Senior Interior Designer

ELE Interior Design; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ELE Interior Design in Dubai is seeking a Senior Interior Designer to lead luxury interior projects across hospitality, residential and commercial sectors. You will coordinate across architecture, landscape, PM and external partners to ensure seamless project integration.

You will mentor junior designers, manage client relations, and drive budget-conscious design decisions while maintaining Ele style and brand guidelines. International travel to project sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, PowerPoint and InDesign.
• Experience with 3D modeling and rendering software.
• Willingness to travel to various project locations, including internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead design direction for luxury interior projects across hospitality, residential and commercial sectors.
• Mentor junior designers and manage client relations throughout projects.
• Provide budget awareness, FF&E coordination, procurement support and coordination with 3D visualisation team.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Client management

Project management

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Creative problem solving

Tools

AutoCAD

Photoshop

Illustrator

SketchUp

PowerPoint

InDesign

3D modeling/rendering software

Job description

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Role Overview

As a Senior Interior Designer, you will lead the design and execution of interior spaces for projects across Residential, Hospitality and Commercial sectors. You will also serve as the bridge between various design disciplines, offering valuable input and leading coordination across Architecture, Landscape, Project Management, and other external partners, ensuring seamless project integration. We foster a culture of growth and opportunity, with a supportive and collaborative team environment where you can continuously develop your skills and take on more responsibilities. You will be expected to contribute creatively and professionally to the success of each project, while ensuring that all designs align with client goals and project standards.

Main Scope of Responsibilities

• Independently Lead Design Projects: Manage the design direction for luxury interior design projects, including hospitality, residential, and commercial spaces. Ensure designs align with client expectations, brand identity, and functional requirements, while adhering to architectural design standards and best practices.
• Provide Guidance and Mentorship: Offer support and mentorship to junior designers, fostering their professional growth and helping them refine their skills in design, project execution, and client management.
• Commercial & Hospitality Projects: You will be the Lead Designer considered for these types of projects in order to slowly grow a department in future, you must ensure you offer sound commercial and market analysis where possible to clients through your design decisions, foster relationships to build the portfolio and help create structure, frameworks and processes alongside management.
• Design Support: Lead the creation of innovative and compelling designs for a variety of projects, adhering to Ele style and client specifications. Create attractive mood boards, 3D/2D presentations, mock-ups, and renderings for client presentations, collaborating with other designers as needed. Lead space planning for various project types, including hospitality, residential, and commercial projects, with input from the team where necessary.
• Budget Estimations & Commercial Awareness: Provide budget estimations and maintain strong awareness of commercial factors, supporting the main project scopes. Oversee the preparation of FF&E documentation and assist in managing procurement processes. Direct and lead the 3D Visualisers on your projects and support them with all the necessary information and details in order for the team to produce their 3D designs. Also resolving any issues (e.g., delays or misalignments) with the design team.
• Technical Drawings: Direct and review the technical team to produce technical drawings, schematics, and design documents and ensure accuracy, compliance with project requirements, and alignment with design intent before final approval. Oversee large procurement contracts, liaising with overseas suppliers within Ele Interior standard and client specifications also maintaining detailed records. FF&E & Procurement; identifying appropriate furniture, fixtures, materials, and equipment that align with the design concept, project goals, and client preferences. Developing comprehensive specifications and schedules to provide clear guidance to the procurement team and contractors, while overseeing the logistical coordination and financial management.
• Client Interaction & Communication: First Point of Contact: Act as the primary point of contact for clients on assigned projects, ensuring regular communication and alignment with client expectations and project goals. Respond promptly to client inquiries, ensuring they are kept updated on project progress. Act as a trusted advisor in resolving any design-related concerns and ensuring adhering to Ele Interior standards.
• Site Supervision: Attend all site visits and make sure everything from the designs is executed as per Ele Interior Designs specifications, also supporting the project engineers on site to ensure a smooth process. Confidently negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers to secure cost-effective solutions while maintaining high quality standards.
• Collaborating with the Team: Lead and mentor interior designers, junior designers, production teams, and interns, fostering a collaborative and Ensure that all project deliverables from the Design department are completed on time and meet Ele Interior high standards for your projects. Provide guidance, support, and training for more junior team members, fostering their professional growth and development.
• Managing and Helping to Maintain and Train on Software’s: Assist in maintaining and providing training on design and project management software tools.
• Project Management: Prepare and manage project reports, tracking progress and providing regular updates to stakeholders.
• Professional Development: Industry Knowledge: Maintain industry knowledge and stay updated on trends to ensure the design work remains relevant. Research and stay up to date on Hospitality design styles, material preferences, brand guidelines and changes in regulation to ensure all designs align with their specific needs, standards, and expectations. Industry Events: Represent the Ele Interior at key industry events, fostering connections with the design community and gathering insights into emerging trends.
• Documentation & Organization: Maintain clear and organized records for each project from onboarding to completion, ensuring adherence to Ele Interior standards. This includes emails, reports, client feedback, and key project documents. Collect and store all signed forms in the designated folder for each assigned project.
• Brand Guideline Documentation: Develop comprehensive brand guideline documents when necessary to ensure consistency across all design elements and to roll out for multiple project clients. Lead the development of branding and signage concepts while assisting with the broader project scope.

Requirements

• Technical Skills & Requirements: Software Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in industry-standard software, including AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, PowerPoint, and InDesign. Extensive knowledge using 3D modeling and rendering softwares, using these tools to develop and execute high. Travel is a must for site visits, client meetings, and other project-related activities, requiring frequent travel to various project locations, both within Dubai and internationally as required.
• Driving License & Vehicle: A valid UAE driving license and access to a car is mandatory, as some project sites may require travel.
• Strong ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team.
• Clear and effective communication, both written and verbal.
• Attention to detail and precision in all deliverables.
• Creative and solution-oriented problem-solving skills.