Design Director - Interiors

Job description / Role

Are you ready to shape the future of global hospitality from the world's most dynamic design hub? Our client, a renowned International Design Studio, is looking for a visionary Design Director to lead their Hospitality division in Dubai.

This isn't just a management role; it is a creative leadership position. You will be the face of the hospitality sector, responsible for driving the aesthetic direction of high-profile, five-star hotel projects, luxury resorts, and innovative F&B concepts across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. You will lead a high-performing team of designers, ensuring that every project is not only "Dubai-scale" but internationally groundbreaking.

Key Responsibilities

* Creative Vision & Leadership: Set the creative benchmark for the hospitality studio. You will oversee multiple high-value projects simultaneously, ensuring design excellence from initial concept narrative to final handover.
* Business Development & Strategy: Partner with the executive team to grow the hospitality portfolio. You will lead pitches, build relationships with global hotel operators, and act as a brand ambassador for the studio.
* Team Mentorship: Manage and inspire a multidisciplinary team of Senior, Mid-weight, and Junior Designers. You are responsible for the creative growth, performance, and culture of the studio.
* Client Management: Act as the primary point of contact for high-profile clients and stakeholders. You must have the gravitas to present complex design narratives and the diplomacy to navigate demanding project requirements.
* Technical Oversight: While your focus is vision, you will ensure all designs are technically viable, compliant with regional codes, and aligned with international hospitality brand standards (FF&E, spatial planning, and operator requirements).
* Operational Excellence: Oversee studio workflows, resource planning, and project profitability, ensuring that world-class design is delivered on time and within budget.

* Experience: A minimum of 15+ years in Interior Design, with at least 5-8 years in a senior leadership or Director-level role specifically within the Hospitality sector.
* Portfolio: A stunning portfolio of completed five-star hotel and luxury resort projects. We want to see projects where you were the primary creative lead.
* Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interior Design or Architecture from a reputable international university.
* Regional Expertise: Deep knowledge of the Middle East market and local hospitality trends, coupled with a solid understanding of international hotel operator standards (e.g., Marriott, Accor, Four Seasons).
* Leadership Style: A "design-first" leader who is collaborative, proactive, and resilient. You should have a proven track record of winning work and retaining top-tier design talent.
* Communication: Exceptional presentation and negotiation skills. You must be able to tell a story that captivates a boardroom.

About the Company

Blake Anderson is a boutique consultancy based in the UK, with a satellite office in Dubai. Specialising in Technical and Construction Recruitment, Blake Anderson provides a superior service to clients and candidates within the construction and technical sectors.

We concentrate on placing professionals throughout the world, focusing mainly on the Middle East and Asia, drawing on both the global and local markets for highly qualified professionals. In order to attract the best talent, we invest in various high-end advertising mediums.

With a database of 1,000's of candidates, our experienced consultants have a wealth of recruitment knowledge and have a consultative approach at all times, ensuring a second to none service.