Design Director - Interior Design

Design Director (Hospitality & High End Residential) Location: Dubai, UAE Company: International Interior Design Studio About the Role Are you a visionary creative who has navigated the high-stakes world of Middle Eastern hospitality? Our client, a thriving and notoriously friendly International Design Studio, is looking for a Design Director to lead their creative heartbeat in Dubai. This isn't just a "management" role-it's a position for a true designer who has spent the last 15 years honing their craft. We are looking for someone who has successfully climbed the ladder, showing clear progression, and has spent at least the last two years at an Associate or Director level within a reputable Middle East studio. If you are a powerhouse in Hospitality and High End Residential and have the "built" portfolio to prove it, this is the career move for 2026. Key Responsibilities * Creative Leadership: Take the helm of major hospitality and F&B projects, guiding the design narrative from the first sketch to the final site handover. * Team Mentorship: Lead, inspire, and develop a talented design team, fostering a collaborative environment that balances high-end output with a positive studio culture. * Client Authority: Serve as the primary creative point of contact for prestigious clients, developers, and global hotel operators. * Strategic Growth: Partner with the studio's leadership to refine design standards, identify new project opportunities, and maintain the studio's award-winning reputation. * Operational Oversight: Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget without ever diluting the creative integrity of the original concept. Why Join This Team? * Thriving Studio: Work on some of the region's most talked-about projects in a studio that is currently experiencing significant growth. * Culture First: Join a team that prides itself on being "friendly"-expect a supportive atmosphere where ego is left at the door. * Global Reach: Benefit from the resources and reputation of an international practice while enjoying the fast-paced energy of the Dubai market.

* Industry Experience: A minimum of 15 years in Interior Design, with a specialized focus on Hospitality and High End Residential. * Regional Seniority: You must have spent the last 2 years in a senior leadership role (Associate or Design Director) within a Middle East-based studio. * Career Progression: A solid work record demonstrating steady growth and longevity-no "job-hopping," but a clear trajectory of increasing responsibility. * Portfolio: A high-caliber portfolio showcasing completed, prestigious hospitality and Residential projects within the region. * Leadership Style: A "design-first" approach combined with the ability to manage complex multidisciplinary teams and demanding stakeholders. * Communication: Exceptional presentation skills; you should be as comfortable in a boardroom of developers as you are at a designer's drafting table.