At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative workplace design projects and mentor a talented team.
- Company: Leading architecture practice in Central London with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with diverse projects and excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of workplace design while making impactful connections.
- Qualifications: Qualified architect with a strong track record in workplace design.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The client is seeking an Interior Design Director to join a leading architecture practice based in Central London. This is a senior-level position suited for an architect or interior designer specializing in commercial workplace interior design. The role offers the opportunity to lead a specialist team focused on workplace refurbishments for finance, tech, and law sectors. The office consists of approximately 120 professionals, working across a variety of sectors and disciplines. This diversity creates opportunities for collaboration and cross‑selling between teams, enhancing the scope and impact of projects.
The client is seeking a design leader with a proven track record in work‑winning, capable of managing a P&L and growing their sector. This role requires a dynamic professional who can bring in new clients while nurturing existing relationships. Candidates with a passion and dedication for workplace design are highly desired, as is the ability to guide, mentor, and empower a loyal and dedicated team. The ideal candidate is an experienced designer, storyteller, and strategist who enjoys shaping workplace design projects. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in business development while ensuring the growth of the sector. While a black book of clients is not required, the ability to nurture and resurrect contacts is essential.
Key Responsibilities- Lead projects from initial client contact through to project launch and daily direction, reporting to the MD.
- Analyse and develop project briefs in collaboration with the team.
- Grow and manage a portfolio of workplace projects, ensuring high standards of design and execution.
- Set KPIs, forecasts, and manage your own P&L responsibilities.
- Attend networking events, talks, and sector discussions to maintain industry presence.
- Secure new projects and clients through innovative and sensitive design strategies.
- Collaborate with the marketing team on social media content, website updates, newsletters, and marketing collateral.
- Mentor and lead a team of architects and designers, delegating responsibilities effectively.
- Qualified architect (RIBA or ARB registered).
- Track record of winning work and maintaining a network of clients in the workplace design sector.
- Demonstrable experience across all RIBA stages in the UK.
- Design Knowledge: Strong understanding of design, construction, and refurbishment processes.
- Experience pitching and presenting ideas to clients effectively.
- Confident communicator and strong leader, capable of conveying project performance to various stakeholders.
- Ability to think innovatively about design, project processes, and improvements.
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced and demanding environment.
This role offers the autonomy to lead and shape the workplace sector within a supportive, happy, and driven team. The diversity of the practice also allows for collaboration and cross‑selling between disciplines, adding further value to client relationships and project opportunities. It’s an ideal position for a strong leader with a track record in practice, seeking an opportunity to step into their own or avoid the pressures of establishing their own practice. The office has hybrid working 3 days in the office and 2 days wfh.
Director - Commercial Workplace Architecture & ID employer: Curio Careers
Join a leading architecture practice in Central London that champions creativity and collaboration, offering a vibrant work culture where diverse professionals thrive. As a Director in Commercial Workplace Architecture & ID, you will enjoy the autonomy to lead impactful projects while benefiting from hybrid working arrangements and ample opportunities for professional growth. This role is perfect for a passionate design leader eager to shape the future of workplace design within a supportive and dynamic team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - Commercial Workplace Architecture & ID
✨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 Curio 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 Director - Commercial Workplace Architecture & ID
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 Curio Careers!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Curio 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 Curio 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 Curio Careers.
