At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting hospitality design projects from concept to completion while mentoring a talented team.
- Company: Boutique interior design studio specialising in high-end hospitality and leisure environments.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, collaborative studio environment, and long-term career progression.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on premium projects across the UK.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and shape stunning spaces in the hospitality industry.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in interior design with strong project management and mentoring skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
A boutique interior design studio specialising in high-end hospitality, restaurant, hotel, and leisure environments is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join their team in North Yorkshire. The studio delivers design across a growing portfolio of premium hospitality and leisure projects, including restaurants, boutique hotels, and lifestyle-led destinations.
You will act as the central point between design, clients, consultants, and directors, ensuring projects are delivered with creative integrity, operational clarity, and commercial control. You’ll be responsible for leading multiple hospitality and leisure projects simultaneously, mentoring junior designers, and maintaining high design standards from concept through to completion. The role requires someone who can confidently balance creative leadership with structured project delivery, while helping to embed stronger processes and improve overall studio efficiency.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and oversee multiple hospitality & leisure design projects from concept to completion
- Act as senior project lead between clients, consultants, and internal design team
- Manage, mentor, and develop a small team of 3–4 designers
- Maintain design quality, consistency, and creative intent across all projects
- Lead client presentations, workshops, and project meetings
- Oversee project programmes, resources, budgets, and deliverables
- Identify and proactively manage project risks (avoid reactive “firefighting”)
- Support senior leadership in reducing their involvement in day-to-day project delivery
- Improve internal workflows, processes, and project management systems
- Ensure all work is commercially viable as well as creatively strong
- Minimum 6+ years’ experience in interior design, ideally hospitality & leisure focused
- Proven experience leading projects end-to-end in a studio environment
- Experience managing and mentoring junior designers
- Strong portfolio showing both concept development and technical delivery
- Confident client-facing and presentation skills
- Strong organisational and project management ability
- Proficient in AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop
- Commercial awareness alongside strong creative ability
- BA (Hons) or MA in Interior Architecture / Interior Design (or equivalent)
- Full UK driving licence (occasional UK travel required)
- 25 days holiday plus additional Christmas shutdown
- Office-based collaborative studio environment with limited hybrid flexibility
- Long-term progression potential as the business continues to scale
- Exposure to high-end hospitality and leisure projects across the UK
Design Manager in York employer: Bespoke Careers
Join a dynamic boutique interior design studio in North Yorkshire, where creativity meets collaboration in a vibrant office environment. As a Design Manager, you'll not only lead high-end hospitality projects but also mentor a talented team, ensuring your professional growth alongside the company's expansion. With 25 days of holiday and a focus on maintaining design integrity, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of premium leisure spaces while enjoying a supportive work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in York
✨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 Bespoke 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 Design Manager in York
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 Bespoke Careers!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Bespoke 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 Bespoke 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 Bespoke Careers.
