Interior Design Associate (Studio Head Hospitality)

Chatsworth People; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Chatsworth People in Dubai seeks an experienced Interior Designer to lead a Studio, develop design concepts, and manage client relationships on large hospitality projects. The Associate will guide design development, present creative ideas, and ensure delivery of multiple projects with high-quality standards.

The role emphasizes leadership of design teams, collaboration with manufacturers, and staying active in the design community to drive innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture
• 15+ years of experience in a large interiors firm; published or award-winning projects a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead the Studios’ interior design leadership and implement design standards.
• Guide project design from concept through execution, ensuring high-quality design.
• Develop design concepts and present them to clients and stakeholders.
• Mentor and manage design staff across multiple hospitality-focused projects.
• Maintain strong client relationships and stay connected with industry trends and products.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules and delivery milestones to ensure profitability.

Skills

Hospitality interior design

Team leadership

Mentoring design staff

Design trends & materials

Client relationship management

Presentation & negotiation

Sustainability & LEED knowledge

Budget & scheduling

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture

Job description

My client a world renowned design firm is looking for an experienced award-winning, inspiring Interior Designer to lead a Studio. The candidate must possess the ability to develop and maintain outstanding client relationships while staying active in the design community.

The Associate will assume a key role within the interiors team. He/she will manage project design, solve complex problems and be responsible for the successful delivery of multiple projects in the Hospitality sector. The position will establish design objectives, develop design concepts, lead design presentations and guide the project team's creative development and execution.

Responsibilities

Design

• Responsible for the Studios’ interior design leadership. Responsible for implementing design standards and for the overall administration and organization of the Studio
• Guides and advises design teams on projects, providing overall design direction to ensure consistent and high-quality design throughout the Studio.
• Utilizes knowledge of furniture, fixture and equipment, architectural/interior finishes, lighting, art, signage, colour and materials to carryout design intent. Keeps well connected with manufacturers and design industry to ensure access to newest and most innovative products and services available. Maintains leading edge prominence within industry. Keeps abreast of new products, trends, technology, and business sector growth.
• Responsible for conceptual design excellence; initiates project design concepts and idea discussions, and provides guidance to design teams during project design development.
• Responsible for support and successful execution of Interiors department goals and business plan for the Studio.
• Serves as project designer on selected projects—conceives and executes design, being mindful of clients’ needs and vision, requirements, project budget, schedule, and site issues.
• Conducts research and seeks thorough unders

Required Skills

• Significant talent in design, design development and project leadership for large-scale Hospitality interior design projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor design staff.
• Advanced knowledge of design, trends, construction methodology, materials application and manufacturer-supplier appropriateness.
• Advanced knowledge of furniture, fixture and equipment, architectural/interior finishes, lighting, art, signage, color and materials to carryout design intent.
• Ability to manage the design group with a collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships, both internal and external.
• Ability to think strategically, implements change, enforces policy and resolves conflict.
• Thorough understanding of project work plans, schedules, staffing, and budgets. Demonstrated ability to execute projects profitably.
• Proven ability to prioritize oneself and the work of others in order to meet deadlines and provide high quality service to clients.
• Proven ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with external clients and internal staff.
• Proven ability to masterfully present, effectively sell and negotiate Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Thorough knowledge of sustainability, integrated design and LEED guidelines.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture required
• More than 15 years of experience with a large interiors firm Published and/or award winning projects a plus

About The Company

Chatsworth People is a Dubai-based Executive Search and Recruitment company for senior positions internationally.