At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of immersive retail and hospitality projects from concept to completion.
- Company: Award-winning experiential design studio creating remarkable spaces for global brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, holiday allowance, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Collaborative studio culture with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a creative team shaping unique environments that engage audiences worldwide.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in experiential design with strong technical and storytelling skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Lumsden is an award-winning experiential design studio creating remarkable spaces and environments for some of the world’s most loved brands, museums and visitor destinations. Working internationally across experiential flagship retail, hospitality and cultural projects, we deliver unique, one-of-a-kind environments from concept through to completion. Our work is rooted in storytelling and the visitor experience - bringing world-famous entertainment IP to life, and translating collections, heritage and culture into immersive environments that connect with modern audiences.
The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced senior designer to join our Clerkenwell studio as part of a growing design team, with a clear opportunity for ownership - ensuring our concepts are realised with precision, craft and innovation from concept through to installation. This is a senior role for a designer ready to elevate creative and technical standards and play a key part in shaping how a world-class studio delivers standout retail and hospitality experiences globally.
What You’ll Lead
- Lead the design and delivery of retail and hospitality projects across cultural and visitor destinations, from concept to completion
- Take ownership of creative development, ensuring design excellence and consistency across all stages of a project
- Collaborate closely with Directors and team to shape project narratives, pitch strategies and client presentations
- Balance creativity with commercial awareness, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget
Technical Design & Delivery
- Oversee spatial planning, technical detailing, and work on the production of high-quality drawing packages
- Drive design decisions that resolve creative intent and buildability
- Coordinate with clients, contractors, consultants and suppliers to ensure seamless delivery
- Attend site visits and actively resolve on-site design and coordination challenges
Client & Communication
- Confidently present to teams and clients, with a strong ability for storytelling through design
- Build strong working relationships with clients and contractors
- Contribute to clear, engaging and persuasive project communication
- Manage and mentor junior team members, providing guidance, feedback and support in their development
- Contribute to studio culture, innovation, and the continuous improvement of design processes
Who You Are
You are a highly capable and commercially aware designer who thrives on turning ambitious ideas into reality.
Experience
- 8+ years as a hybrid creative/technical designer in experiential, retail, hospitality environments
- Proven track record delivering projects from concept to installation (Preferably Commercial projects – Retail, F&B)
- A versatile and conceptually driven designer who thrives in cross-discipline collaboration, applying innovative design thinking and strong storytelling to create engaging spatial experiences.
- Strong experience bridging design intent with delivery through project management, cross-discipline coordination, and site-based execution
- Deep knowledge of materials, detailing and fabrication
Technical Capability
- Ability to realise design intent with expert 3D modelling and rendering skills in Rhino, SketchUp, Enscape (or similar) and the full Adobe Creative Suite
- Advanced Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit
- Strong experience producing detailed technical packages and supporting documents (E.g. FF&E Schedules, Tender Documentation)
Mindset
- Collaborative, with strong communication skills
- Highly organised, structured and solutions-focused
- Confident leading projects and being client facing
- Detail-driven, with a strong commitment to quality and craft
- Proactive in identifying inefficiencies and implementing improvements
This is a full-time, studio-based role in our Clerkenwell office with a five month probationary period. You will work closely with the wider team in a hands-on, highly collaborative environment. The role requires flexibility and availability to travel, including regular UK and international travel for site visits, installations and client engagement. You will be actively involved across both studio and on-site project phases. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.
Why Lumsden
This is an opportunity to join a studio operating at the highest level of experiential design - working on projects that define how people engage with brands, culture and destinations globally. You will be part of a team that values:
- Original thinking and strong narrative ideas
- Technical excellence and attention to detail
- Collaboration, trust and shared ambition
And you will have the platform to:
- Work on globally recognised, high-impact projects
- Influence studio-wide projects
- Shape design and delivery of unique one-of-a-kind environments
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- Holiday allowance
Senior Interior Designer in London employer: Lumsden
Lumsden is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of Clerkenwell. As a Senior Interior Designer, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative projects that shape the future of experiential design while benefiting from a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and creativity. With a focus on original thinking and technical excellence, Lumsden empowers its team members to influence high-impact projects and contribute to a studio that values storytelling and immersive experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Interior Designer in London
✨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 Lumsden 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 in London
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 Lumsden!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Lumsden. 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 Lumsden
✨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 Lumsden.
