At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative interior design projects from concept to delivery in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a top design and build contractor known for high-quality commercial workspaces.
- Benefits: Earn up to £90,000 plus commission, with ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive studio culture that fosters innovation and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make your mark on exciting projects while collaborating with creative minds.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of commercial interior design experience and strong technical skills required.
Salary: Up to £90,000 + commission
Location: London
Reports to: Head of Design
About the Company
We are a well-established, leading design and build contractor with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality commercial workspaces. Our integrated approach takes clients from workplace strategy and concept design through to technical delivery and construction. We are a team that values creativity as much as delivery.
The Role
As Senior Interior Designer, you will lead the design on a varied portfolio of Cat A and Cat B commercial fit-outs, from initial concept through to technical delivery. You will be the senior design voice with clients, an effective communicator and lateral thinker who can present compelling proposals, build long-term relationships and secure sign-off at each work stage.
You will work closely with the Project Director, Pre-Contract Manager and visualisation team to produce winning schemes at pitch stage. Once a project is secured, you will lead design development through to client sign-off before handover to the technical design team, and support on-site implementation where required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design on Cat A and Cat B fit-outs, from concept through to technical delivery.
- Act as the senior client contact, presenting proposals and securing sign-off at each work stage.
- Analyse and develop client briefs, considering stakeholder needs, longer-term requirements and the potential for future change.
- Manage and mentor junior designers, reviewing drawings, specifications and finishes to maintain a consistently high standard.
- Balance design intent with budgets and programmes, working closely with project teams to keep schemes commercially viable and technically sound.
- Contribute to bids and tenders, working to tight deadlines to produce high-quality pitch material.
- Identify potential risks relating to client objectives and requirements, and address them early.
- Communicate design progress clearly to internal project teams and external parties.
- Present the commercial benefits of design proposals with confidence and professionalism.
- Develop personal networks and support the growth of new and repeat business.
- Stay informed on workplace design trends, materials, legislation and best practice.
- Help foster a culture of continuous improvement within the design team.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Significant previous commercial interior design experience (typically 5+ years), ideally within a design and build environment.
- Proven experience leading Cat A and Cat B fit-out projects from concept to completion.
- Strong technical ability with excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent commercial awareness and a sound understanding of budgets and programmes.
- Confident client-facing presenter, with excellent written and verbal communication.
- Fluent in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite; knowledge of other relevant packages.
- Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines, particularly on pitches and tenders.
- Experience of managing, mentoring and developing junior designers.
Personal Attributes
- A positive, professional "can do" attitude.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage your own time and that of others effectively.
- Takes ownership of personal and team objectives.
- Creates a common sense of team and purpose.
What We Offer
- Salary of up to £90,000, depending on experience, plus commission.
- A diverse portfolio of high-quality commercial projects.
- Continuing professional development and design training.
- A creative, supportive studio culture that values innovation and collaboration.
Senior Interior Designer employer: Michael Taylor Search & Selection
Join a leading international construction contractor in London, where you will be part of a dynamic and supportive commercial team dedicated to delivering high-value projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will gain invaluable experience working alongside seasoned professionals on complex MEP packages, while enjoying a collaborative work culture that prioritises innovation and career advancement. This is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking meaningful employment in a thriving environment that values your contributions and fosters professional development.
Contact Details:
Michael Taylor Search & Selection Recruitment Team
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 Michael Taylor Search & Selection 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 Michael Taylor Search & Selection!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Michael Taylor Search & Selection. 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 Michael Taylor Search & Selection
✨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 Michael Taylor Search & Selection.
