'Site-based' Senior Interior Designer (Hotels) (MBJ0191)

Site-Based Senior Interior Designer - Dubai Studio

We are seeking a Senior Interior Designer to be based on-site for a high-profile hospitality / mixed-use project in Dubai. The role focuses on protecting design intent during construction and ensuring that all works meet the required design, quality and technical standards.

Role Overview

The Site-Based Senior Interior Designer will act as the key design guardian on site, working closely with the contractor, client, and head office design team. You will review technical submissions, oversee mock-ups and inspections, and provide timely design clarifications throughout the construction and handover phases.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and comment on contractor shop drawings to ensure full compliance with the approved design intent, specifications and coordinated drawings.
• Check dimensions, details and coordination of interiors, joinery, finishes, lighting, signage and built-in furniture against the design package.
• Review material submittals to confirm compliance with specified products, finishes, colours, performance standards and applicable codes.
• Coordinate with the studio design team where alternates or substitutions are proposed, advising on suitability and impact on design intent.
• Respond to contractor RFIs, method statements, as-built drawings and all related technical / handover documentation, ensuring clarity and traceability of instructions.
• Review and comment on on-site and off-site mockups, samples and prototypes, documenting observations and required remedial actions.
• Attend and contribute to coordination workshops and technical meetings with contractors, consultants and client representatives.
• Carry out regular site inspections and walkthroughs to monitor quality of workmanship, finishes and adherence to design details.
• Identify and flag design-related issues, clashes or deviations early, proposing practical solutions that maintain the integrity of the design.
• Support snagging and desnagging activities, preparing or reviewing punch lists related to interior architectural works.
• Liaise with MEP, structural and specialist contractors to ensure coordination with interior design requirements.
• Prepare concise site reports, markups and redlines for internal records and for communication to the wider project team.
• Assist with reviewing handover documents related to interior works, including warranties, maintenance manuals and asbuilt information.
• Uphold and promote the design standards, brand guidelines and quality expectations of the studio across all site activities.

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture or a related discipline.
• 7-10 years' experience in interior design, with significant exposure to construction/site stages on large-scale, design-led projects (ideally hospitality, residential, or mixed-use).
• Strong technical background with proven experience reviewing shop drawings, material submittals and RFIs.
• Excellent understanding of interior detailing, joinery, finishes, lighting layouts and coordination with MEP and structure.
• Previous site-based role in the Middle East is highly desirable; strong familiarity with regional standards and practices is an advantage.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and Revit, PDF mark-up tools and standard office software; ability to read and interrogate complex drawings and schedules.
• Strong communication and coordination skills, with confidence to interact daily with contractors, consultants and client representatives.
• High attention to detail, with a solutions-focused, pragmatic mindset while still protecting design quality.
• Ability to work under pressure on fast-track programmes, managing multiple queries and priorities simultaneously.

Personal Attributes

• Confident, proactive and resilient in a site environment.
• Collaborative team player who can represent the studio's design professionally.
• Organised and methodical, with strong documentation and follow-up skills.
• Passionate about high-quality interior architecture and delivering design intent through to completion.

Location and Working Pattern

• Role is based full-time on the project site in Dubai (with occasional visits to the studio as required).
• Standard site hours, with flexibility to attend evening or weekend inspections or meetings if project demands.