Design Lead

PlaceUp; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design firm in Dubai is seeking a Senior Interior Designer to lead and execute innovative design solutions. The role involves managing client interactions, guiding junior designers, and ensuring high-quality project delivery. Candidates should have over 8 years of experience, a strong design portfolio in various sectors, and the ability to effectively manage multiple stakeholders. Join this dynamic team and contribute to exceptional design projects.

Qualifications

• 8 – 12+ years of experience in interior design, with senior or lead-level responsibility.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual strength and executed projects.
• Experience managing teams and working with technical/drafting support.

Responsibilities

• Lead interior design concepts from vision through to execution.
• Act as primary design contact for clients and stakeholders.
• Guide and mentor junior designers throughout project lifecycle.
• Conduct site visits and ensure design execution meets standards.

Skills

Strong design sensibility

Excellent client communication

Understanding of construction

Ability to manage stakeholders

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Interior Designer to lead interior design concepts from early vision through execution. This role is conceptual, client-facing, and execution-oriented, with responsibility for guiding design direction, managing stakeholders, and ensuring design intent is delivered on site.

Hands-on CAD/Revit drafting is not a core requirement; technical documentation is produced by the design support team.

Key Responsibilities

1 - Design & Concept Leadership

• Develop and own interior design concepts, narratives, and overall design direction
• Translate client briefs into strong, commercially viable design solutions
• Define material palettes, finishes, FF&E, lighting, and spatial experience
• Ensure consistency of design quality across all project stages

2 - Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary design point of contact for clients
• Lead design presentations, workshops, and approval processes
• Confidently articulate design rationale, value engineering options, and alternatives
• Coordinate with consultants, suppliers, and external partners

3 - Team Leadership & Coordination

• Guide and mentor junior designers and CAD/Revit teams
• Review drawings and technical outputs to ensure alignment with design intent
• Provide clear design direction and feedback throughout the project lifecycle

4 - Project Execution & Site Involvement

• Oversee design development through to construction and handover
• Conduct site visits, design coordination meetings, and snagging reviews
• Resolve design issues on site in collaboration with contractors and consultants
• Ensure final execution meets approved design standards, timelines, and budgets

5 - FF&E & Vendor Coordination

• Lead FF&E selection, specifications, and procurement support
• Liaise with suppliers, review samples, mockups, and shop drawings
• Support cost control and value engineering where required

Experience & Background

• 8 – 12+ years of experience in interior design, with senior or lead-level responsibility
• Proven experience leading projects in hospitality / commercial / residential / retail
• Strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual strength and executed projects
• Experience managing teams and working with technical/drafting support

Skills & Competencies

• Strong design sensibility, spatial awareness, and material knowledge
• Excellent client communication and presentation skills
• Deep understanding of construction, detailing, and site execution
• Ability to lead without being hands-on in CAD/Revit
• Organized, decisive, and confident in managing multiple stakeholders