At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-end interior design projects from concept to completion, mentoring junior designers.
- Company: Customs Bureau creates emotive spaces focused on human connection and brand identity.
- 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 hospitality experiences with a focus on creativity and care.
- 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.
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.
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.
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Senior Interior Designer 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
✨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 Customs Bureau 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 Senior Interior Designer
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 Customs Bureau!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Customs Bureau. 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 Customs Bureau
✨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 Customs Bureau.
