At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead luxury interior design projects from concept to handover, ensuring quality and client satisfaction.
- Company: David Collins Studio, a prestigious luxury interior design and architecture studio in London.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, enhanced pension, personal development fund, and creative workshops.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a renowned studio and shape stunning interiors for luxury brands worldwide.
- Qualifications: 9+ years in interior design with strong FF&E leadership and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
David Collins Studio is an internationally renowned luxury interior design and architecture studio, established in 1985 and based in London.
We work globally with leading luxury and heritage brands, as well as a select group of private clients who share our commitment to craft, detail and refinement.
The opportunity
We are seeking a Senior FF&E Designer to lead the day-to-day delivery of multiple projects from concept through to handover, alongside an ID team.
You will set creative direction for FF&E, plan resources and programmes, build trusted client relationships and ensure quality, budget control and timely delivery.
Key responsibilities
- Lead concept generation and scheme development for FF&E that responds to the brief and the studio ethos.
- Curate and specify finishes, sanitaryware, hardware and ironmongery, compiling clear schedules and specifications.
- Plan team workloads and deliverables, guiding drawing production to studio standards and templates.
- Chair internal design reviews and communicate ideas persuasively with clear visuals and documentation.
- Coordinate with clients, contractors, suppliers, consultants and local authorities; chair meetings and issue minutes and actions.
- Set and manage FF&E budgets, approvals and value engineering strategies; flag risks early and propose solutions.
- Maintain quality control through regular site visits; track progress and resolve issues promptly.
- Oversee installation, dressing and final styling to ensure the design intent is delivered on brief.
- Identify scope changes, communicate implications and support fee or programme adjustments.
- Mentor and develop designers at different levels; delegate effectively and provide constructive feedback.
- Contribute to studio knowledge sharing, initiatives and pitches; act as a positive ambassador for the brand.
About you
- Minimum 9 years’ experience in interior design with significant FF&E leadership responsibility.
- Proven track record leading at least three projects from concept to handover, including on site coordination.
- Experience across at least two sectors such as private residential, commercial residential, hospitality, F&B or retail.
- Strong design judgement with an eye for craft, materials and operational practicality.
- Excellent client communication and presentation skills; able to win confidence and guide decisions.
- Highly organised and comfortable running multiple projects and teams in parallel.
- Familiar with tender and procurement processes and the production of clear, accurate specifications.
- London based, willing to travel to project sites in the UK and overseas as required.
- Right to work in the UK.
Skills and software
- Proficient in CAD and Adobe Photoshop.
- Sketch Up an advantage.
- Spec Designer an advantage or experience with equivalent Specification and Schedules generation software.
- Confident producing clear, accurate drawings, schedules and specifications to studio standards.
- Location and hybrid working
- 3 to 4 days per week in our Fulham studio (SW6), with site visits as required.
What we offer
- 25 days annual leave for this role, plus your birthday off.
- Enhanced company pension scheme.
- £250 annual Personal Development Fund for a creative pursuit of your choice.
- Summer hours: 3 pm finish on Fridays throughout July and August.
- Study support including professional fees, for example RIBA, ACCA, CIPD.
- Interest‑free season ticket loan up to £6,000 and Cycle to Work scheme up to £1,000.
- Monthly socials, seasonal events and weekly Lunch & Learn workshops.
- Wedding and baby vouchers, free eye care and annual flu jab.
- Additional holidays rewarding long service, up to 5 extra days.
- Company‑subsidised tickets to design and cultural events and creative workshops.
- Equal opportunities
David Collins Studio is an equal opportunities employer.
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Senior FF&E Designer employer: David Collins Studio
David Collins Studio is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of London. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide generous benefits such as a Personal Development Fund, enhanced pension schemes, and unique perks like summer hours and company-subsidised cultural events. Join us to lead innovative design projects while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior FF&E 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 David Collins Studio 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 FF&E 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 David Collins Studio!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to David Collins Studio. 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 David Collins Studio
✨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 David Collins Studio.
