Chief Operating Officer for Internationally Focussed Interior Architecture Practice in City of London
Chief Operating Officer for Internationally Focussed Interior Architecture Practice

Chief Operating Officer for Internationally Focussed Interior Architecture Practice in City of London

City of London Full-Time 110000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire a talented team in delivering high-profile international projects.
  • Company: Dynamic interior architecture practice based in Soho, focused on placemaking.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of design while working closely with founding partners.
  • Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in interior architecture or design-led practices.
  • Other info: Join a creative environment that values collaboration and innovation.

The predicted salary is between 110000 - 150000 £ per year.

A leading UK-based interior architecture and placemaking practice is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to work closely with the founding partners in leading and growing the business. Based in Soho, the studio is comprised of around 70 interior architects, designers, and support staff and delivers high-profile international projects across multiple sectors.

This is a senior, client-facing leadership role with responsibility for the business, operational, commercial, and financial performance of the practice. The COO will oversee day-to-day operations, fee forecasting, and financial management, while also playing a key role in people leadership and studio culture. Acting as a trusted partner to the founders, they will help shape the strategic direction and long-term success of the practice.

The role will suit an experienced leader who combines strong commercial and financial acumen with genuine design sensibility and gravitas, and who is comfortable operating at senior level within the world of interior architecture and placemaking.

Responsibilities
  • Lead and inspire a team of approximately 70 interior architects and designers
  • Manage the operational and financial performance of the practice, including fee forecasting and monthly P&L oversight
  • Work closely with the founding partners on business strategy, growth, and studio management
  • Act as a senior, client-facing representative of the practice
  • Shape, communicate, and deliver the practice’s strategic priorities, objectives, and areas for improvement
About You

You are a commercially astute, people-focused leader with senior experience within an interior architecture, architecture, or design-led practice. You bring a strong understanding of how creative studios operate, balancing design excellence with financial performance and operational rigour.

You are confident in a client-facing role and comfortable representing a practice at the highest level, with the presence and gravitas to operate within the placemaking and built environment sector. You may be an ex-architect or interior architect, or a business leader who has worked extensively within a design-led studio environment.

You are strategic yet hands-on, able to manage the day-to-day running of the business while working closely with founding partners on long-term growth and direction. Above all, you are a collaborative leader who inspires teams, builds trust, and helps create a high-performing, sustainable studio culture.

Chief Operating Officer for Internationally Focussed Interior Architecture Practice in City of London employer: Place.

Join a dynamic and innovative interior architecture practice in the heart of Soho, where your leadership will directly influence high-profile international projects. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and a vibrant studio culture, this role offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth and the chance to shape the future of the practice alongside its founding partners. Enjoy a competitive salary and the unique advantage of working in one of London's most creative districts, surrounded by a talented team dedicated to design excellence.
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Contact Detail:

Place. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer for Internationally Focussed Interior Architecture Practice in City of London

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Showcase Your Expertise

When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience and successes in previous roles. Bring along a portfolio or case studies that demonstrate your leadership in interior architecture and operational excellence. We want to see how you can bring value to the table!

✨Prepare for Interviews

Do your homework before any interview! Research the company, understand their projects, and think about how your skills align with their needs. We recommend practising common interview questions and preparing some thoughtful questions of your own to show your genuine interest.

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only keeps you updated but also gives you a better chance of being noticed. We’re here to help you every step of the way in your job search journey!

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer for Internationally Focussed Interior Architecture Practice in City of London

Leadership
Commercial Acumen
Financial Management
Operational Performance Management
Client-Facing Skills
Strategic Planning
Team Inspiration
Design Sensibility
Project Management
Fee Forecasting
P&L Oversight
Collaboration
Studio Culture Development
Understanding of Creative Studio Operations

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the COO role. Highlight your leadership experience in interior architecture or design-led practices, and don’t forget to showcase your commercial acumen!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our practice. Share your vision for leading a team and how you can contribute to our studio culture and strategic goals.

Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. We want to know how you inspire teams and foster collaboration. Share examples of how you've successfully managed operations and financial performance in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Place.

✨Know the Company Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into the company's projects, values, and culture. Familiarise yourself with their high-profile international work and understand how they balance design excellence with financial performance. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a COO, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing teams and fostering a collaborative culture. Share specific examples of how you've inspired teams in the past and how you plan to lead the 70 interior architects and designers effectively.

✨Prepare for Financial Discussions

Given the role's focus on operational and financial performance, brush up on your financial acumen. Be ready to discuss fee forecasting, P&L oversight, and any relevant metrics from your previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to manage the business side of the practice confidently.

✨Engage with Strategic Vision

The interview will likely touch on the strategic direction of the practice. Think about how you can contribute to shaping their long-term goals. Prepare to articulate your vision for growth and improvement, and how you can work closely with the founding partners to achieve it.

Chief Operating Officer for Internationally Focussed Interior Architecture Practice in City of London
Place.
Location: City of London

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  • Chief Operating Officer for Internationally Focussed Interior Architecture Practice in City of London

    City of London
    Full-Time
    110000 - 150000 £ / year (est.)
  • P

    Place.

    50-100
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