Interior Design Associate Director

Location: London

Working pattern: Hybrid (3 days in studio, 2 from home)

Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum, depending on experience

About the role

A leading global design studio is looking for a creative and commercially minded design leader to join their London team. You'll guide a talented group of designers, setting the creative direction and making sure every project delivers design excellence, on time and on budget.

You'll play a hands-on role from concept to completion, leading presentations, mentoring your team, and shaping work that's both beautiful and strategic. Alongside creative leadership, you'll help build the business by strengthening client relationships and driving new opportunities across sectors and regions.

What you'll do

Design leadership

• Lead the creative direction and design delivery for large-scale, cross-sector projects
• Drive innovative, concept-led ideas from pitch through to completion
• Present compelling, story-driven design work to clients and stakeholders

Project management

• Oversee all stages of design delivery, managing resourcing, timelines, and budgets
• Act as a key decision-maker and escalation point across multiple projects
• Ensure creative vision aligns with commercial and operational objectives

Team leadership

• Inspire and mentor a design team, encouraging growth and collaboration
• Conduct regular feedback and performance reviews
• Champion best practice, design quality, and inclusive studio culture

Client and business development

• Build and maintain strong client relationships to secure repeat business
• Support new business activity through networking, pitches, and proposals
• Collaborate with senior leadership on strategy, bids, and negotiations

Commercial and financial oversight

• Manage project budgets and resourcing efficiently
• Balance design ambition with commercial realities to deliver exceptional outcomes

What you'll bring

• Proven experience as a Senior Interior Designer or Associate Director in a global or high-profile design studio
• Strong conceptual ability and a track record of delivering design excellence across retail, workplace, or hospitality sectors
• Confidence communicating and presenting, both in client meetings and day-to-day leadership
• Commercial awareness with experience managing project financials
• Skill in team leadership, mentorship, and collaboration
• Proficiency with core design tools (AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, or equivalent)
• Degree or equivalent in Interior Design or a related field

What's on offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Hybrid working: 3 days in the studio, 2 from home
• Opportunities to learn, grow, and lead within a global design business
• A collaborative, creative, and inclusive studio culture with regular social events
• 23 days annual leave, plus the option to buy more
• Private medical insurance, life assurance, and pension

Why apply

If you're a design leader who thrives on creativity, collaboration, and delivering exceptional spaces, this is a chance to make your mark in one of the industry's most respected global studios.

Right to work: Only candidates with the current right to work in the UK can be considered.