Internal Design Lead

Bushwise; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Bed nights

Job summary

Bushwise is seeking an Internal Design Lead to shape the physical design and guest experience across luxury lodges, camps and yachts. You’ll guide interior design from concept to installation, ensuring a distinctive sense of place while maintaining a cohesive luxury aesthetic.

The role requires leadership across FF&E/OS&E, guest spaces, restaurants and spas, with frequent travel to remote properties. A strong portfolio and 5+ years in luxury interior design are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years interior design experience in luxury hospitality.
• Strong portfolio showing concept development and installations.
• Experience coordinating designers, architects, contractors and suppliers.
• Excellent knowledge of FF&E and OS&E.

Responsibilities

• Develop strong design concepts inspired by landscape, culture and destination.
• Lead projects from concept through installation and styling.
• Collaborate with architects, contractors and procurement.
• Review drawings, materials and prototypes; ensure opening readiness.
• Travel regularly to remote lodges, camps and yachts.

Skills

Creative thinking

Project management

Communication

Budget awareness

Education

Interior design degree

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

NOW HIRING | INTERNAL DESIGN LEAD – LODGES, CAMPS & YACHTS

Position: Permanent

Salary: Market Related

Are you a passionate Interior Designer with a strong creative vision and a love for luxury hospitality?

Our client has a role available for an Internal Design Lead to shape the physical design and guest experience across a portfolio of luxury lodges, camps and yachts.

THE ROLE

You’ll lead the interior design journey from initial concept through to installation, ensuring every property has a distinctive sense of place while maintaining a cohesive luxury aesthetic.

You’ll work across:

• FF&E and OS&E
• Guest rooms and public areas
• Restaurants, bars and spas
• Art, accessories, lighting and styling
• New developments and refurbishments
• Supplier and artisan relationships

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop strong design concepts inspired by landscape, culture, local craft and destination
• Manage design projects from concept through installation and final styling
• Work closely with architects, designers, contractors, procurement and lodge operations
• Review drawings, specifications, materials, samples and prototypes
• Oversee site installations, snagging and opening readiness
• Develop and maintain design guidelines and property references
• Source quality suppliers, artisans and responsible materials
• Consider durability, sustainability, maintenance and long-term value
• Bring innovative design thinking while balancing operational realities
• Travel regularly to remote lodges, camps and yachts

IDEAL PROFILE

We’re looking for someone who is:

Creative and concept-driven

Commercially aware and highly organised

Passionate about luxury design

Culturally sensitive and curious

Practical and solutions-focused

Confident enough to challenge conventional thinking

Comfortable working in remote and complex environments

NICE TO HAVE:

• Safari lodge, yacht, marine, coastal or remote hospitality experience, as well as experience with artisans, community-based suppliers, hospitality openings, refurbishments, uniforms or retail product development

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' interior design experience
• Luxury hospitality experience highly advantageous
• Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development and completed installations
• Experience coordinating designers, architects, contractors and suppliers
• Strong FF&E and OS&E knowledge
• Excellent knowledge of materials, finishes, furniture, lighting and styling
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong commercial understanding of budgets, quotations and procurement
• Excellent presentation, communication and project management skills
• 50% medical aid, provident fund, bed nights

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' interior design experience
• Luxury hospitality experience highly advantageous
• Relevant Interior Design / Interior Architecture qualification preferred
• Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development and completed installations
• Experience coordinating designers, architects, contractors and suppliers
• Strong FF&E and OS&E knowledge
• Excellent knowledge of materials, finishes, furniture, lighting and styling
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong commercial understanding of budgets, quotations and procurement
• Excellent presentation, communication and project management skills