Associate Principal Interior Design

saundersworkplace; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading commercial design practice in Edinburgh is looking for an Associate Principal Interior Designer to lead high-end workplace projects. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years’ experience in commercial interiors, strong technical skills, and proven leadership abilities. You will be responsible for project oversight, team mentoring, and managing client relationships effectively. The position offers a competitive salary of £50k–60k, along with opportunities for professional growth within a prestigious firm.

Qualifications

• 10 years' experience delivering commercial workplace interiors at a high level.
• Proven track record leading complex projects.
• Strong technical and regulatory knowledge (UK standards).

Responsibilities

• Lead high-end commercial workplace projects from concept through to completion.
• Own design development, space planning, and technical resolution.
• Control project budgets, programmes, and quality.
• Coordinate architects, contractors, and consultants.
• Undertake site inspections to ensure design intent and standards are met.
• Lead and mentor the interior design team.
• Act as a senior client-facing lead.

Skills

Project management

Client relationship management

Technical design skills

Mentoring

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

InDesign

SketchUp

Revit

Job description

Overview

Associate Principal Interior Design, Edinburgh £50–60k

Are you a robust and high-end commercial workplace designer but not being respected internally or being blocked from progressing to the next level? Keen to work with an industry leading practice in the commercial workplace industry in Scotland and North England? See yourself as a Director/Principal for a leading practice? This one could be for you!

This is an exciting Associate Principal/Senior Interior Designer role to lead the delivery of high-end commercial workplace projects. This is a senior role for an experienced professional with the authority to manage complex projects, lead teams, and front client relationships with confidence.

Working closely with the Interior Design Director, you will be responsible for design quality, technical delivery, and commercial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead high-end commercial workplace projects from concept through to completion.
• Own design development, space planning, and technical resolution.
• Control project budgets, programmes, and quality.
• Coordinate architects, contractors, and consultants.
• Undertake site inspections to ensure design intent and standards are met.
• Lead and mentor the interior design team.
• Act as a senior client-facing lead, building trusted relationships.

Requirements

• Degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture.
• 10 years’ experience delivering commercial workplace interiors at a high level.
• Proven track record leading complex projects.
• Strong technical and regulatory knowledge (UK standards).
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, InDesign and SketchUp (Revit advantageous).
• Commercially astute, confident, and decisive.