Interior Design Director

Ignite Search and Selection; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Senior leadership role

Global practice exposure

Career development

Job summary

Ignite Search and Selection is seeking a Design Director in Dubai to lead creative direction for high-end hospitality projects. The role requires mentoring teams, presenting to clients, and defining design vision across multiple projects.

Based in Dubai, the successful candidate will collaborate with stakeholders, stay ahead of global design trends, and contribute to business development within a global studio.

Qualifications

• Degree or professional qualification in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or related discipline.
• Significant experience at a leading interior design consultancy or international studio.
• Proven track record delivering high-end hospitality projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead creative direction and design vision across multiple interior design projects.
• Oversee projects from concept through documentation and delivery.
• Develop innovative design concepts aligned with client objectives and studio standards.
• Lead client presentations and represent the studio design-wise.
• Mentor senior and junior design team members.

Skills

Leadership

Client-facing

Mentorship

Presentation

Communication

Design leadership

Creative vision

Materials/FF&E knowledge

Education

Interior Design/Architecture degree

Job description

A globally recognized interior design studio is seeking an experienced and highly accomplished Design Director to join its Dubai team.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a design-focused professional with a strong track record in delivering exceptional, high-end interior projects. The successful candidate will provide creative leadership across projects, mentor design teams, and work closely with clients and senior stakeholders to establish and maintain a strong design vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creative direction and design vision across multiple interior design projects.
• Oversee projects from concept development through design development, documentation, and delivery.
• Develop innovative and compelling design concepts aligned with client objectives, project requirements, and studio standards.
• Lead client presentations and act as a senior design representative for the studio.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders.
• Review and approve design proposals, presentations, material palettes, FF&E selections, drawings, and specifications.
• Ensure consistency, quality, and design integrity across all project stages.
• Provide creative leadership, direction, and mentorship to senior and junior members of the design team.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, architects, consultants, and other disciplines to ensure successful project delivery.
• Contribute to business development, pitches, proposals, and new project opportunities.
• Represent the studio at industry events, client meetings, and relevant professional forums.
• Stay informed on global design trends, materials, technology, and emerging opportunities within the hospitality and luxury design sectors.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an established interior design leader with a strong creative portfolio and extensive experience within a high-end hotel design.

You should have:

• A degree or professional qualification in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Significant professional experience within a leading interior design consultancy or international design studio.
• A proven track record delivering high-end hospitality projects
• Strong creative vision combined with excellent technical and commercial awareness.
• Demonstrable experience leading design teams and managing multiple projects.
• Exceptional presentation, communication, and client-facing skills.
• Strong knowledge of materials, FF&E, detailing, specifications, and design documentation.
• The ability to balance creative ambition with programme, budget, and project requirements.
• A strong understanding of international design standards and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, collaboration, and mentoring abilities.

What the Studio Offers

• A senior leadership position within a globally recognised design practice.
• The opportunity to lead prestigious, high-profile projects across the region and internationally.
• A highly creative and collaborative studio environment.
• The opportunity to shape design direction and contribute to the continued growth of the Dubai studio.
• Career development and exposure to an international network of design professionals.

Company name will be disclosed to shortlisted candidates.