London, UK
Hospitality senior designer
at Thurstan
Thurstan is hiring a hospitality senior designer to join its team in London.
Location: London
Job type: full-time
Salary: competitive, based on experience
Role overview
Thurstan are seeking a highly skilled and creative senior designer to join our dynamic team. This role requires a passionate individual with extensive experience in high-end hospitality design, strong leadership capabilities, and excellent project management skills. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail, the ability to multitask effectively, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. In addition to hospitality, there may be opportunities to lead select high-end residential or commercial projects, offering a diverse platform to expand your creative reach.
James Thurstan Waterworth founded Thurstan with a mission to create eclectic and original interiors true to the client brief and in keeping with their architecture and surroundings. Since launch, Thurstan’s work with private clients and the hospitality industry has received award nominations, including a selection by House & Garden as one of their Top 100 Designers over the past few years.
Requirements:
- seven plus years’ of experience in high-end hospitality with a strong track record of leading large-scale hotel projects, from concept to completion
- strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently
- proficient in Photoshop, AutoCAD, InDesign, Excel and SketchUp for creating drawings, mood boards, and presentation materials. Strong hand sketching skills would be a plus
- ideally, the candidate would have the ability to demonstrate design concepts through sketches, whether hand-drawn or digitally created, to effectively communicate and present ideas
- proficiency in design project management with the ability to mentor and guide teams effectively
- ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced studio environment
- a creative thinker and problem solver who contributes to the overall success of the project
- ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- high level of initiative, enthusiasm, and team spirit
- willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges
- must be eligible to work in the UK and available for travel as required for project needs
Key responsibilities
Design and creative direction:
- develop and present design concepts in collaboration with the management team and founder and ensuring alignment with client expectations and studio standards
- conduct in-depth design research, from mood board creation to site-specific analysis
- lead the material selection process, ensuring availability of samples and exploring innovative materials
- identify and engage new suppliers and manufacturers, keeping the team informed of industry developments
- strong knowledge of furniture, lighting, ironmongery, and sanitary ware manufacturers, ensuring project suitability
- a strong understanding of FF&E costs and project budgets
Project management:
- ensure all design documentation is accurate, adhering to high-quality standards
- support the design team in maintaining high standards for project management documentation, including meeting minutes, emails, and progress reports
- alongside the management team, oversee project timelines and deliverables, ensuring seamless execution from concept to completion
- provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members
- liaise with design and procurement teams daily to ensure project success
- support the management team in client, contractor, and supplier communications throughout the design development process
- have strong ability to navigate challenges such as budget adjustments, material sourcing, and unexpected site issues while ensuring project progress
Why join us:
- opportunity to shape iconic boutique hotels and high-end hospitality environments, collaborating directly with studio leadership
- a vibrant, fast-paced studio culture that values innovation, bold ideas, and continuous professional growth
- competitive compensation, commensurate with experience, plus potential for global travel