ownership.
• Monitor individual and team performance to identify strengths, development needs, and implement targeted improvement strategies.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and shared growth.
• *Design excellence*
• Champion design excellence initiatives that elevate project quality and reinforce the studio’s creative values.
• Develop and implement design strategies that strengthen project narratives and brand alignment, with a strong focus on sense of place and cultural relevance.
• Lead the development of design concepts and strategies that balance innovation, guest experience, functionality, and budget.
• Shape and refine project storytelling and design narrative across all touchpoints.
• Set design direction and visual identity for each project in collaboration with the wider team.
• Guide designers through all project phases—concept, schematic, detailed design, and construction.
• Conduct design reviews, critiques, and charrettes to maintain high standards of design rigor and storytelling.
• Provide creative solutions to design challenges while upholding quality and service levels.
• Oversee coordination with specialist sub‑consultants (artwork, signage, lighting, etc.) to ensure alignment with overall design intent.
• *Technical quality & QA*
• Use your technical expertise to deliver solutions that meet functional, aesthetic, and budgetary requirements while aligning with client objectives.
• Lead the team in developing technical drawings and documentation that support the approved design direction and protect the integrity of the concept.
• Provide design input and oversight throughout documentation to ensure buildable, high‑quality drawings and specifications.
• Review all project drawings and specifications for accuracy, coordination, and compliance with studio standards.
• Lead QA/QC reviews of design deliverables, ensuring they meet internal and client expectations.
• Review and refine presentation materials to uphold graphic quality and clarity of design intent.
• Identify quality gaps, define corrective actions, and support the team in implementing them.
• *Industry engagement & strategic leadership*
• Stay current on emerging trends, materials, and innovations to keep design solutions forward‑thinking and competitive.
• Contribute to thought leadership through articles, talks, or internal knowledge‑sharing.
• Conduct ongoing research and design reviews to bring global best practice into project work.
• Represent the studio at industry events, conferences, forums, and trade fairs, and share any potential business leads with senior management.
• Support the execution of annual design initiatives that align with broader creative and commercial objectives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align design direction with operational and financial goals and support studio growth.
• *Site supervision*
• Review shop drawings, material submittals, finishes, mock‑ups, and prototypes from contractors to ensure alignment with design intent and quality standards.
• Develop practical, design‑driven solutions for site issues during construction while maintaining the agreed concept.
• Respond to contractor queries during tender and construction phases, including design variations, in coordination with project management.
• Participate in site inspections during construction to ensure compliance with the design intent.
• Support preparation and review of snagging reports to confirm that completed works meet design and quality expectations.
• *Who you are*
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Architecture or Interior Design from an accredited institution.
• 12–15 years’ experience in interior design, with a strong track record leading complex projects and managing client relationships, ideally within luxury hospitality or large‑scale mixed‑use sectors.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Confident navigating design software such as AutoCAD and Revit.
• Proficient in 3D modelling software (e.g. SketchUp, Rhino).
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Highly skilled in freehand drawing and sketching, able to communicate design ideas quickly and clearly.
• Deep understanding of luxury hotel brands and large‑scale, high‑end projects.
• Extensive knowledge of FF&E selection and specification, including furniture, fixtures, lighting, and accessories.
• Strong understanding of interior finishes, sanitaryware and hardware, and how they support brand, durability, and guest experience.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with proven experience inspiring and motivating multi‑disciplinary teams and delivering to scope, programme, and budget.
• Excellent client management skills, with the ability to build and maintain long‑term partnerships.
• Strong graphic and storytelling abilities, able to convey complex design concepts persuasively to clients and internal teams.
• Knowledge of industry best practices, design trends, and emerging technologies.
• Understanding of local building codes, regulations, accessibility standards, and sustainable design principles.
• Detail‑oriented, with a passion for design excellence and consistently high‑quality delivery.
• Able to manage planning, budgeting, and scheduling responsibilities to ensure time‑ and cost‑effective project delivery.
• Committed to personal development through workshops, certifications, and knowledge‑sharing, and to mentoring junior designers.