At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development and client relationships in a high-end design studio.
- Company: Established London studio known for excellence in landscape and exterior design.
- Benefits: Performance-related bonus, private healthcare, pension, and generous leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term growth and networking with high-net-worth clients.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and shape the future of luxury design projects.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in leadership with proven business development experience.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Our client is a well-established, design-led London studio working across landscape and exterior spaces for private clients, estates and premium developments in the UK and internationally. They are known for design excellence and long-standing relationships with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, and are entering a new phase of growth supported by a planned transition within senior leadership.
The Managing Director will lead the business commercially and operationally. Business development sits at the centre of the role: for the first 18 to 24 months the priority will be sales, lead generation and taking ownership of client relationships, before broadening into wider strategic and operational leadership. This is not a build-a-pipeline-from-scratch brief. The business has a strong reputation and a steady flow of inbound enquiries, but the right person will also actively generate opportunities through networking and industry relationships.
Beyond the immediate remit, there is scope for the successful candidate to share in the longer-term growth of the business, subject to performance in the role. This forms part of the studio's wider planning and would be discussed directly with the client at the appropriate stage of the process.
We are looking for:
- 15+ years' leadership experience, with a track record running a studio or business unit
- Proven business development and work-winning experience
- Commercial and P&L ownership, including budgeting and forecasting
- Direct experience working with HNW and UHNW clients
- Experience delivering a three to five year business plan
- Backgrounds considered include: landscape architecture, interior design, architecture, luxury property, high-end construction, luxury retail or product design, and hospitality.
- An understanding of landscape and horticulture is advantageous, though deep technical expertise is not essential.
Performance-related bonus, private healthcare, pension, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Regular evening client and networking events. Given the confidential nature of this search, a fuller job description will be shared with candidates following a successful initial screening call.
BD-Focused Managing Director in High-End Design in London employer: Curio Careers
Curio Careers offers an inspiring workplace for creative minds, where the fusion of craftsmanship and innovation thrives. With a strong emphasis on mentorship and collaboration, employees are encouraged to grow their skills in a dynamic studio environment that values artistic expression. Located in a vibrant design hub, this role not only provides competitive benefits but also the unique opportunity to shape bespoke furniture and sculpture projects that leave a lasting impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land BD-Focused Managing Director in High-End Design in London
✨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 BD-Focused Managing Director in High-End Design in London
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.
