At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative direction for hospitality interiors and mentor a talented design team.
- Company: Renowned consultancy shaping memorable dining and hospitality experiences for nearly 30 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for international project exposure.
- Other info: Join a dynamic studio with a strong reputation and established portfolio.
- Why this job: Own the creative vision and make a real impact in the hospitality design sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in F&B interiors and proven leadership skills in design.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £70,000, dependent on experience
Location: Midlands
Working pattern: Hybrid
Software: AutoCAD
Sector: Hospitality and F&B
About the studio
This is a consultancy that has been shaping how people eat, drink, and stay for close to thirty years. Bars, restaurants, pubs, hotels, and the odd project that defies category. If you have been out somewhere memorable in the last decade, there is a fair chance they had a hand in it.
What makes them unusual is that strategy, brand, and interiors all sit under one roof. The insight team and the design team are not separated by a wall or a handover document. Concepts are built on real research about who the customer is and what the operator needs, which means the work has a reason to exist beyond looking good in a portfolio.
About the role
They are looking for an Interior Design Director to own the creative vision across the UK interiors portfolio and lead the team that delivers it. This is deliberately weighted towards creative leadership rather than technical delivery. You will be setting design direction, holding the quality bar, and being the senior creative voice in client meetings. The technical drawing packages and site resolution have their own home in the studio, which frees you up to do the thing you are actually best at.
The other half of the job is people. There is an established, capable team here who need someone to develop them, argue for their work, and raise the standard around them. If you have reached the point where mentoring other designers is as satisfying as designing yourself, this will suit you.
Your days will look something like this...
- Lead the creative direction of hospitality and F&B interiors projects from first concept through to opening
- Present and defend design thinking directly to clients, from operators and developers through to brand owners
- Mentor and develop a team of around seven interior designers across all levels
- Work alongside the brand and strategy teams so that the space and the brand tell the same story
- Own design quality across the UK studio, and be the person who decides when something is not good enough yet
- Partner with the technical design lead to make sure ambitious concepts survive contact with a building site
- Contribute creative thinking to pitches and help shape how the studio wins work
- Collaborate with the Middle East studios on international projects
You might be our perfect match if...
- You have deep, specific experience in F&B interiors, not just hospitality broadly
- Your portfolio shows concept-led thinking and spaces with a genuine point of view
- You have led a design team before, or you are an Associate Director ready for the step up
- You can hold your nerve in a client meeting when a good idea is under pressure
- You understand that the best design is the one that works commercially for the operator
- You are comfortable in a multidisciplinary studio where brand and strategy people have opinions about your work
- You are based in or around the West Midlands, or genuinely want to be
Why this one...
- Creative ownership of an established portfolio rather than starting from nothing
- A team already in place, so you are leading rather than building from scratch
- Strategy and brand in-house, which means better briefs and fewer arbitrary client hunches
- International project exposure without leaving Birmingham
- A studio with three decades of work behind it and a name people in the sector know
Interior Design Director (Hospitality) in Birmingham employer: TwentyOne Twelve
As a Product Design & Innovation Manager at this renowned London brand, you will thrive in a vibrant and supportive work culture that values creativity and joy. With a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team, shape innovative products, and build processes that reflect your vision. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility while being part of a close-knit team dedicated to crafting unique, collectable designs that resonate with a global audience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interior Design Director (Hospitality) in Birmingham
✨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 TwentyOne Twelve 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 Interior Design Director (Hospitality) in Birmingham
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 TwentyOne Twelve!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to TwentyOne Twelve. 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 TwentyOne Twelve
✨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 TwentyOne Twelve.
