At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development and secure high-value projects in luxury design.
- Company: Renowned interior architecture studio with a global reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Join a creative team passionate about exceptional guest experiences.
- Why this job: Shape the future of luxury design and build impactful client relationships.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in business development within luxury design or hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About the Studio
Our client is an internationally recognised interior architecture and design practice renowned for creating distinctive luxury hospitality, residential and mixed‑use environments across the globe. With an established portfolio spanning award‑winning hotels, resorts, private residences and branded developments, the studio is known for its thoughtful approach to storytelling, cultural authenticity and exceptional guest experiences.
As part of the continued growth of their brand, the newly established London studio is expanding its presence across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, building on the practice’s strong reputation and global client network. This represents an exciting new chapter for the business, creating opportunities to strengthen relationships with developers, hotel operators, investors and private clients, while delivering world‑class design solutions across multiple sectors.
They are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded Head of Client Development to lead the Business Development and to play a pivotal role in shaping the growth of the studio. Working closely with the leadership team of the main office, this individual will help drive strategic expansion, cultivate key industry relationships, and secure high‑value projects that support the studio’s long‑term vision.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the studio’s business development strategy.
- Identify and secure new project opportunities across luxury residential, hospitality and branded residential sectors.
- Build and maintain relationships with developers, hotel operators, private clients, asset managers, architects, project managers and industry consultants.
- Generate qualified leads and manage opportunities through the full business development lifecycle.
- Identify new markets and sectors for strategic expansion both within the UK and internationally.
- Attend industry events, conferences, networking functions and design fairs to promote the studio and generate opportunities.
Client Acquisition & Relationship Management
- Act as the first point of contact for new business enquiries.
- Lead introductory meetings and presentations with prospective clients and partners.
- Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders and decision‑makers.
- Manage and nurture prospective client pipelines to maximise conversion opportunities.
- Maintain exceptional client experience throughout the proposal and onboarding process.
Proposals & Commercial Strategy
- Support the preparation of fee proposals, capability presentations and tender submissions.
- Work alongside the design and project teams to develop compelling project narratives and commercial offers.
- Support fee negotiations and contract discussions.
- Drive pipeline performance, forecasting and conversion metrics.
- Contribute to annual revenue targets and growth planning.
Marketing & Brand Development
- Collaborate closely with the Marketing Team to align business development initiatives with marketing campaigns.
- Support the development of strategic partnerships, thought leadership initiatives and industry collaborations.
- Identify opportunities for awards, speaking engagements, editorial features and industry recognition.
- Strengthen the studio’s visibility within luxury hospitality and residential sectors.
Candidate Profile
Essential
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in business development, client relations or commercial strategy within interior design, architecture, hospitality, or luxury real estate sector.
- Proven network of relevant industry and client relationships.
- Proven track record of securing and developing high‑value client relationships.
- Strong understanding of the luxury residential and hospitality markets.
- Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
- Experience preparing proposals, presentations and business development materials.
- Commercially astute with strong negotiation and relationship management abilities.
- Highly organised, self‑motivated and proactive.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with senior leadership.
Desirable
- Degree in Business, Interior Design, Architecture, Real Estate, Hospitality Management or related discipline.
- Existing network within luxury hospitality, property development, architecture or interior design sectors.
- Experience working with international clients and projects across EMEA.
- Understanding of design procurement and project delivery processes.
- Knowledge of CRM systems and pipeline management tools.
Personal Attributes
- Professional, confident and highly personable.
- Passionate about architecture, interiors, hospitality and design.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with strong commercial instincts.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify and convert opportunities.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
- Comfortable operating within a creative, fast‑paced studio environment.
Head of Client Development in London employer: 9B Careers
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and creative work environment in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the studio encourages collaboration and innovation, providing opportunities to work on prestigious projects within the luxury hospitality and residential sectors. The supportive culture fosters meaningful relationships and a commitment to excellence, making it an ideal place for ambitious professionals looking to make a significant impact in the design industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Client Development in London
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from 9B Careers who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Client Development in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at 9B Careers!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to 9B Careers. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at 9B Careers
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at 9B Careers.
