At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape all interior design activities, focusing on workplace projects.
- Company: A well-established architecture studio in London with a collaborative team of 120 professionals.
- Benefits: Enjoy creative freedom, autonomy, and support from a respected team in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Perfect for innovative thinkers wanting to define design identity and make a visible impact.
- Qualifications: 15+ years of experience as a qualified Architect or Interior Designer, with strong commercial acumen.
- Other info: Open to candidates from the UK and internationally, offering a chance to lead in a supportive setting.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
A well-established architecture studio based in London is looking to appoint a Director of Interior Design — a new leadership role within the practice. This individual will be responsible for leading and shaping all interior design activity across the studio, with an initial focus on workplace projects. The existing team comprises both architects and interior designers, working closely and collaboratively.
This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of the interiors portfolio, driving creative direction while enjoying full autonomy and the freedom to define the brand and design identity, supported by a wider, well-respected team. The studio consists of approximately 120 professionals and works across a variety of sectors and disciplines, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-selling of services.
This role is best suited to creative thinkers, business-minded leaders, and storytellers. A key aspect of the position will be P&L responsibility, requiring someone commercially astute and confident managing the business development side of a design team. Applicants must have demonstrable experience building a network and winning work, ideally within the workplace interiors space, and be comfortable in a fee-earning, strategic leadership position.
It’s an ideal opportunity for a key figurehead ready to step away from a larger, structured interiors environment and lead their own direction within a collaborative studio setting.
Key Responsibilities- Lead projects from initial client engagement through to launch, reporting directly to the MD.
- Shape and oversee a portfolio of workplace design projects to the highest design and delivery standards.
- Develop and analyse project briefs in collaboration with the team.
- Build and manage your own P&L, setting KPIs and forecasts.
- Represent the practice at industry events and networking functions.
- Drive new business and client development through strong storytelling and design strategies.
- Collaborate with the marketing team on content, social media, newsletters, and branding material.
- Mentor and lead a team of architects and designers, ensuring strong delegation and team growth.
- Qualified Architect (RIBA or ARB registered), Part II, or Interior Designer with a minimum of 15+ years’ professional experience.
- This role would suit a current Director or a strong Associate Director ready to step up into a Director-level position.
- Experience in hotel/F&B experience or commercial workplace.
- A proven track record of winning work and maintaining a network of clients within the workplace or hospitality design sector.
- Demonstrable fee-earning responsibilities, with supporting figures around fees billed, project value, and revenue generated.
- Experience running a P&L, with a strong commercial understanding of business performance and planning.
- Strong understanding of design, construction, and refurbishment processes.
- Confident in pitching and presenting ideas to clients and stakeholders at all levels.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to report clearly on project and team performance.
- An innovative mindset, with the ability to think strategically about design direction, process improvements, and overall project delivery.
This is an opportunity to step into a senior leadership role with full creative freedom and autonomy. You’ll have the chance to define the design identity of the interiors team and shape the studio’s workplace offering from the ground up. This role sits within a supportive, ambitious, and collaborative environment, where your ideas will be valued and your impact visible. You’ll be backed by a respected architectural practice that encourages innovation, champions cross-disciplinary collaboration, and gives you the platform to grow something of your own without the pressures of setting up independently. The studio is also open to considering profiles both in the UK and internationally.
Director of Interiors: Architecture Studio employer: Curio Careers
Contact Detail:
Curio Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Interiors: Architecture Studio
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the architecture and design community. Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars to meet potential clients and collaborators. Building relationships can lead to opportunities that may not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by engaging in discussions about design trends and business strategies on social media platforms like LinkedIn. This will help you establish yourself as a thought leader in the interiors space, making you more attractive to employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your P&L management experience in detail during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets, set KPIs, and driven revenue growth in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the studio's past projects and their design philosophy. Understanding their work will allow you to tailor your approach and demonstrate how your vision aligns with theirs during interviews or networking opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Interiors: Architecture Studio
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in interior design, particularly in workplace and hospitality projects. Emphasise leadership roles and any P&L responsibilities you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for interior design and your vision for the role. Discuss how your experience aligns with the studio's focus on creative direction and business development.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a portfolio that demonstrates your best work in interior design. Highlight projects that showcase your ability to lead teams and manage client relationships effectively.
Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your strategic approach to design and how you would drive new business. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Curio Careers
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Interior Design, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects and guided teams in the past, highlighting your leadership style and how it aligns with the studio's collaborative environment.
✨Highlight Your Business Acumen
This role requires strong P&L management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and achieving financial targets. Bring specific figures or case studies that showcase your success in driving business development and winning work.
✨Prepare for Storytelling
The studio values strong storytelling in design. Think about how you can articulate your design philosophy and approach to projects. Prepare to share compelling narratives about your previous work that illustrate your creative direction and strategic thinking.
✨Demonstrate Your Network
Having a robust network is crucial for this position. Be prepared to discuss your connections within the workplace interiors and hospitality sectors. Share how you've leveraged these relationships to win projects and foster collaborations in the past.