Studio Director

Canvas Careers; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Canvas Careers in London seeks an experienced leader to work with the founders, oversee its project portfolio and guide the design and delivery of complex interior schemes. You will translate creative ambition into coordinated interiors from concept to completion, manage client and consultant relationships, and mentor a growing team in a fast-paced studio.

This senior role requires strong design judgment, technical proficiency and excellent communication to keep multiple projects progressing on

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering high-end residential and hospitality projects.
• Track record at Associate/Associate Director/Project Director level managing multiple projects and leading teams.
• Strong architectural and technical understanding across all project stages.
• Experience overseeing refurbishments, extensions and interior fit-outs.
• Proven ability to manage clients, consultants and contractors with clear leadership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the studio's project portfolio, coordinating design development, technical production and delivery.
• Lead residential and hospitality projects from briefing to construction handover.
• Plan programmes, allocate resources and balance workloads across the team.
• Review drawings, specs and details to ensure quality and coordination.
• Serve as senior client contact, managing expectations and progress communications.
• Coordinate external consultants, contractors and suppliers, solving design/site queries.
• Monitor scope, budgets and deadlines; identify issues and implement solutions.
• Mentor and develop the team, maintaining clear responsibilities.
• Collaborate with founders on recruitment and studio process improvements.
• Maintain design intent through delivery with attention to materials and FF&E integration.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client management

Technical understanding

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Construction administration

Education

Architectural qualification

Equivalent interior architecture experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

This London-based interior design studio creates distinctive residential and hospitality spaces, with a considered approach to architecture, materials, furniture and detail.

The studio is seeking an experienced leader to work closely with the founders, oversee its project portfolio and lead the team through the design and delivery of complex interior schemes.

The Opportunity

This is a senior leadership role for someone who combines strong design judgement with technical expertise, clear communication and the ability to organise a busy studio.

You will oversee projects, programmes and resources while remaining directly involved in key schemes. Working closely with the founders and project teams, you will translate creative ambition into coordinated, deliverable interiors, maintaining quality from initial concept through to completion.

The role requires confidence managing clients, consultants and contractors, alongside the ability to support designers, resolve challenges and keep multiple projects moving forward.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the studio's project portfolio, coordinating design development, technical production and delivery.
• Lead key residential and hospitality projects from briefing and concept through to construction and handover.
• Plan programmes, allocate resources and balance workloads across the team.
• Review drawing packages, specifications and architectural details to maintain quality and coordination.
• Act as a senior point of contact for clients, managing expectations and communicating progress clearly.
• Coordinate external consultants, contractors and suppliers, resolving design and site queries.
• Monitor project scope, budgets and deadlines, identifying issues early and agreeing practical solutions.
• Lead and mentor the team, supporting development and maintaining clear responsibilities.
• Work with the founders on recruitment, project planning and improvements to studio processes.
• Maintain design intent throughout delivery, with close attention to materials, bespoke joinery and the integration of FF&E.

The Candidate

• Significant experience delivering high-end residential and hospitality projects within an architecture or interior design practice.
• A track record at Associate, Associate Director or Project Director level, managing multiple projects and leading teams.
• Strong architectural and technical understanding, supported by experience across all project stages.
• Confident overseeing complex refurbishments, extensions and interior fit-outs.
• Comfortable moving between studio-wide leadership and detailed project involvement.
• An assured communicator with experience managing clients, consultants and contractors.
• Highly organised, with sound judgement around programmes, resources and competing priorities.
• A thoughtful leader who gives clear direction and supports the development of others.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and project management software.
• An architectural qualification would be advantageous, although equivalent interior architecture and delivery experience will also be considered.