Senior Associate in City of London

About Customs Bureau

Customs Bureau (part of the wider 7C Network) creates spaces that have an emphasis on human connection; they are emotive, atmospheric and are deeply seeded in the clients’ brand and location. The studio’s holistic design approach results in unparalleled services ranging from supporting early-stage sustainability initiatives to harnessing its in-house specialists in textiles, industrial and product design, exclusive to Customs Bureau. Each project is conceptually driven and makes a statement with an emphasis on the end-to-end consumer journey.

From our headquarters in London, to our design studios in New York and Sydney, Customs Bureau seeks to actively reshape the hospitality experience by understanding the future of travel and leisure. In every instance, Shida and her team approach the guest experience with a philosophy of curation and care, tapping into the emotional sensibilities, paying close attention to the sensorial qualities of the space; each detail from spatial to texture is a microcosm of the location and the customs they imbue.

Customs Bureau is part of the 7C network. The 7C network is an integrated network of design and architecture companies that provides "Total Place Design," a holistic approach to creating transformative environments. It combines capabilities from its constituent brands - including Woods Bagot, ERA-co, Impact Futures, and Customs Bureau - to offer services in placemaking, sustainability, architecture and interior design, and luxury concepts.

About the Role

The role is accountable for the successful delivery of projects from concept through completion and plays an active role in supporting the growth of Customs Bureau. In addition to leading design delivery, the Senior Associate is responsible for contributing to business development efforts, including the preparation of proposals and responses to RFPs. This role bridges creative leadership, client management, team coordination, and commercial awareness while protecting the Customs Bureau design ethos and standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Concept: Lead the development of concept design and narrative in alignment with Customs Bureau’s design ethos. Translate client and operator ambitions into a clear design direction. Oversee planning, sketching, rendering, and early spatial thinking. Direct the selection of key reference imagery, material direction, and experiential cues. Guide Designers through concept development. Review and align concept direction with Founder and Leadership Team. Present concept work to clients and stakeholders with confidence and clarity. This role owns the concept once approved, not just reviews it.
• Schematic: Lead schematic design development across layouts, finishes, and furniture strategy. Oversee sample acquisition and coordination with vendors. Direct the formulation of furniture and finish boards. Ensure consistency between concept intent and schematic output. Manage internal reviews and coordinate feedback across leadership. Maintain client communication and approvals during this phase.
• Design Development: Lead the translation of approved design into coordinated, buildable design packages. Oversee Senior Designers in refining drawings, details, and specialty finishes. Coordinate directly with Specification Department to ensure alignment on FF&E, finishes, hardware, and fixtures. Manage and coordinate external consultants including lighting, MEP, structural, signage, kitchen, and specialist consultants. Ensure design intent is protected across all technical coordination. Lead design development reviews with Founder and Leadership Team. The Project Leader is the final internal decision maker before escalation.
• Construction Documentation: Oversee the development of complete and coordinated drawing packages in line with Customs Bureau standards. Review and guide detailed millwork, custom furniture, and specialty items. Ensure FF&E information is complete and ready for specification and procurement. Coordinate ongoing consultant input and integration. Manage internal quality control for design accuracy and completeness. Review documentation prior to leadership sign off.
• Construction Administration: Act as primary design point of contact during construction. Support Project Management with budget inputs and value discussions where required. Review shop drawings, submittals, and samples for design compliance. Respond to contractor and vendor queries with clarity and authority. Attend site visits as required and issue design clarifications. Escalate critical design or scope issues to Founder when necessary.
• Business Development and Proposals: Lead and coordinate the preparation of proposals and RFP responses. Translate client briefs, RFP requirements, and fee structures into clear, compelling proposal content. Work closely with the Founder and Leadership Team on positioning, scope definition, and design narrative. Coordinate internal inputs including design approach, team structure, programme, and relevant experience. Manage proposal schedules and deadlines. Ensure proposals are aligned with Customs Bureau’s brand voice, visual standards, and strategic positioning.
• Team Leadership and Mentorship: Lead and mentor Senior Designers, Designers, and Graduate Designers. Delegate tasks clearly and manage workload across the project team. Review team output for design quality, technical rigor, and consistency. Foster a culture of accountability, curiosity, and design excellence. Support talent development and performance feedback in collaboration with leadership.
• Client and Consultant Interface: Build trusted relationships with clients, operators, and consultants. Lead design presentations, workshops, and coordination meetings. Manage expectations while protecting the Customs Bureau design position. Navigate feedback with strategic judgment rather than reactive changes.

Key Skills & Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent in Interior Design, Architecture, or related design field.
• 10+ years post graduate professional experience.
• Proven experience leading hospitality or complex interior projects.
• Strong understanding of full project lifecycle from concept to site.
• High proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, SketchUp, and hand sketching.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership capability and client facing confidence.

What's on Offer?

• Fast-paced, demanding, yet fun working environment with a young team.
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture encouraging contribution from all team members.
• Opportunities for career growth and skill development in design business and management.
• Access to resources, CPD, training programs, and social events within the Woods Bagot Architecture firm.
• Foster onsite collaborative working and remote working options.
• Private healthcare and dental cover.
• Annual discretionary bonus.
• Company pension scheme.

How to Apply

Please send your resume with a link to your portfolio via this LinkedIn job post. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or names from agencies. Mandatory requirement: It is an essential requirement that at the time of applying for this position applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom.

7C - Total Place Design Network

Customs Bureau is part of the 7C Total Place Design Network: A wholly owned network of leading place brands including Woods Bagot, ERA-co, Impact Futures, and Customs Bureau.

7C is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status. At 7C, we are committed to creating an environment where difference is celebrated, valued and respected, practices are equitable, and our people feel like they belong. We accept that none of us is smarter than all of us. We believe building a diverse workforce is the foundation to creativity and innovative design – it is only by working together that we can realise the potential of our people, clients and communities around us. Through our inclusive leadership and our truly global studio network, you will find your voice and have the support and flexibility required to bring your whole self to work and build an exceptional career.