Head of Interior Design

Kinetic Space Interior Design; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinetic Space Interior Design in Dubai is seeking a seasoned interior design leader to drive the design function from concept through to handover, overseeing space planning, materials, and technical coordination. You will stay hands-on with high-priority concepts, client presentations, and problem solving, while mentoring the design team across retail, residential, and office projects.

UAE market experience and a strong portfolio in retail are essential, with proficiency in AutoCAD and 3D

Qualifications

• 8+ years in interior design with leadership experience.
• Strong portfolio in retail and at least one of residential, office or commercial interiors.
• UAE market experience preferred; UAE driving license a plus.
• Professional English; Arabic an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design function end to end—from concept to handover.
• Remain hands-on with priority concepts, client presentations, drawings and problem-solving.
• Lead multi-sector projects including retail, supermarkets/hypermarkets, residential interiors, offices and commercial spaces.
• Manage and develop the design team; allocate work and maintain standards.
• Own client relationships, manage expectations and present solutions.
• Support business development; generate leads and convert opportunities.
• Prepare and negotiate commercial proposals with management.
• Coordinate delivery with consultants, contractors, suppliers and site teams.
• Control project performance and design quality through handover.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Presentation

Project ownership

Design strategy

Retail interiors

Education

Degree in Interior Design or Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit (BIM)

3D Visualization

Job description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design function end to end — concept development, space planning, mood boards, material selection, detailed design, technical coordination, presentations and design quality control
• Remain hands-on — personally contribute to priority concepts, client presentations, drawings, design reviews and problem-solving when required
• Lead multi-sector projects — with particular strength in retail, supermarkets/hypermarkets, residential interiors, offices and commercial spaces
• Manage and develop the design team — allocate work, review output, coach designers, control deadlines and maintain consistent creative and technical standards
• Own client relationships — understand briefs, challenge requirements constructively, present solutions confidently, manage expectations and maintain long-term relationships
• Support business development — prospect for new clients, activate personal industry relationships, attend meetings/networking opportunities, generate leads and help convert opportunities into signed projects
• Prepare and negotiate commercial proposals — scope of work, fees, project phases, variations, payment terms and design contracts in coordination with management
• Coordinate delivery — with consultants, contractors, suppliers, fit-out teams, MEP disciplines and site teams to protect the design intent and resolve execution issues
• Control project performance — design programme, resource plan, budget awareness, deliverables, variations, client approvals and quality through handover.

• Minimum 8+ years in interior design, including meaningful leadership/project ownership experience. UAE market experience is preferred.
• Strong command of AutoCAD and professional 3D/design visualisation tools; Revit/BIM capability is highly desirable.
• Excellent knowledge of materials, finishes, joinery, lighting, furniture, signage/wayfinding, detailing and fit-out coordination.
• Ability to review technical drawings, shop drawings, BOQs/specifications and identify constructability or coordination risks.
• Strong understanding of commercial interior project workflows, site execution and supplier/contractor coordination.
• Confident presentation, proposal writing, negotiation and client-facing communication skills
• Proven delivered portfolio across retail and at least one of residential, office or commercial interiors. Strong retail expertise is essential.
• Evidence of winning work, growing accounts, negotiating scopes/fees and maintaining client relationships. Existing UAE industry connections are highly valued.
• Hands-on, accountable, commercially aware and comfortable managing people while personally stepping into delivery when needed.
• Degree in Interior Design, Architecture or a closely related discipline.
• A strong network among retailers, developers, property owners, consultants, contractors, fit-out companies and suppliers in the UAE.
• Experience designing or transforming supermarkets, hypermarkets, specialty retail or customer-facing commercial environments.
• A track record showing both creative excellence and measurable commercial contribution—not design capability alone.
• Professional English required; Arabic is an advantage.
• UAE driving license is a plus.