Interior Design Director - Business Development

Job details

Posted Monday 28 September 2026
Location London
Job type Permanent
Reference 1978
Recruiter Name Paul Chappell

9B is working with a highly respected, design-led architecture and interiors studio to appoint an Interior Design Director with a strong focus on business development, client relationships and strategic growth across the high-end residential and hospitality sectors.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an established interior designer with a strong industry network and proven ability to develop relationships, identify opportunities and win new work, while representing a highly regarded design studio in the market.

Working closely with the wider leadership team, the successful candidate will play a key role in growing the studio’s interiors portfolio across luxury private residential, hospitality and related high-end sectors, alongside providing creative direction and oversight on key projects.

The Role

As Interior Design Director, you will take a leading role in the continued growth of the studio’s interiors business.

A significant part of the position will focus on business development and generating new opportunities – building relationships with private clients, developers, operators, consultants and other key industry contacts, while strengthening the studio’s profile within the luxury residential and hospitality markets.

You will be expected to understand the market, recognise opportunities at an early stage and convert relationships into high-quality commissions.

Alongside this commercial focus, you will provide senior creative leadership to the interiors team, helping ensure the studio continues to deliver exceptional design and client service.

Key Responsibilities

  • Drive business development and new client acquisition across high-end residential and hospitality

  • Identify, develop and convert new project opportunities

  • Build and maintain a strong network of private clients, developers, hotel operators, agents, consultants and industry contacts

  • Develop strategic relationships with existing clients to generate repeat and referral business

  • Represent the studio externally at meetings, industry events and networking opportunities

  • Lead pitches, presentations and proposals for prospective clients

  • Work closely with the studio leadership team to develop and implement a growth strategy for the interiors business

  • Raise the profile of the studio within the luxury residential and hospitality markets

  • Maintain awareness of emerging projects, clients and opportunities within target sectors

  • Provide senior creative direction and oversight across key interiors projects

  • Mentor and support the interiors team while helping shape its future growth

  • Ensure the studio’s design quality and client experience remain at the highest level

About You

  • Established background within high-end residential, luxury hospitality or a closely related design sector

  • Strong track record of business development, relationship building and winning new work

  • Well-connected within the luxury residential and/or hospitality market

  • Comfortable developing relationships with high-net-worth private clients, developers, operators and senior industry figures

  • Commercially minded with the ability to identify and convert opportunities

  • Confident presenting, pitching and representing a design studio externally

  • Strong understanding of the luxury design market and how projects are originated and commissioned

  • Credible design background with the ability to engage confidently with clients on creative matters

  • Previous leadership experience within an architecture or interior design environment

  • Entrepreneurial approach with the ambition to help build and grow a successful interiors business

What’s on Offer

  • A senior leadership position with genuine influence over the growth and direction of the interiors business

  • Opportunity to develop the studio’s presence across high-end residential and luxury hospitality

  • Significant autonomy to build relationships, develop new markets and generate opportunities

  • The backing and reputation of an established, highly respected design studio

  • Opportunity to combine business development, client leadership and design within a highly creative environment

  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Clear scope for creative and strategic leadership

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to take on a Director-level role within a design-led practice, shaping beautifully crafted interiors in some of the UK’s most prestigious residential and heritage settings.