Position Summary

The Client Design Leader plays a pivotal role in both winning and delivering projects, leading the strategic design response to client briefs and ensuring the successful execution of interior design projects from concept through completion. As a key client relationship manager, the CDL ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned to both client expectations and business objectives. The role involves leading multi-disciplinary teams, managing project profitability, and driving a culture of design excellence and innovation within the studio.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Oversight

Lead client service delivery, managing scope, timelines, budgets, and project risks.

Serve as principal contact for clients; facilitate meetings, workshops, and presentations.

Ensure project outcomes and profitability targets are met.

Oversee governance and compliance with internal QA processes and reporting.

Design Leadership & Insight

Drive project design strategy and execution, ensuring creative and commercially viable outcomes.

Lead design direction, ensuring alignment with client goals and global best practices.

Mentor design teams, review output, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Advocate for culture change through environmental design and support technical resolution.

Work Winning & Business Development

Lead pitch presentations, proposals, and submissions for prospective projects.

Maintain and develop client relationships and consultant networks.

Identify new business opportunities and contribute to revenue growth targets.

People, Culture & Capability

Lead, mentor and develop the design team, providing coaching and performance feedback.

Champion a high-performance, collaborative studio culture.

Support recruitment, succession planning, and staff development initiatives.

Contribute to internal workshops, training programs, and knowledge sharing.

Key Relationships

Internal: Studio Leaders, Designers, Submissions Team, HR, Finance

External: Clients, Project Managers, Consultants, Industry Associations

Qualifications & Experience

Degree-qualified in Interior Design or Architecture (Diploma may be considered from approved institutions)

Minimum 8+ years' experience in design leadership and client management

Professional membership with DIA, AIA, or equivalent (preferred)

Proven ability to lead design teams and deliver complex, high-quality projects

Deep understanding of design strategy, technical execution, and commercial project drivers

Key Competencies

Strong leadership and team development skills

High-level communication, presentation, and negotiation skills

Advanced design thinking and strategic insight

Commercial acumen and project management capability

Comprehensive understanding of codes, compliance, and best practices

Reference: AO #69930

If the above position appeals to you then please submit your CV to [email protected] and we'll be in touch. You may also wish to browse our website for other similar roles or call us to find about roles that may not be advertised. www.bespokecareers.com

Bespoke Careers is a specialist recruitment agency dedicated to connecting jobseekers with employers in architecture and design. Set up by trained architects and designers with experience in practice - we really do understand our industry and care about the people who work within it. Established for over 10 years, we recruit for high-profile practices locally and internationally and have offices in London, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Austin. Bespoke Careers is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy and is an Equal Opportunities Employer. By applying to this role you agree to our Privacy Policy.

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Contact

Bespoke Careers

Amy Ovenden

07 3088 4010