Lead Interior Designer

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

Job summary

Tanqeeb is seeking an experienced Lead Interior Designer in Dubai to drive high-quality commercial interior and fit-out projects from concept to execution. You will lead client briefings, manage design teams, coordinate with MEP, and ensure design intent meets budget and approvals.

The ideal candidate has at least 6 years of relevant UAE experience, strong leadership and communication skills, and proficiency in AutoCAD and SketchUp. Immediate joiners preferred for fast-paced projects.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Interior Design or related discipline.
• Minimum 6 years of experience with at least 2 years in UAE.
• Proven leadership of commercial workplace and interior fit-out projects.
• Strong knowledge of space planning, detailing, joinery, and materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead client briefings and translate requirements into design objectives.
• Develop space plans, layouts, mood boards, and material palettes.
• Present concepts to clients and manage feedback and approvals.
• Direct the 3D visualization team to align renders with design intent.
• Lead design and technical workloads, drawings, and deadlines.
• Review drawings for accuracy and buildability before submission.
• Coordinate interior drawings with MEP and other disciplines.
• Oversee submissions, track comments, incorporate revisions.
• Collaborate with Project Management, Estimation, Procurement, suppliers, and subs.
• Ensure material and furniture selections meet approved design and budget.
• Attend site meetings and review installations against drawings.
• Maintain records of design approvals and scope changes.
• Mentor team members and uphold high design standards.

Skills

Leadership

Client presentation

Communication

Multidisciplinary coordination

Education

Degree/Diploma in Interior Design

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Presentation software

Job description

Dubai, UAE Start Date: Mid-October

We are looking for an experienced and creative Lead Interior Designer to lead high-quality commercial interior and fit-out projects from client briefing and concept development through technical design, approvals, and site execution. The ideal candidate will combine strong design creativity, technical expertise, and leadership skills, with proven UAE experience managing design and technical teams and delivering commercial fit-out projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead client briefings and translate requirements into clear design briefs and project objectives.
• Develop space plans, furniture layouts, design concepts, mood boards, and material palettes.
• Present design concepts to clients and manage feedback, revisions, and approvals.
• Brief and direct the 3D visualization team, reviewing renders to ensure accuracy and alignment with the approved design intent.
• Lead and manage design and technical team workloads, drawing packages, and submission deadlines.
• Review layouts, detailed drawings, elevations, and joinery shop drawings for accuracy, completeness, and buildability prior to submission.
• Coordinate interior design drawings with MEP and specialist disciplines, ensuring technical conflicts are identified and resolved.
• Oversee drawing and material submissions, track client and consultant comments, and ensure revisions are incorporated accurately.
• Coordinate closely with Project Management, Estimation, Procurement, suppliers, and subcontractors throughout project delivery.
• Ensure material and furniture selections align with the approved design, budget, BOQ, and procurement programmer.
• Attend site meetings, resolve design and technical queries, and review installations against approved drawings, specifications, and materials.
• Maintain clear records of design approvals, revisions, and changes, identifying requests outside the agreed project scope.
• Mentor team members and maintain consistently high design and technical standards across all project deliverables.

REQUIREMENTS

• Degree or Diploma in Interior Design or a related discipline.
• Minimum 6 years of overall relevant experience, including at least 2 years of UAE experience.
• Proven experience independently leading commercial workplace and interior fit-out projects.
• Strong knowledge of space planning, technical detailing, joinery, materials, and fit-out execution.
• Experience managing design and technical teams and overseeing drawing packages, submissions, and approvals.
• Good understanding of UAE authority requirements and approval processes.
• Proficiency in Auto CAD, Sketch Up, and presentation software.
• Ability to effectively direct a 3D visualization team and critically review design renders.
• Strong client presentation, leadership, communication, and multidisciplinary coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities workloads, and consistently meet deadlines.

AVAILABILITY

Immediate joiners are highly preferred. Candidates with up to a 1-month notice period may also be considered for an exceptional fit. If you have strong UAE commercial fit-out experience and are ready to lead projects from concept through execution, we would like to hear from you.