Internal Design Lead

Wild Dreams Hospitality; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Wild Dreams Hospitality in Johannesburg seeks a senior interior designer to lead a consistent design thread across a diverse international portfolio, ensuring each property remains rooted in its landscape and culture from concept to final installation.

The role covers new builds, refurbishments and ongoing styling, guiding mood boards, space planning, material palettes and on-site coordination, including remote projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years interior design experience, ideally luxury hospitality.
• Proven ability in conceptual storytelling across diverse portfolios.
• Strong portfolio with concept development, space planning, materials and detailing.
• Experience coordinating designers, architects, contractors, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of FF&E and OS&E specification, procurement, budgets, lead times.

Responsibilities

• Develop design briefs translating destinations’ landscape, culture and story into clear place.
• Guide mood boards, layouts, material palettes, furniture, lighting, art, styling from concept through approval.
• Coordinate with designers, architects, PMs, buyers and contractors from concept to installation.
• Oversee site surveys, drawings and specification schedules for coordination.
• Manage on-site installation, styling and opening readiness in remote locations.
• Maintain design guidelines and portfolio-wide brand consistency while preserving individuality.
• Provide design guidance on retail ranges and staff uniforms in collaboration with teams.
• Source and manage relationships with designers, artisans and suppliers, focusing on local, sustainable partnerships.
• Maintain an organized design library of concepts, specs, suppliers and project references.
• Travel regularly to properties to review performance and inform refurbishment priorities.

Skills

Concept development

Space planning

Material selection

Detailing

Installation coordination

Presentation skills

Communication

Influencing skills

Budget awareness

Education

Interior Design / Interior Architecture degree

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

This is a senior, group-level design role for someone who can hold a consistent design thread across a diverse international portfolio while still allowing each property to feel authentically rooted in its own landscape and culture; the role spans everything from initial concept through to final installation, and covers new builds, refurbishments and ongoing styling.

Core Criteria:

• Minimum 5 years' interior design experience, ideally within luxury hospitality, with a strong track record in conceptual storytelling
• Relevant qualification in interior design, interior architecture or a related field preferred
• Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development, space planning, material selection, detailing and completed installations
• Proven experience coordinating designers, architects, contractors, suppliers and operational stakeholders
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite
• Sound knowledge of FF&E and OS&E specification, procurement, materials, lighting and styling
• Commercial understanding of budgets, quotations, landed costs and lead times
• Strong presentation, communication and influencing skills across creative, operational and senior audiences
• Comfortable working in remote, international or logistically complex environments
• Calm, resourceful and solutions-driven under pressure, particularly during installations and openings

Core Responsibilities:

• Develop design briefs and direction that translate each destination's landscape, culture and story into a clear sense of place
• Guide mood boards, layouts, material palettes, furniture, lighting, art and styling from concept through approval
• Coordinate with designers, architects, project managers, buyers and contractors from concept through to installation
• Oversee site surveys, drawing reviews and specification schedules to ensure smooth technical coordination
• Manage on-site installation, styling and opening readiness, often in remote locations
• Maintain design guidelines and brand consistency across the portfolio while protecting each property's individuality
• Provide design guidance on retail product ranges and staff uniforms in collaboration with relevant teams
• Source and manage relationships with designers, artisans and suppliers, with a focus on local and sustainable partnerships
• Maintain an organised design library of approved concepts, specifications, suppliers and project references
• Travel regularly to properties to review design performance and inform future refurbishment priorities