Interior Designer Project Leader - Aviation

Interior Design Project Leader | Aviation | London, UK

A leading international architectural and interior design consultancy is seeking a dynamic Interior Design Project Leader to join its Aviation & Transportation studio in London. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead high-profile projects, collaborate with a motivated team, and expand professional expertise in a supportive and creative environment.

About the Role

The Interior Design Project Leader will:

• Develop competitive fee structures reflecting project scopes.
• Establish and manage project schedules, ensuring completion on time and within budget.
• Anticipate, understand, and manage client expectations.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate project teams, identifying strengths, providing stretch opportunities, and offering guidance.
• Facilitate open dialogue regarding design and technical solutions.
• Oversee selection of materials, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment.
• Manage construction phase procedures and documentation, including shop drawings, submittals, requests for information, and addenda.
• Develop and present appropriate technical solutions to project stakeholders.
• Coordinate internal staff, external consultants, and other stakeholders for cohesive project delivery.
• Attend and conduct presentations.
• Explore and recognise new business opportunities through professional networks.
• Drive innovation, continuous improvement, and increased project performance across all projects.
• Develop effective project directives, outlines, projections, schedules, and strategies.
• Oversee development and communication of project phasing.
• Manage all facets of project production resulting in thorough project documentation.
• Identify solutions and resolve technical challenges.
• Apply appropriate industry standards and construction practices.
• Understand, document, and resolve code-related design issues and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee quality assurance and quality control processes.
• Demonstrate and apply new methodologies, practices, codes, and products.

Candidate Requirements

• Degree in Interior Design or Architecture.
• 10+ years of experience in commercial design, with aviation and/or hospitality experience strongly preferred.
• Professional registration.
• Strong design portfolio demonstrating conceptual design, space planning, and detailing skills.
• Experience developing design schemes and coordinating design teams.
• Commitment to quality assurance and quality control.
• Proficiency in Revit and technical excellence.
• Thorough understanding of how drawing sets are developed.
• Knowledge of constructability and ability to support project design and budget.
• Experience researching and documenting project-specific codes.
• Experience managing a variety of consultants and contractors.
• Interest in sustainable design.
• Effective organisational and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and flexible attitude.
• Experience managing overall project fees and schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage client and team relationships.
• Record of pursuing new projects through business development, marketing, and client satisfaction.
• Confident presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Benefits & Compensation

• Private medical insurance: Full premium coverage for employees; dependents at group rate.
• Dental benefits: Cashback for 80% of dentist fees, up to £400 per year.
• Vision benefits: Cashback for 80% of glasses and contact lenses, up to £200 per year; eye test coverage up to £25 per year.
• Smart Health services: 24/7 virtual GP, health checks, second opinion service, nutrition consultation, mental health support, and online fitness programs for employees and immediate family.
• Additional health services: Discounted gym memberships, fast-track appointments, direct referral for physiotherapy, member portal, and discounts on health and wellness products.
• Paid time off: 25 days PTO per year, prorated in the first calendar year.
• Paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day.
• Sick time: Full income replacement for up to 12 weeks.
• Salary increases: Evaluated annually with discretionary adjustments in the spring; eligibility begins in the first full calendar year.
• Bonus program: Discretionary annual bonus based on performance, contribution, firm profitability, and adherence to company philosophy. Eligible in first full calendar year.
• Pension: Workplace pension scheme with 4% contribution for eligible employees.
• Income protection: 66% of base salary if unable to work due to illness or injury for 13 weeks or more.
• Life assurance: Coverage of four times the employee’s annual base salary.
• Transit allowance: Monthly stipend to offset commuting costs.
• Professional development: Coverage for licensing/professional dues; support for RIBA Part 3 exams (£2,500 plus 5 additional paid study days).
• Learning opportunities: Year-round courses, webinars, podcasts, project-based learning, and peer interactions.
• Employee referral program: £1,500 reward for successful referrals.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior interior design professional to lead impactful aviation projects while developing their career in a supportive, innovative, and creative environment.

Applications are encouraged from experienced design leaders based in, or willing to relocate to, London.