At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead luxury hospitality design projects, creating unique interiors and guest experiences.
- Company: Global luxury design studio with a focus on high-end hospitality.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive contract, potential for permanent role.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape a new London hub and influence luxury design on a global scale.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in interior design, strong leadership and client-facing skills.
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 Slough 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 work culture that values creativity over hierarchy, with opportunities for professional growth and mentorship while working in a hybrid environment. This role not only offers the chance to influence distinctive guest experiences but also the potential for permanent employment as the London studio expands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Director (Contract/Hybrid) - Hospitality Interiors in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and meet-ups to connect with fellow designers and potential clients. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing 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. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, have your portfolio ready to impress them with your creative vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be prepared to talk about your design philosophy and how you can contribute to their projects. A confident, engaging presentation can make all the difference when you're vying for that Design Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you might just land that hybrid role in our new London studio.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Director (Contract/Hybrid) - Hospitality Interiors in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your 15+ years in interior design, especially your work with 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 the kind of high-end projects we’re looking for. Include examples that showcase your concept-driven approach and cultural sensitivity, particularly if you have experience in the Middle East and Asia.
Craft a Compelling Narrative:When writing your application, think about how you can weave a narrative that connects your past experiences to our vision. We love a good story, so make sure your application captures the essence of who you are as a designer.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portico Recruitment ltd
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Make sure you can talk confidently about your past projects, especially those in luxury hospitality. Be ready to discuss the design concepts, challenges faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your depth of experience and passion for the field.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
Since this role involves translating client briefs into compelling narratives, practice telling the story behind your designs. Think about how each project reflects the brand's identity and enhances guest experiences. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a creative level.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect questions about teamwork and collaboration, especially since the role requires mentoring and guiding project teams. Have examples ready that showcase your leadership style and how you foster a low-ego culture while achieving high standards.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Hybrid Work Tools
As the position involves working across time zones and using hybrid tools, brush up on your skills with software like AutoCAD, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency will reassure the interviewers of your readiness for the role.
