Design Director (Hospitality) in London

Design Director (Hospitality) in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead creative direction for global hospitality projects and mentor future design leaders.
  • Company: Join 10 Design, a dynamic firm shaping spaces worldwide with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse projects, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in hospitality design while working on iconic projects globally.
  • Qualifications: Significant experience in hospitality design and leadership within an international consultancy.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

10 Design shapes spaces at every scale, from individual buildings to entire cityscapes. Our work spans master planning, mixed-use developments, retail, hospitality, residential, research and science facilities, as well as civic and cultural projects. We take pride in creating designs that inspire, engage and respond thoughtfully to the unique character of the communities we serve.

10 Design is part of the 10N Collective of urbanism, architecture and related design experts, headquartered in London and working from 20 studios across five continents. There is strong collaboration between the practices within 10N, providing unique opportunities for our staff. As part of our team, you will contribute to a broad range of UK and international projects, from large-scale masterplans to individual buildings, within a creative and collaborative studio.

Experience working in a design-led practice on UK or international projects is required and work on projects in the Middle East is essential for the role. We work mainly on larger scale projects but if you have comprehensive experience delivering smaller schemes to a high standard, we would be delighted to hear from you. Experience of Technical Design and Construction work stages will also be an advantage for the role.

A senior international leadership role responsible for setting and safeguarding the practice’s hospitality design vision globally, delivering world-class hotel and lifestyle architecture across diverse markets.

The Director is responsible for always achieving excellence in design while representing 10 Design and its design philosophy to the highest quality standard. They are required to act as a primary point of contact to clients and external consultants for all design related issues. The role also involves driving the creative direction of the Hospitality focused teams, overviewing the coordination with developers, operators and other consultants to ensure an appropriate, high quality architectural product is delivered on time and within defined budgets.

Role requirements
  • Creative Leadership
    • Define and lead the creative direction for flagship hospitality and lifestyle projects worldwide;
    • Act as design leader for hotels, resorts, branded residences, and mixed-use destinations;
    • Shape design narratives that integrate brand identity, guest experience, sustainability, and innovation;
    • Represent the practice in high-profile client engagements, design reviews, and competitions.
  • Project Oversight
    • Provide strategic oversight across major hospitality commissions and key client accounts;
    • Guide project teams through complex stakeholder environments involving owners, operators, and brands;
    • Support global business development through design leadership in pursuits and interviews;
    • Establish design governance and review processes for hospitality projects.
  • Team Mentorship
    • Inspire and mentor senior designers and future hospitality leaders within the practice;
    • Build a strong, internationally connected hospitality design culture;
    • Support succession planning and long-term design capability across studios.
  • Quality & Delivery
    • Ensure design excellence is maintained from concept through delivery across all hospitality projects;
    • Safeguard design intent through procurement, value engineering, and construction phases;
    • Set benchmarks for quality, innovation, and best practice in hospitality design.
Qualifications
  • Essential experience
    • Significant experience as a Design Director within an international architectural consultancy;
    • Recognised expertise in hospitality design at a global level;
    • Demonstrated leadership across hospitality led master planning, including large-scale mixed-use developments;
    • Strong reputation for design excellence with a portfolio of built, award-winning, or iconic projects.

Apply now by sending the following:

  • CV (maximum two A4 pages, PDF file)
  • Sample portfolio (up to ten A3 pages, PDF file)

We will only review applications that include a PDF portfolio. We value clarity and originality: show us your best work. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. 10 Design is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Design Director (Hospitality) in London employer: 10design

10 Design is an exceptional employer that fosters a creative and collaborative work culture, allowing employees to engage in diverse UK and international projects from its London headquarters. With a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional growth, team members are encouraged to develop their skills while contributing to world-class hospitality architecture that prioritises sustainability and innovation. The unique opportunity to work alongside a global network of design experts within the 10N Collective further enhances the experience, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about shaping inspiring spaces.

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Contact Details:

10design Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Director (Hospitality) in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your personality! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your passion for design shine through. We want to see how you think and create, so don’t hold back on sharing your ideas.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their projects and values, especially in hospitality design. We’re all about creating spaces that inspire, so show us you’re on the same page!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Director (Hospitality) in London

Creative Leadership
Hospitality Design Expertise
Project Oversight
Stakeholder Management
Design Governance
Mentorship and Team Building
Quality Assurance in Design

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft Your CV with Care:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Keep it to a maximum of two A4 pages and ensure it's clear and concise. Highlight your experience in hospitality design and any standout projects that showcase your skills.

Show Off Your Portfolio:We want to see your best work, so don’t hold back! Include a sample portfolio of up to ten A3 pages in PDF format. Make sure it reflects your creativity and the quality of your designs, especially in hospitality.

Tailor Your Application:Make your application stand out by tailoring it to our specific needs. Reference your experience with large-scale projects and your leadership in hospitality design. Show us how you align with our vision at 10 Design!

Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? Apply through our website for a smooth process. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table, so don’t hesitate to submit your application and join our creative team!

How to prepare for a job interview at 10design

Know Your Design Philosophy

Before the interview, take some time to really understand 10 Design's approach to hospitality and lifestyle architecture. Familiarise yourself with their past projects and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their unique design narrative.

Showcase Your Portfolio Effectively

When presenting your portfolio, focus on the projects that highlight your experience in hospitality design, especially those that demonstrate your ability to lead large-scale developments. Make sure your samples are clear, concise, and reflect your best work. Remember, quality over quantity is key!

Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios

Since the role involves acting as a primary point of contact for clients, think about potential scenarios you might face. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments in the past. This will show your ability to manage relationships and deliver high-quality results under pressure.

Emphasise Leadership and Mentorship

As a Design Director, your leadership skills are crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired and mentored teams in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've built a strong design culture and supported succession planning. This will demonstrate your commitment to fostering talent within the practice.