At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead interior design projects, create mood boards, and manage procurement for high-end residential designs.
- Company: A prestigious architecture studio in Central London with a focus on elegant, thoughtful design.
- Benefits: Collaborate with experienced founders and shape the future of interior design in a creative environment.
- Why this job: Be the first interior designer in a dynamic studio and make your mark on luxury projects.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in high-end residential design and strong client-facing skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and creativity in a minimalistic, modern design setting.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The client is an architecture studio based in Central London. They have been operating for 7 years and have a team of 14 architects and designers. The two founders bring a wealth and legacy of design experience from renowned studios and have successfully carved an elegant style and name in the high-end residential industry. They are known for creating distinct, detailed, and thoughtful architecture, designed with care and diligence in collaboration with the client. They work across a range of sensitive, historic, and modern schemes in London and internationally.
The studio is looking for an interior designer and FF&E designer. This will be the first interior role in the studio, specifically for two new projects based in London and the home counties, where they will be providing both architecture and interior design. The role will work closely with the founders and the client to develop a look and feel that is coordinated with the architecture to create a refined aesthetic that fits with the studio branding. Additionally, the designer will work closely with the client, ensuring that the design is aligned with their vision.
The position requires an interior designer to have strong spatial planning skills, excellent interior design capabilities, and a passion for FF&E. As the studio does not yet have a dedicated procurement team, the role will be involved in the procurement process for the selected pieces. This position suits a profile passionate about all stages of interior design and someone who enjoys variety and flexibility in their role.
The opportunity is to work within a creative studio and carve out an interior offering alongside the founders. They seek individuals with a strong aesthetic, timeless design sensibility, and a keen eye for materiality, colour, light, and tone. The style leans toward minimalism and modernism with hints of luxury. They blend unique one-off pieces and curated art to create a refined look and feel that will remain relevant for years to come. They shy away from a traditional 'beige' or maximalist aesthetic and have an effortless and understated ‘wow’ factor.
It’s essential for the interior designer to have a client-facing role and to take ownership of the interior design aspects of the projects. The role will involve handling client changes, but the designer must manage these gracefully and ensure the design remains consistent with the client’s expectations. Experience with (U)HNWI clients and understanding their service expectations is key.
Key Responsibilities- Client-facing role
- Able to run an interior design project in collaboration with architects
- Create mood boards, visuals, and concepts
- Able to draw in 2D for special layouts and planning
- Take ownership of the FF&E and procurement process
- Knowledge of key suppliers across the UK/EU
- Trained in a creative degree, ideally interior design
- 10+ years of delivering high-end residential projects in London
- Good knowledge of suppliers across London/EU
- Able to follow through the procurement process
- Client-facing experience
- Demonstrable portfolio of drawings, ideas, concepts, and project inception through to delivery
Lead Interior Designer - Architecture Studio employer: Curio Careers
Contact Detail:
Curio Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Interior Designer - Architecture Studio
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend design events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s polished and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring it along and be ready to discuss your design process and inspirations.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to studios you admire, like the one we’re talking about. Express your interest and share how you can contribute to their projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay flexible and open-minded. The interior design world is all about collaboration and adapting to client needs. Show that you can handle changes gracefully and keep the design aligned with the client’s vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Interior Designer - Architecture Studio
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Style: When you're putting together your application, make sure to showcase your unique design aesthetic. We want to see how your style aligns with our studio's vision of minimalism and modernism, so don’t hold back on sharing your best work!
Tailor Your Portfolio: Your portfolio should reflect not just your skills but also your understanding of high-end residential projects. Highlight your experience with (U)HNWI clients and any relevant projects that demonstrate your ability to create refined and timeless designs.
Be Client-Focused: Since this role is client-facing, it’s crucial to convey your experience in managing client relationships. Share examples of how you've handled client changes gracefully while keeping the design aligned with their expectations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape our interior design offering!
How to prepare for a job interview at Curio Careers
✨Know Your Design Aesthetic
Before the interview, take some time to really understand the studio's design philosophy. Familiarise yourself with their past projects and be ready to discuss how your own aesthetic aligns with their minimalistic and modern approach. Bring along examples from your portfolio that showcase your ability to create refined, timeless designs.
✨Prepare for Client Interaction Scenarios
Since this role is client-facing, think about how you would handle various client scenarios. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully managed client expectations or navigated changes in a project. This will demonstrate your ability to maintain a strong relationship while ensuring the design vision remains intact.
✨Showcase Your Spatial Planning Skills
Be ready to discuss your spatial planning capabilities in detail. Bring sketches or 2D drawings that highlight your thought process and how you approach layout and planning. This will help the interviewers see your practical skills in action and how they can apply to their projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with FF&E Procurement
Since you'll be involved in the procurement process, brush up on your knowledge of key suppliers across the UK and EU. Be prepared to discuss your experience with sourcing unique pieces and how you ensure quality and alignment with the overall design. This will show that you're not just a designer but also someone who understands the logistics behind creating a cohesive look.