Architect To Design Manager | Move Beyond Traditional Practice

About Customs Bureau Customs Bureau is a design-led interiors studio creating distinctive hospitality and lifestyle experiences around the world. Our work is conceptually driven and rooted in narrative, place and brand, with a particular focus on atmosphere, materiality, custom furniture and the details that shape how a space feels. Led by Founder and Creative Director Shida Salehi, Customs Bureau works as a close-knit studio where ideas are developed collaboratively and senior designers remain deeply involved from the first sketch through to delivery. Customs Bureau is part of the wider 7C network, giving the studio access to international resources and expertise while retaining the intimacy and creative involvement of a boutique practice. About The Role The role is accountable for the successful delivery of projects from concept through completion and plays an active role in supporting the growth of Customs Bureau. In addition to leading design delivery, the Senior Associate is responsible for contributing to business development efforts, including the preparation of proposals and responses to RFPs. Operating with a high degree of autonomy and sound judgement, the role leads projects with a solutions-oriented mindset, proactively identifying risks, developing options, and making clear recommendations before escalating issues to senior leadership. The Senior Associate is expected to remain composed and effective when managing demanding programmes, changing client requirements, and complex stakeholder relationships. This role bridges creative leadership, client management, team coordination, and commercial awareness while protecting and championing the Customs Bureau design ethos and standards. Key Responsibilities Concept: Lead the development of concept design and narrative in alignment with Customs Bureau’s design ethos. Translate client and operator ambitions into a clear design direction Oversee planning, sketching, rendering, and early spatial thinking Direct the selection of key reference imagery, material direction, and experiential cues Guide Designers through concept development Review and align concept direction with Founder and Leadership Team Present concept work to clients and stakeholders with confidence and clarity This role owns the concept once approved, not just reviews it Schematic: Lead schematic design development across layouts, finishes, and furniture strategy Oversee sample acquisition and coordination with vendors Direct the formulation of furniture and finish boards Ensure consistency between concept intent and schematic output Manage internal reviews and coordinate feedback across leadership Maintain client communication and approvals during this phase Design Development: Lead the translation of approved design into coordinated, buildable design packages Oversee Senior Designers in refining drawings, details, and specialty finishes Coordinate directly with Specification Department to ensure alignment on FF