At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative projects and mentor designers in a dynamic studio environment.
- Company: Join Studio Two, where design meets purpose and creativity thrives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a creative and supportive team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of hospitality design while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in hospitality design, team management, and strong project delivery skills.
At Studio Two, we design with intent. We create purposeful, emotionally intelligent spaces that balance creative ambition with commercial clarity. As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join our leadership team and help shape the next chapter of our studio. Reporting directly to our Creative Directors, this is the most senior design position within Studio Two. The role sits at the heart of our business, leading projects, mentoring designers, protecting creative quality, and ensuring exceptional delivery across every stage of the design process.
We are looking for a highly motivated and organised individual who combines strong creative leadership with commercial awareness, operational thinking, and a genuine passion for hospitality design.
About You
You are an experienced hospitality & leisure designer who understands how to balance creative thinking with structured delivery. You are confident leading projects, guiding teams, managing clients, and protecting design integrity from concept through to completion. You are equally comfortable presenting a concept narrative, managing project programmes, reviewing drawing packages, and supporting the growth of those around you. You thrive in a collaborative environment, communicate with clarity and professionalism, and take ownership of both outcomes and standards. Most importantly, you believe that exceptional design is achieved through a combination of creativity, precision, accountability, and teamwork.
The Role
- Lead and safeguard the creative vision across multiple hospitality and leisure projects
- Act as the primary project lead between the design team, clients, consultants, and directors
- Mentor and manage the design team, helping elevate creative quality across the studio
- Oversee project programmes, resources, budgets, and design deliverables
- Champion Studio Two's design culture, standards, and ways of working
- Lead client presentations, workshops, and project meetings with confidence and professionalism
- Ensure projects are delivered with creative integrity, commercial awareness, and operational clarity
- Drive continuous improvement of studio systems, workflows, and project delivery processes
- Protect both the creative ambition and commercial health of every project
Essential Requirements
- Minimum 6+ years' experience within the hospitality and leisure sector
- Experience managing and mentoring a team of designers
- Proven experience in studio project management and multi-project delivery
- Strong portfolio demonstrating both concept development and project execution
- Highly motivated, proactive, and exceptionally organised
- Proficient in AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop
- BA (Hons) or MA in Interior Architecture / Interior Design
- Full UK driving licence
Design Manager in Harrogate employer: STUDIO TWO INTERIORS
At Studio Two, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Design Manager, you will not only lead innovative hospitality projects but also have the opportunity to mentor emerging talent, ensuring your professional growth alongside the studio's success. Located in a vibrant area, our studio offers a unique blend of creative ambition and commercial clarity, making it an exceptional place for those passionate about design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Harrogate
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from STUDIO TWO INTERIORS who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at STUDIO TWO INTERIORS!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to STUDIO TWO INTERIORS. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at STUDIO TWO INTERIORS
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at STUDIO TWO INTERIORS.
