At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a talented team in high-end residential interior design projects.
- Company: Join HollandGreen, a top-tier luxury design studio known for exceptional homes.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of luxury interiors while working on stunning projects.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in high-end residential design and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
HollandGreen is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary residential design practice specialising in high-end Architecture, Interior Design and Landscape Design. We create exceptional homes and gardens – from contemporary new builds to the sensitive renovation of heritage and period properties – across London, the Home Counties and the Cotswolds.
Our core strength lies in our holistic, multi-disciplinary approach: seamlessly blending architecture, interiors and landscape design to create cohesive, beautifully considered living spaces. As the practice continues to grow in scale, complexity and profile, we are seeking an experienced and inspiring Head of Interior Design to lead the next phase of development for our Interiors Studio.
Job Scope:
Reporting directly to the Directors, the Head of Interior Design will provide the overall leadership, strategic direction and operational management of the Interior Design Studio. This is a senior leadership role requiring a highly experienced individual with strong creative instincts, commercial awareness and operational rigour. You will lead and develop a growing team working on complex, high-value residential projects, ensuring exceptional design quality alongside efficient project delivery and team performance.
The role will oversee the broader running of the department – including team leadership, studio operations, financial oversight, technical coordination, resourcing and process management – while also helping shape the continued evolution of the studio’s creative output, culture and market positioning. You will work closely with the Directors and wider senior team to strengthen HollandGreen’s position as one of the UK’s leading luxury residential design studios.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, manage and develop the Interior Design department, fostering a positive, ambitious and collaborative studio culture.
- Provide strong leadership, mentorship and pastoral support to a growing team of interior designers at varying levels of experience.
- Establish clear career progression pathways, development structures and performance management processes across the department.
- Responsible for working with Head of Finance and Directors to set and achieve financial targets for the department.
- Manage team resourcing, studio capacity and project allocations to ensure balanced workloads and efficient project delivery.
- Act as the senior escalation point for project, team or client-related challenges.
- Help shape the long-term structure, growth and evolution of the interior design studio.
- Help shape and evolve the overall creative direction and design standards of the interior design studio.
- Provide senior creative oversight and strategic guidance across high-profile residential projects.
- Partner closely with the Creative Lead and Directors to maintain exceptional design quality and client experience across all projects.
- Foster a culture of creativity, innovation and design excellence throughout the team.
- Support the continued development of HollandGreen’s design identity, reputation and market positioning within the luxury residential sector.
- Contribute to key client presentations, pitches and project vision-setting at the earliest stages of engagement.
Project, Technical & Studio Leadership:
- Oversee the delivery of the studio’s most complex and high-value residential interior design projects.
- Provide senior-level support in resolving complex design, technical or project delivery challenges.
- Champion HollandGreen’s multi-disciplinary ethos by ensuring seamless collaboration between the Interior Design, Architecture and Landscape Design teams.
- Establish and uphold studio-wide QA and technical standards across drawings, schedules, detailing and project documentation.
- Act as the final review point for major design packages and key project deliverables before issue.
- Ensure projects are delivered to the highest standards of quality, coordination and professionalism.
- Manage and nurture relationships with key high-net-worth private clients and project stakeholders.
- Oversee fee proposals, appointments, project forecasting and financial performance across the department.
- Ensure projects are delivered profitably, efficiently and in alignment with agreed commercial objectives.
- Lead or contribute to major client pitches, onboarding processes and strategic project planning.
- Work closely with the Directors to support business growth, client retention and studio development initiatives.
- Define and oversee the studio’s procurement and FF&E strategy across high-end residential projects.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, makers and specialist consultants.
- Provide guidance and expertise around complex sourcing, bespoke furniture, specialist finishes and procurement logistics.
- Support the development of efficient procurement systems and processes across the studio.
- Ensure exceptional quality control and client experience throughout the FF&E delivery process.
What We Are Looking For:
Experience & Background:
- Extensive senior-level experience within high-end residential interior design.
- Previous experience operating at Studio Manager, Design Director or Head of Department level within a luxury residential design practice.
- Strong understanding of the luxury residential market, client expectations and complex project delivery.
Leadership & Management:
- Proven experience leading, mentoring and developing creative teams.
- Strong organisational, operational and resource management skills.
- Experience building high-performing studio cultures and structured team environments.
- Confidence managing senior stakeholders, clients and multidisciplinary teams.
Creative & Technical Expertise:
- A strong design eye and demonstrable experience leading the creative delivery of luxury residential interiors.
- Deep understanding of spatial planning, bespoke joinery, technical detailing and architectural coordination.
- Experience working on heritage and listed residential projects is highly desirable.
- Excellent knowledge of FF&E procurement, supplier management and specification processes.
Commercial Acumen:
- Strong understanding of project profitability, forecasting, fee structures and commercial management within a design practice environment.
- Experience contributing to business development, pitches and strategic studio growth.
Communication & Personal Attributes:
- Exceptional communication and leadership skills.
- Gravitas and confidence when dealing with high-net-worth clients and senior stakeholders.
- A collaborative, solutions-focused and proactive mindset.
- The ability to balance creative excellence with operational discipline and commercial performance.
Other Requirements:
- Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle is essential.
- All candidates should be eligible to work in the UK.
What We Offer:
This is an exciting opportunity to play a defining role in the continued growth and evolution of one of the UK’s leading multi-disciplinary luxury residential design studios. You will join a collaborative, ambitious and creatively driven practice working on exceptional homes and estates, with the opportunity to help shape the future direction of the Interior Design department and wider business.
A friendly and supportive working environment from our Oxfordshire Studio in Thame, with the option for some home working. Flexible approach to HR, with trust-based flexible working hours driven by allocated tasks & milestones. This is delivered by self-imposed priorities & disciplined time management by individuals. CPDs, in-house training & contribution to personal training & development. Company pension, Private Health Care, Employee assistance programme & other well-being benefits.
Location: We operate a Hybrid working model enabling you to divide your time between home (2 days a week) and our Studio in Thame, Oxfordshire.
Role: Full-Time
Reporting to: Directors
Team Size: 6 Interior Designers (Junior Designers through to Creative Lead)
Head Of Interior Design in Thame employer: HollandGreen
HollandGreen is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and creatively driven environment where you can lead a talented team in delivering high-end residential design projects. With a focus on employee growth through structured career progression pathways, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to well-being, you will thrive in our supportive Oxfordshire studio while shaping the future of luxury interior design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Interior Design in Thame
✨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 HollandGreen 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 Head Of Interior Design in Thame
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 HollandGreen!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to HollandGreen. 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 HollandGreen
✨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 HollandGreen.
