Design Lead

PlaceUp; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

PlaceUp is seeking a Senior Interior Designer – Design Lead (Non-CAD Focus) to lead interior design concepts from vision through execution on-site in Dubai. The role is client-facing and execution-oriented, with responsibility for guiding design direction, managing stakeholders, and ensuring design intent is delivered.

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

Qualifications

• 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.
• Strong design sensibility, spatial awareness, and material knowledge.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Client communication

Leadership

Team management

Conceptual design

Site coordination

Tools

Revit

CAD

Job description

Job Title: Senior Interior Designer – Design Lead (Non-CAD Focus)

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

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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