Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative hotel designs and oversee project execution across the UK and Europe.
- Company: Join a legacy developer with a £5 billion global portfolio focused on hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape an in-house design team.
- Why this job: Make a strategic impact on high-quality hospitality projects while collaborating with top international operators.
- Qualifications: Experience in interior design or architecture with proven hospitality project expertise required.
- Other info: This role offers a unique chance to innovate without a strict house style.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The client is a legacy developer with a £5 billion global portfolio and a core focus on hospitality. Working alongside prestigious international operators, the role will deliver hotel and mixed-use developments primarily across the UK and Europe. In addition to their commercial portfolio, the business also includes a private residential development division.
This newly created Design Director role will lead the design and oversee execution of hotel projects, with two major live schemes currently underway in Europe. Projects vary in size and scale, from full fit-outs to sensitive refurbishments of existing sites.
The Design Director will work closely with the senior leadership team to develop innovative, contextually driven schemes that align with both the client’s vision and the operator’s brand guidelines. There is no imposed house style — this role suits a design leader who can either innovate or stay true to existing brand frameworks, as required.
The majority of the architectural and interior design work is currently outsourced to specialist studios in the UK and Europe. Internally, the role is supported by two designers — one focused on hotels and the other on restaurants — as well as a procurement team. The intention is to bring more of the design capability in-house; the Design Director will be responsible for strategically planning and establishing a new internal design team to fulfil the evolving needs of the business.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the design and development of new, innovative hotel and hospitality concepts across the UK and Europe.
- Oversee the delivery and execution of projects, including regular on-site presence.
- Collaborate with operators, consultants, and internal stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of each project.
- Manage and guide internal design resources and oversee external studios and consultants.
- Present design strategies and concepts at executive level.
- Travel across Europe will be required, especially during key project stages.
- Background in interior design or architecture, with proven hospitality project experience.
- Strong space planning and layout design skills.
- Ability to produce mood boards and conceptual visuals as needed.
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management experience.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate internal and external teams effectively.
- Clear and confident communicator, comfortable working across multiple teams and disciplines.
- Able to think both strategically (macro) and detail-oriented (micro).
- London-based office (Central), with flexible working policy.
- Travel required across Europe (1–2 times/month depending on project stage).
This is a unique opportunity to join a respected, design-forward developer and have a long-term strategic impact on high-quality hospitality schemes across the region.
Design Director – Hospitality Developer (UK & Europe) employer: Curio Careers
Contact Detail:
Curio Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director – Hospitality Developer (UK & Europe)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the hospitality design sector. Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to meet potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships can lead to valuable insights and opportunities that may not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio effectively. Highlight projects that demonstrate your experience in hospitality design, especially those that align with the company's focus on innovative and contextually driven schemes. Tailor your discussions around these projects during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends in hospitality design and architecture. Being knowledgeable about the latest innovations and sustainability practices will help you stand out as a candidate who can contribute fresh ideas to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experience managing teams. Since this role involves overseeing both internal resources and external studios, demonstrating your ability to lead diverse teams effectively will be crucial during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director – Hospitality Developer (UK & Europe)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in interior design or architecture, particularly in hospitality projects. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience managing teams or collaborating with stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovative design in the hospitality sector. Mention specific projects you've worked on that align with the role's requirements and how you can contribute to the company's vision.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a portfolio that demonstrates your design capabilities, especially mood boards and conceptual visuals. Highlight projects that showcase your ability to innovate as well as adhere to brand guidelines.
Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy and how you approach project management. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and collaborated with various stakeholders in past projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Curio Careers
✨Showcase Your Design Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-curated portfolio that highlights your best work in hospitality design. Include a variety of projects, from full fit-outs to refurbishments, to demonstrate your versatility and experience.
✨Understand the Client's Vision
Research the developer's past projects and their approach to hospitality. Be prepared to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with their vision and how you can contribute to their innovative concepts.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led design teams or managed external consultants. Highlight your ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and ensure project delivery on time and within budget.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since the role requires both macro and micro thinking, prepare to discuss your strategic approach to design. Think about how you would establish an internal design team and what processes you would implement to enhance collaboration.
