Design Director

Design Director

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead luxury design projects from concept to completion, shaping creative output.
  • Company: A renowned London studio known for timeless interiors in luxury hospitality and residential sectors.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic environment with full creative ownership and mentorship opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced studio while collaborating with talented designers.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in high-end design, exceptional presentation skills, and strong FF&E background required.
  • Other info: Apply via LinkedIn or email; valid Right to Work in the UK is essential.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

A leading London studio is seeking a Design Director to oversee luxury hospitality and residential projects from concept to completion, while shaping studio culture and creative output.

An exciting opportunity for a Design Director to lead luxury interior design projects across the hospitality and residential sectors. Based in London, the role offers full creative ownership of high-profile global projects. The Design Director will drive the design direction, manage key client relationships, and oversee delivery from concept to completion, with a focus on high-end, bespoke FF&E.

The successful candidate will collaborate with a talented multidisciplinary team and mentor both senior and junior designers, helping to shape an award-worthy portfolio of original and distinctive work.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in high-end residential and hospitality design, exceptional presentation skills, and ideally, a strong background in FF&E. They will be confident in pitching to clients, defining project scope, and setting a clear strategic direction. A skilled communicator and collaborative leader, they will contribute to broader studio operations by supporting team resourcing, mentoring junior talent, and helping to foster a positive and high-performing studio culture.

This London-based design studio is known for creating timeless interiors with a strong sense of narrative and place. Their work spans luxury hospitality and residential schemes across the globe. With a growing portfolio of international projects and a commitment to thoughtful, authentic design, the team offers a dynamic, fast-paced environment where original thinking is valued. This is a senior leadership role with real impact, ideal for someone looking to help shape the future of a creative and ambitious studio.

Apply via LinkedIn or email interiors@foliocareers.com with the subject line: FC2214. Applicants must have valid Right to Work (RTW) in the UK, as those without will not be eligible. Due to the high volume of applications, we will only be able to respond to those shortlisted for the position.

We are always interested to connect with industry talent. If you know someone open to new opportunities, connect us. If we place them, you'll receive up to £500 as thank you.

FOLIO is a leading agency specialising in design recruitment. We partner with top practices, boutique studios, and global design groups to connect talent with opportunity. Explore current vacancies and learn how we support design careers at www.foliocareers.com.

Design Director employer: Folio Careers

This leading London design studio offers an exceptional opportunity for a Design Director to take full creative ownership of luxury hospitality and residential projects. With a commitment to fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture, the studio provides ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a significant impact in the design industry.
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Contact Detail:

Folio Careers Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Director

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the luxury hospitality and residential design sectors. Attend industry events, exhibitions, or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships can lead to valuable referrals and insights about the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in your previous roles. Highlight any mentoring experiences you have, as this is crucial for a Design Director position.

✨Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with the studio's portfolio and ethos. Understanding their design philosophy will help you align your vision with theirs during interviews and discussions, demonstrating that you're a good cultural fit.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your approach to bespoke FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment) design. Be ready to present case studies or examples from your past work that illustrate your expertise in creating high-end, tailored solutions for clients.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Director

Luxury Interior Design
Project Management
Client Relationship Management
FF&E Expertise
Creative Direction
Presentation Skills
Team Leadership
Mentoring and Coaching
Strategic Planning
Collaboration
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Understanding of Design Trends
Portfolio Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Design Director. Familiarise yourself with luxury hospitality and residential design, as well as the importance of FF&E in high-end projects.

Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight your experience in high-end residential and hospitality design. Emphasise your leadership skills, project management experience, and any relevant awards or recognitions you've received.

Create a Compelling Portfolio: As a Design Director, your portfolio is crucial. Showcase your best work, particularly projects that demonstrate your ability to lead and innovate in luxury design. Include detailed descriptions of your role in each project.

Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for luxury design and your vision for the role. Highlight your experience in mentoring teams and your approach to fostering a positive studio culture, aligning with the studio's values.

How to prepare for a job interview at Folio Careers

✨Showcase Your Portfolio

Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work in luxury hospitality and residential design. Be prepared to discuss the thought process behind each project, focusing on how you approached FF&E and the unique challenges you faced.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Design Director, you'll need to show that you can lead a team effectively. Share examples of how you've mentored junior designers or managed multidisciplinary teams in the past, emphasising your collaborative approach and ability to foster a positive studio culture.

✨Prepare for Client Pitches

Since pitching to clients is a key part of the role, practice articulating your design vision clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey the narrative and place behind your designs, making them relatable and appealing to potential clients.

✨Understand the Studio's Aesthetic

Research the studio's previous projects and their design philosophy. During the interview, reference specific works that resonate with you and explain how your design sensibilities align with theirs. This shows that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their creative output.

Design Director
Folio Careers
Location: London
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