About the role
This is an exciting career move that will allow you to take ownership of high-end residential projects in the UK and abroad, including full responsibility for both Interior Architecture and FF&E delivery. You will support the design direction of the Project Leader and assist in leading junior members of the design and FF&E team. You will have a positive and professional attitude at all times towards clients, suppliers, and the wider design team.
You will have a meticulous eye for design and detail, evident in your well put-together portfolio, and the ability to collate and understand the overall project scope, budget, programme, and deliverables across all RIBA Stages (0–6). A thorough understanding of deadlines, procurement processes, and delivering exceptional results is essential. Awareness of preparing fee proposals is an advantage but not essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare working briefs and concept designs with Design Directors (RIBA Stages 1–2)
- Commission external surveys where required (assist Project Manager if applicable)
- Present confidently to both internal and external stakeholders
- Prepare spatial planning and schematic design schemes (RIBA Stage 2), including furniture layout and decorative lighting plans
- Develop design presentations and documentation (RIBA Stage 3), including furniture selection presentations, joinery detailing, and material palettes
- Prepare tender documentation packages independently, including drawings, details, schedules, and specifications (RIBA Stage 4)
- Prepare and manage FF&E tender documentation, including schedules, specifications, and cost control
- Manage the procurement process, including sourcing, scheduling, logistics, delivery, and installation - ensuring all FF&E items meet design intent and budget
- Liaise with the wider design team including engineering services, sub-consultants, and suppliers as required
- Liaise with clients to effectively communicate project deliverables and expectations
- Assist in leading junior and mid-weight designers (both interior and FF&E) through key RIBA stages
- Liaise with suppliers and consultants to review and approve shop drawings and samples (including sign-offs)
- Attend site inspections at key intervals, resolving design queries and coordinating installations as required
- Respond to RFI’s, record and/or sign off design variations on site
- Report proactively to the Project Leader on project progress, raising potential client or project issues as they arise
- Assist Design Directors in preparing fee proposals, estimating stage timescales and team resourcing
- Maintain a clear understanding of budget parameters and work to deliver within agreed financial frameworks
About You
You will have proven experience leading both Interior Design and FF&E packages on luxury residential and/or hospitality projects, working within a collaborative, creative, and resourceful team environment.
You Will Be Able to Demonstrate
- 5+ years’ experience in the Interior Design and/or Architecture industry
- Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or FF&E Design
- Strong AutoCAD skills (able to independently document work to RIBA Stage 4+)
- High-end residential or hospitality experience highly regarded
- Ability to ideate, create, and push design boundaries, contributing to Banda’s design excellence and innovation
- Ability to deliver projects through all RIBA stages, with the support of junior team members and direction from the Project Director
- Strong technical knowledge and ability to develop detailed work packages demonstrating awareness of architectural detailing, joinery, and FF&E buildability
- Experience on site, liaising with project managers, contractors, clients, and the wider design team
- Confidence in dealing with suppliers, consultants, and fabricators
- Good understanding of UK building regulations and standards relevant to interior projects
- Excellent knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop; SketchUp or 3D Studio Max an advantage; EstiMac (or similar) preferred for FF&E
- Exceptional understanding of materials, fabrics, lighting, sanitaryware, ironmongery, and FF&E specifications
- Ability to select, develop, and manage key FF&E items across multiple projects and deadlines
- Strong cost awareness and ability to support Design Directors in achieving results within architectural, interior, and FF&E budget frameworks
- Leadership ability to guide and integrate a team of Interior and FF&E designers across multiple project stages
