Senior Interior Designer - Abu Dhabi

Overview

Mustard&Linen is seeking a seasoned Senior Interior Designer with an extensive background in residential and workspace environments. This role demands a creative visionary paired with technical expertise capable of steering projects from conceptualization through to completion. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in design thinking, confident communication, and an eagerness to integrate emerging technologies such as AI and digital tools to enhance the design workflow, creativity, research, and project management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead interior design projects from initial concept to thorough execution and delivery.
• Create and develop compelling design concepts, mood boards, material palettes, and narratives.
• Prepare and scrutinize presentations, layouts, design documentation, and technical details.
• Convert creative ideas into functional and aesthetically appealing interior spaces.
• Liaise effectively with clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and specialized teams throughout all project phases.
• Engage in client meetings, design workshops, and presentations.
• Evaluate technical and shop drawings, material mock-ups, and related design queries.
• Attend site meetings and inspections to ensure fidelity to approved design intent.
• Address and resolve design, coordination, and execution challenges collaboratively.
• Coordinate FF&E, finishes, lighting, joinery, and specialist design components.
• Oversee project deliverables ensuring quality standards and deadlines are met.
• Provide mentorship and constructive reviews to junior designers as needed.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation and transparent communication.

Candidate Profile and Portfolio Requirements

• Applicants should present a robust portfolio highlighting creativity, design ability, and project management success.
• Expertise in residential, workplace/office, high-end commercial interiors, hospitality or F&B projects is highly valued.
• Work demonstrating strong attention to materials, detailing, and spatial understanding.

Skills and Qualifications

• A degree in Interior Design or a related internationally recognized qualification.
• Eight to ten years of experience working on residential and workspace projects.
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite, AI tools, AutoCAD, InDesign, with Revit as an advantage.
• Fluent English skills for communication and presentations; Arabic-speaking candidates are preferred.
• Strong presentation skills and client interaction capabilities.
• Excellent grasp of technical detailing and interior construction.
• Experience within the UAE & GCC markets is desirable.

Technological Integration

• Encouraged use of AI and digital tools for concept generation, creative research, visualization, and workflow optimization.
• Comfortable with digital design innovations supporting space planning, presentation enhancements, and product/material research.

Additional Competencies

• Ability to critically review technical documentation and shop drawings.
• Strong understanding of interior fit-out and construction principles.
• Adept at site inspection, coordination meetings, discrepancy identification, and effective communication with contractors and consultants.
• Support project execution phases including snagging and handover processes.