Senior FF&E Designer in London

Studio Ashby is a London-based interior design studio, founded by Sophie Ashby in 2014. We are a dynamic group of twenty two experienced designers, working across residential and commercial interior design and creative direction in the UK and internationally. We pride ourselves on our positive, professional and personal approach in all that we do. We work efficiently and collaboratively to bring integrity and soul to interior life.

Our mission is to create habitable spaces with identity. Whether it’s a home, a restaurant, a hotel or a commercial development, we apply the same creative approach that starts with envisioning the lives of the people who will inhabit it. We question what inspires them, what moves them and how we can fulfil their desires and support their needs with our design. Art plays a central role in our inspiration and process. Stemming from Sophie’s own passion and training in art history, we believe art has a vital place in every interior and no space feels complete without it.

Together with interior design we also provide creative direction. This allows us to create immersive experiences in the environments we design, ensuring the character and style of our clients is felt in substance across all details and touch points. Our creative direction includes many aspects that affect how we experience our environments: from art consultancy and buying to bespoke collaborations, books to uniforms, planting to fragrance. With greater consideration to the many layers that make up our interior world, the deeper the connection we have to it in response.

Relationships are core to all that we do: relationships with our clients, our customers, our suppliers, manufacturers and the many craftspeople and ateliers we work closely with. Our work is a collaborative process involving many different people, and strong relationships are crucial for achieving good results. We believe design should be a positive experience and it’s important to have fun along the way.

Job Summary: Reporting to the Head of FF&E and Directors, this is a senior client‑facing role that combines creative vision, client and project management, and technical expertise to deliver high‑end interior design solutions across multiple UK and international projects in the residential and hospitality sectors. You will work closely with the Head of FF&E and Associates to ensure that every project is delivered with precision, innovation, and elegance.

What we’re looking for:

• Someone who demonstrates, through every aspect of who they are, a passionate love of design, art and beauty.
• An FF&E specialist with an exceptional eye for scale and balance, detail and colour.
• Strong communication skills, a collaborative spirit, and the ability to lead both creatively and professionally.

The ideal candidate must have:

• At least 8 years’ experience in interior design with a strong focus on FF&E.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and deliver multiple projects from concept to detailed designs.
• Technical experience across the full project lifecycle, including bespoke furniture pieces.
• Strong site experience, including installation management, and the ability to hold your own with project consultant teams, suppliers, contractors, and fabricators.
• In‑depth knowledge of FF&E suppliers and antique dealers in the UK and internationally.
• Ability to lead multiple projects independently from inception through to completion.
• Professional and confident in working with clients, contractors, and consultants.
• Advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign.
• Confident in Vectorworks.
• A self‑motivated, well‑organised, and collaborative person who is open to feedback and with the ability to work under pressure on multiple concurrent projects.
• Be willing to travel overseas occasionally for design reviews and installations.

The role broken down:

• Creative Direction: Lead the development and creation of detailed FF&E design presentations and packages that accurately sell and communicate our design vision. Design and develop beautiful bespoke furniture, including case pieces, upholstery, lighting and joinery. Develop material boards and make FF&E selections in line with the project’s concept and brief. Identify new and exciting FF&E suppliers, antique dealers and artists, and bring original and fresh thoughts to the studio.
• Design + Project Management: Oversee all FF&E-related aspects of projects, from concept through to installation, and play a critical role in the client experience and design outcome. Present with confidence to clients of diverse cultures, offering a seamless service with exceptional communication throughout. Manage multiple FF&E projects from concept to completion, working closely with senior leadership to ensure delivery is on time and within budget. Collaborate effectively with interior architecture team, 3D visualisers, consultants, and contractors to manage workflow and deliverables. Produce technical design drawings, including furniture layouts and bespoke furniture. Conduct site and supplier visits, ensuring high-quality standards are maintained throughout the project lifecycle. Build, maintain, and grow strong relationships with clients and suppliers. Estimate and manage FF&E budgets and costs effectively. Oversee the procurement process including supplier liaison, scheduling, and logistics. Organise and oversee deliveries, FF&E installation, snagging, and final styling. Maintain a proactive and professional presence on‑site, addressing RFIs and resolving design issues as needed.
• Team support: Work closely with the Head of FF&E and Projects Director, to create clear, milestone-driven project timelines that keep projects on track and boost the team’s commercial success. Provide regular and timely updates and progress reports to the Head of FF&E and Directors. Make suggestions for how to streamline processes and procedures to increase quality and efficiency. Monitor the FF&E team’s output and report back to Senior Management in a constructive manner, highlighting successes and failures. Oversee and Support Middleweight and Junior Designers across various projects by mentoring Interns, Junior and Middleweight FF&E Designers, supporting their growth, ensuring design consistency and providing guidance. Identify any gaps in the team’s knowledge and set up CPD sessions to encourage learning. Redline corrections and teach the approved process to ensure procedures are followed. Drive and consistently work towards improving the company and our staff’s work experience, growth and studio culture.

If you think that your skills, experience, and personality make you well suited to this role we’d love to hear from you. Please submit a CV, covering letter and portfolio in PDF format.