Head of Interior Design (Department Lead)
Location: Dubai, UAE
Company: Leading International Architectural Design Practice
The Opportunity
Our client, a globally recognized and award-winning architectural design practice, is looking for a visionary Lead Interior Designer to establish, grow, and head up their brand-new Interior Design Department in their thriving Dubai studio.
This is a high-impact, entrepreneurial role for a seasoned professional who has "been there and done it" within a large international firm. You won't just be leading projects; you will be building the department's culture, hiring your own team of up to 10 designers, and defining the interior design identity of a practice already famous for its architectural excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Department Leadership & Strategy
- Establish & Build: Take full ownership of the new ID department, from setting internal standards and workflows to recruiting a high-performing team of approximately 10 designers.
- Mentorship: Lead, inspire, and manage the team, fostering a culture of creative excellence and professional growth.
- Integration: Work closely with the architectural leads to ensure a seamless "inside-out" design approach for all major projects.
- Creative & Project Excellence
- Concept to Delivery: Lead the creative vision for high-value projects across Hospitality, Residential, F&B, and Commercial Offices.
- Quality Control: Oversee the design process from initial napkin sketch through to technical documentation and final site handover, ensuring world-class quality at every stage.
- Commercial & Business Development
- BD Flair: Utilize your network and industry standing to identify new business opportunities and win stand-alone interior design commissions.
- Commercial Acumen: Manage department P&L, project budgets, and resource allocation to ensure the department is not only creative but commercially profitable.
- Client Relationship Management: Act as the primary design authority for high-net-worth individuals, developers, and corporate entities.
Requirements
- Experience: Extensive experience in a senior leadership role, with a proven track record in a large international architectural or design practice.
- Sector Expertise: A diverse and prestigious portfolio of very high-value projects across Hospitality, Luxury Residential, F&B, and Commercial Workspace.
- Regional Knowledge: Vast Middle East experience is essential, including a deep understanding of regional market trends, cultural nuances, and authority requirements.
- Leadership Skills: Proven ability to hire, manage, and scale a design team.
- Commercial Savvy: A strong understanding of the "business of design"-from fee proposals and contracts to business development and networking.
- Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interior Design or Architecture from a reputable international university.
What We Offer
- The "Startup" Advantage: The autonomy to build your own department within the safety and prestige of a global architectural giant.
- Iconic Projects: Access to some of the largest and most prestigious architectural commissions in the region.
- Executive Package: A highly competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package befitting a department head.
How to Apply
If you are a creative visionary with the commercial grit to build a department from the ground up, we want to hear from you.
Please submit your Executive CV and a comprehensive Portfolio of your high-value projects to [].
