At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-end interior design projects from concept to completion, mentoring junior designers.
- Company: Customs Bureau, founded in London, focuses on emotive and atmospheric spaces for hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment with remote work options, private healthcare, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Must have the legal right to work in the UK.
- Why this job: Join a young, collaborative team reshaping the hospitality experience with a focus on human connection.
- Qualifications: Masters in Interior Design or Architecture with 7+ years of experience; proficiency in design software required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About Customs Bureau
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.
Customs Bureau is looking for an exceptional Senior Interior Designer to join our London studio.
We are a design-led interiors studio creating distinctive hospitality and lifestyle experiences around the world. Our work is conceptually driven and rooted in narrative, place and brand, with a particular focus on atmosphere, materiality, custom furniture and the details that shape how a space feels.
Led by Founder and Creative Director Shida Salehi, Customs Bureau works as a close-knit studio where ideas are developed collaboratively and senior designers remain deeply involved from the first sketch through to delivery.
We are looking for someone with a strong design point of view, a sophisticated understanding of luxury hospitality and the technical ability to turn an idea into a beautifully resolved space.
The Role
You will play a key role across projects from concept through construction, working closely with Shida and the wider design team.
You should be equally comfortable developing a concept, interrogating a plan, building and developing a design in 3D, selecting materials and furniture, designing bespoke elements and resolving the technical details required to deliver the design.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop compelling concepts, narratives and spatial experiences
• Lead space planning, material and FF&E development
• Design bespoke furniture, millwork and architectural details
• Produce and oversee high-quality drawing and documentation packages
• Develop and communicate design ideas confidently through SketchUp and 3D
• Coordinate with lighting, architecture, MEP, kitchen, signage and other specialist consultants
• Review samples, finishes, shop drawings and prototypes with a critical design eye
• Participate in client and operator presentations
• Support projects through construction, installation and completion
• Mentor junior designers while remaining hands-on in the work
We Are Looking For Someone Who Has
• 6+ years of professional interior design experience postgraduate
• Professional degree in interior design, and or architecture
• A portfolio demonstrating exceptional luxury hospitality, high-end F&B or residential work
• Strong conceptual and spatial design ability
• Excellent material, furniture and detailing sensibility
• Advanced SketchUp and AutoCAD skills
• Strong Adobe Creative Suite skills
• Experience producing and reviewing detailed design documentation
• Rhino, Revit, Enscape or additional visualisation skills are an advantage
• Confidence communicating design ideas visually and verbally
• The ability to work independently and take ownership within a small, fast-moving studio
Above all, we are interested in designers with curiosity, judgement and taste who care equally about the strength of the big idea and the resolution of the smallest detail.
Life at Customs Bureau
Customs Bureau combines the intimacy and creative involvement of a boutique design studio with access to the resources and global reach of the wider 7C network.
Our team works closely together, and designers are given genuine exposure to clients, collaborators and projects across international hospitality and lifestyle markets.
Benefits include private healthcare and dental cover, pension, discretionary bonus, professional development and flexible working options.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and portfolio through LinkedIn.
A portfolio is essential and will be a key part of our selection process. We are particularly interested in understanding your individual contribution to projects and seeing evidence of concept development, planning, sketches, 3D work, materiality and technical resolution.
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.
Due to the high volume of applications, we kindly ask that you refrain from following up on your CV submission, as this may slow down the process. We truly appreciate your interest in joining Customs Bureau, and should your application progress, we will be in touch directly. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
Senior Interior Designer in City of London employer: Customs Bureau
Customs Bureau is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where creativity thrives in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, employees are encouraged to develop their skills through mentorship and hands-on experience in luxury hospitality design. The unique opportunity to work within a dynamic team dedicated to reshaping the hospitality experience ensures that every project is not only meaningful but also deeply connected to the local context and client vision.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Interior Designer in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Customs Bureau's design philosophy and recent projects. Understanding their approach to human connection and emotional sensibilities in design will help you align your ideas with their vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare a portfolio that not only showcases your best work but also highlights your experience in high-end residential and hospitality interiors. Tailor your presentation to reflect the type of projects Customs Bureau undertakes, demonstrating your fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the interior design industry, especially those connected to Customs Bureau or Woods Bagot. Engaging with current employees or attending relevant events can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your proficiency in the required software tools like AutoCAD, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite during discussions. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these tools effectively, as this will demonstrate your technical capabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Interior Designer in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in high-end residential and hospitality interiors. Emphasise your proficiency in concept design and FF&E, as well as your ability to manage relationships with clients and suppliers.
Showcase Your Portfolio:Include a well-curated portfolio that demonstrates your creative ideas, 3D models, and concept presentations. Ensure it reflects your best work in interior design, particularly in the areas relevant to the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for creating emotive and atmospheric spaces. Mention your understanding of the hospitality experience and how you can contribute to Customs Bureau's vision.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your application, be sure to mention your proficiency in AutoCAD, Rhino, Sketchup, and Adobe Creative Suite. If you have experience with Enscape, make sure to include that as well, as it could set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Customs Bureau
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects related to high-end residential and hospitality interiors. Be prepared to discuss the thought process behind each project and how it aligns with the company's emphasis on human connection.
✨Demonstrate Your Design Process
Be ready to explain your design approach from concept creation to FF&E. Discuss how you develop creative ideas, produce 3D models, and prepare presentations, as this will show your proficiency in all facets of interior design.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves managing relationships with clients, contractors, and suppliers, emphasise your strong verbal and written communication skills. Share examples of how you've effectively interacted with various stakeholders in past projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of design software like AutoCAD, Rhino, Sketchup, and Adobe Creative Suite. Be prepared to answer technical questions or even demonstrate your skills, as this will showcase your proficiency and readiness for the role.
