Senior Designer / Team Lead

Seeking a Senior Interior Designer/Team Lead to drive design, mentor a team, and manage projects with creativity, precision, and leadership.

About Our Client: Our client, a dynamic, award-winning design studio specializing in commercial, hospitality, and residential projects located in North West London, is seeking a Senior Interior Designer/Team Leader. Their work spans everything from exterior architecture and terraces to fully customized interiors, including finishes, furniture, bespoke furniture, lighting, and artwork. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team, working on diverse UK and international projects. You will collaborate with creative designers, overseeing design, client relations, and project management across multiple interior projects.

Job Purpose:

• Ensure the design meets the brief, looks great, and stays within budget.
• Develop design analyses and summarize client feedback.
• Manage drawing issue lists and develop project design strategies and deliverables.
• Collaborate with the interior design project manager to set up, plan, and schedule timelines.
• Assist with pitching, pricing proposals, and contracts alongside the team.
• Guide and motivate the team, providing solutions and support, and collaborate with the interior design project manager.
• Create and deliver exceptional hospitality and residential designs that are both functional and visually stunning for clients.
• Lead design for commercial, hospitality, and residential projects, managing and guiding the team’s work under the creative director.
• Oversee senior and mid-level designers from concept through to completion and final photography.
• Develop creative ideas, design plans, technical details, specifications, and tender documents for clients and contractors.
• Create concepts and CAD designs, sketch ideas, direct CGIs, and source materials.
• Coordinate tasks and deadlines with the team and collaborate with the interior design project manager to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Manage and guide others in the tasks above, including reviewing and editing their design work, and handling sourcing and procurement activities.
• Lead site and internal studio meetings with clients, suppliers, and contractors, while mentoring others to take on active roles in meetings.
• Oversee design teams, monitor project scope, and handle invoicing alongside the interior design managers.
• Oversee FF&E project budgets, cost estimates, and financial reconciliations.
• Collaborate with the project and studio manager to monitor profits.
• Incorporate insights into fee proposals and discussions.
• Coach team members in creative skills, project management, and client relations.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

• Degree educated with relevant Interior Design Qualification.
• A portfolio showcasing both hospitality and residential projects, blending creativity with strong technical skills.
• Proven experience in senior client-facing roles.
• At least five years of experience leading teams and managing projects, with a focus on large-scale, stylish commercial and residential work.
• Experience in handling multiple projects at once and serving as the main point of contact for clients is essential.
• Skilled in guiding and motivating junior designers on the team.
• Highly organized and skilled at meeting multiple deadlines effectively.
• Good knowledge of project planning, procedures, processes, timelines, budgets, and contracts.
• Extensive experience and expertise in construction and site management.
• Creative and fashionable selection of furniture, fixtures, and finishes.
• Skilled in negotiating with suppliers to obtain the best value for clients.
• Experienced in collaborating with fabricators, suppliers, and manufacturers to design and source custom products and finishes.
• Strong organizational skills with a track record of performing well under pressure.
• Skilled at managing projects to meet deadlines and stay within budget.
• Strong technical abilities with keen attention to detail.
• Strong skills in Vectorworks or ability to switch from AutoCAD (required), as well as proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, and SketchUp (preferred).
• Strong communication skills.
• A highly motivated, business-minded approach.