At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow our product range, steering creative direction and development.
- Company: Sister by Studio Ashby, a unique furniture and homeware brand.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape design, collaborate with a talented team, and inspire creativity.
- Other info: Foster a positive work environment and drive team development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic studio and make a real impact on innovative design projects.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in furniture or product design with proven leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About the role
Sister by Studio Ashby is the furniture and homeware brand from the award-winning interior design studio, Studio Ashby. We’re looking for a Head of Design to lead and grow our product range, someone with exceptional taste that aligns with Sophie’s creative vision.
What we do
Sister by Studio Ashby is known for its distinctive mix of soulful design, craftsmanship, and character. Our collections span furniture, fabrics, rugs, accessories, and art, offering timeless pieces that reflect a balance of creativity, craft, and commercial sensibility.
As Head of Design, you’ll work closely with Sophie Ashby and the team to steer the creative direction and development of our collections. You’ll oversee all design categories, from furniture and textiles to accessories and our curated artist showcases, ensuring they reflect the Sister aesthetic while meeting business goals.
Role Responsibilities
- Creative and Design Leadership: Work closely with Sophie Ashby to define and evolve the creative vision for Sister, ensuring all products align with the brand’s aesthetic and values. Lead the design and development of products across furniture, fabric, rugs, accessories, and art curation. Present the range strategy, ensuring the collection is cohesive, commercial, and profitable, identifying opportunities for refinement and expansion. Confidently present new collections internally and externally, inspiring both creative and commercial teams.
- Project Management: Manage multiple product ranges and development timelines, ensuring all launches meet design, budget, and delivery targets. Lead the creative direction and design of all showroom updates, collaborating closely with the wider team to ensure spaces remain inspiring, cohesive, and reflective of the brand’s evolving vision. Direct the design and concept of trade show stands, ensuring each installation communicates the brand story with impact, engages visitors, and supports commercial objectives. Oversee the design for all external collaborations, maintaining authenticity and alignment with the brand’s aesthetic and values.
- Team Collaboration and Development: Manage our Senior Furniture Designer and Production Manager to deliver high-quality, well-crafted designs from concept to completion. Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to transform sales insights and identified range gaps into new product concepts for development. Foster a collaborative, motivated, and dynamic studio culture, working to ensure a positive and inspiring work environment. Play an active role in recruitment and team development.
About You
- Aligned with Sophie Ashby’s design sensibility and aesthetic.
- Experience 8+ years in furniture or product design, with a strong portfolio of designs.
- Proven leadership and management experience in overseeing a design team and managing multiple product categories.
- Deep understanding of materials, manufacturing processes (e.g. upholstery, woodworking, metalworking), and sustainability practices.
- Commercially minded, able to design with profitability and scalability in mind.
- Confident presenting and articulating creative ideas to both internal and external stakeholders.
- Passionate about craftsmanship, materials, and the stories behind design.
Please submit a CV, covering letter and portfolio in PDF format to careers@studioashby.com with the subject ‘Head of Design’ at Sister by Studio Ashby.
Head of Design in City of London employer: Studio Ashby
Sister by Studio Ashby is an exceptional employer that fosters a creative and collaborative work culture, where your design vision can flourish alongside industry leaders. With a focus on craftsmanship and sustainability, employees are encouraged to grow through hands-on experience and mentorship, while contributing to a brand that values both artistic integrity and commercial success. Located in a vibrant design hub, the company offers unique opportunities to engage with a diverse range of projects and showcase your talent in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design in City of London
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Studio Ashby!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Studio Ashby.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Studio Ashby.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Studio Ashby!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Studio Ashby.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Studio Ashby!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Studio Ashby. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Studio Ashby
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
