At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead luxury hospitality design projects, shaping unique guest experiences.
- Company: Global luxury design studio with a focus on high-end interiors.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive contract, and potential for permanent role.
- Other info: Opportunity to help establish a new London studio with global collaboration.
- Why this job: Be a creative leader in a dynamic environment, influencing luxury design.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in interior design, especially in luxury hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Location: London (Hybrid – mix of home working and in‑person collaboration)
Contract: 12‑month consultancy contract (outside PAYE), with a view to transitioning to permanent employment once the London studio is fully set up.
About the role
We are seeking a Design Director to lead high‑end hospitality design projects for a global luxury design studio, with a focus on hotels, resorts and branded residences. Based in London, you will act as a senior creative leader for EMEA projects, working closely with clients, internal teams and partner studios to deliver distinctive, narrative‑led interiors and guest experiences. This is an opportunity to help shape and grow a new London‑based hub, working in a hybrid way while the permanent studio is being established.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the creative direction and design vision for multiple luxury hospitality projects (hotels, resorts, branded residences) from concept through to completion.
- Interpret client briefs and brand narratives, translating them into compelling design concepts, storyboards and presentations that capture the spirit of each place.
- Oversee and mentor project teams (interior designers, FF&E, visualisers) ensuring design output meets the highest standards of creativity, storytelling and technical rigour.
- Collaborate closely with clients, operators and consultants to align design intent with commercial, brand and operational requirements, representing the studio in key meetings and presentations.
- Guide projects through all stages – feasibility, concept, schematic, detail design, tender and site support – ensuring deliverables are on brief, on budget and on programme.
- Review and approve all major design deliverables (plans, elevations, details, mood boards, material palettes, FF&E selections) to ensure consistency with project vision and studio standards.
- Support business development by contributing to pitches, RFQ/RFP responses and client presentations, helping to secure new hospitality commissions in EMEA and the Middle East.
- Champion a collaborative, low‑ego culture where ideas lead over hierarchy and where teams across regions share knowledge and best practice.
- Help to establish workflows, processes and culture for the emerging London studio, working closely with global leadership to integrate London into the wider network.
Candidate profile
- 15+ years’ experience in interior design, with a significant portion spent leading luxury hospitality projects for international brands (hotels, resorts, branded residences).
- Proven track record as Design Director, Head of Interiors or equivalent, within a respected design studio or operator/design consultancy environment.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating concept‑driven, culturally sensitive and highly crafted interiors, ideally with experience in the Middle East and Asia as well as Europe.
- Confident client‑facing leader, able to pitch ideas, tell a compelling design story and build long‑term relationships with owners, operators and development partners.
- Experienced in leading and mentoring design teams, setting standards, giving clear feedback and developing talent.
- Comfortable working across time zones and collaborating with teams in other global offices using hybrid tools and workflows.
- Proficient in core design tools (AutoCAD, Revit/other BIM, SketchUp/3D, Adobe Creative Suite) and confident working with both hand‑drawn and digital presentations.
- Strong organisational and commercial awareness – able to balance design ambition with budget, programme, scope and fee considerations.
Contract and working structure
- Location: London‑based role with a hybrid working pattern; regular in‑person collaboration for client meetings, design workshops and internal crits.
- Contract type: 12‑month consultancy contract initially; the successful candidate must be set up to work on a self‑employed / freelance basis and invoice monthly (no PAYE offered during this period).
- Future potential: Intention to transition this role to a permanent, PAYE position once the London studio and local entity are fully established, subject to mutual agreement and performance.
Design Director (Contract/Hybrid) - Hospitality Interiors in London employer: Portico Recruitment ltd
Join a prestigious global luxury design studio as a Design Director in London, where you will lead high-end hospitality projects and shape the creative vision of a new studio hub. Enjoy a collaborative, low-ego work culture that values creativity and mentorship, alongside opportunities for professional growth and the potential for permanent employment. With a hybrid working model, you can balance home and in-person collaboration while contributing to distinctive, narrative-led interiors that elevate guest experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director (Contract/Hybrid) - Hospitality Interiors in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up to date and highlights your best work in luxury hospitality design. We recommend tailoring it to the specific role you’re after, so it really speaks to the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to be able to confidently present your ideas and design stories. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to get comfortable with articulating your vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director (Contract/Hybrid) - Hospitality Interiors in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your 15+ years of experience in interior design, especially your work on luxury hospitality projects. We want to see how you've led teams and delivered stunning designs that tell a story.
Tailor Your Portfolio:Your portfolio should reflect your best work, particularly in high-end hospitality. Include projects that demonstrate your ability to create culturally sensitive and concept-driven interiors, especially if you have experience in the Middle East and Asia.
Be Client-Focused:In your application, emphasise your client-facing skills. We’re looking for someone who can pitch ideas confidently and build long-term relationships, so share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with clients and stakeholders.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portico Recruitment ltd
✨Know Your Design Story
Before the interview, make sure you can articulate your design philosophy and how it aligns with the luxury hospitality sector. Prepare examples from your portfolio that showcase your ability to create compelling narratives through design, especially in high-end projects.
✨Research the Studio's Vision
Dive deep into the studio's past projects and their design ethos. Understanding their approach will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate how your experience can contribute to their goals, particularly in establishing the new London hub.
✨Prepare for Client-Facing Scenarios
Since this role involves pitching ideas and building relationships, practice how you would present a design concept to a client. Think about how to communicate your vision clearly and confidently, while also being open to feedback and collaboration.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in mentoring teams and leading projects. Highlight specific instances where you've guided a team through challenges or helped develop talent, as this will resonate well with their emphasis on a collaborative culture.
