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- Tasks: Lead innovative hotel designs and oversee project execution across the UK and Europe.
- Company: Join a legacy developer with a £5 billion global portfolio focused on hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape an internal design team.
- Why this job: Make a strategic impact on high-quality hospitality projects while collaborating with top operators.
- Qualifications: Experience in interior design or architecture with proven hospitality project expertise required.
- Other info: This role offers a unique chance to innovate without a strict house style.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The client is a legacy developer with a £5 billion global portfolio and a core focus on hospitality. Working alongside prestigious international operators, the role will deliver hotel and mixed-use developments primarily across the UK and Europe. In addition to their commercial portfolio, the business also includes a private residential development division.
This newly created Design Director role will lead the design and oversee execution of hotel projects, with two major live schemes currently underway in Europe. Projects vary in size and scale, from full fit-outs to sensitive refurbishments of existing sites.
The Design Director will work closely with the senior leadership team to develop innovative, contextually driven schemes that align with both the client’s vision and the operator’s brand guidelines. There is no imposed house style — this role suits a design leader who can either innovate or stay true to existing brand frameworks, as required. They are looking for a designer who understands space, what can be created within it, and who can shape the vision behind future sites.
The majority of the architectural and interior design work is currently outsourced to specialist studios in the UK and Europe. Internally, the role is supported by two designers — one focused on hotels and the other on restaurants — as well as a procurement team. The intention is to bring more of the design capability in-house, the Design Director will be responsible for strategically planning and establishing a new internal design team to fulfil the evolving needs of the business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and development of new, innovative hotel and hospitality concepts across the UK and Europe.
- Oversee the delivery and execution of projects, including regular on-site presence.
- Collaborate with operators, consultants, and internal stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of each project.
- Manage and guide internal design resources and oversee external studios and consultants.
- Present design strategies and concepts at executive level.
- Travel across Europe will be required, especially during key project stages.
Required Experience:
- Background in interior design or architecture, with proven hospitality project experience.
- Strong space planning and layout design skills.
- Ability to produce mood boards and conceptual visuals as needed.
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management experience.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate internal and external teams effectively.
- Clear and confident communicator, comfortable working across multiple teams and disciplines.
- Able to think both strategically (macro) and detail-oriented (micro).
Location & Working Style:
- London-based office (Central), with flexible working policy.
- Travel required across Europe (1–2 times/month depending on project stage).
This is a unique opportunity to join a respected, design-forward developer and have a long-term
strategic impact on high-quality hospitality schemes across the region.
Design Director – Hospitality Developer (UK & Europe) employer: Curio Careers
Contact Detail:
Curio Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director – Hospitality Developer (UK & Europe)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the hospitality design sector. Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to meet potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships can lead to valuable insights and opportunities that may not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio effectively. Highlight projects that demonstrate your experience in hospitality design, especially those that align with the role's focus on innovative concepts and brand guidelines. Tailor your discussions around these projects when networking or interviewing.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends in hospitality design and architecture. Understanding the latest innovations and market demands will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the company's vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experience managing teams. Given the role's emphasis on guiding both internal resources and external studios, being able to articulate your approach to team management and collaboration will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director – Hospitality Developer (UK & Europe)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in interior design or architecture, particularly in hospitality projects. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience managing teams or collaborating with stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovative hotel and hospitality concepts. Mention specific projects you've worked on that align with the role's requirements and demonstrate your ability to think strategically and detail-oriented.
Showcase Your Design Skills: Include a portfolio or links to your work that showcases your space planning, mood boards, and conceptual visuals. Highlight projects where you led the design process and collaborated with various teams.
Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your design strategies and how you would approach leading a new internal design team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects and communicated with stakeholders at an executive level.
How to prepare for a job interview at Curio Careers
✨Showcase Your Design Vision
Prepare to discuss your design philosophy and how it aligns with the company's focus on innovative hospitality concepts. Bring examples of past projects that demonstrate your ability to balance creativity with brand guidelines.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed stakeholders. Highlight your approach to guiding both internal resources and external consultants, as this role requires strong leadership.
✨Prepare for On-Site Discussions
Since the role involves regular on-site presence, think about how you would manage project execution in real-time. Be prepared to discuss how you handle challenges that arise during the construction phase.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your ideas and strategies clearly, especially when presenting to executive-level stakeholders. Confidence in communication is key, so consider mock interviews to refine your delivery.