FF&E Designer - Grade 1 Listed Residential Project | Client side

Curio Careers; City of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious design firm in Central London is seeking an experienced FF&E Designer for a unique residential project focused on cultural restoration. The role demands creativity and the ability to meet tight deadlines. Ideal candidates will have a background in high-end residential design and proficiency in relevant design software. This full-time position requires being in the office five days a week and offers a rare opportunity to contribute to a bespoke project.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-end residential or boutique hotel design.
• Proficiency in sourcing unique furniture, antiques, and art.
• Excellent communication skills for client presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead FF&E projects with a small team.
• Source and manage furniture, antiques, and art.
• Prepare mood boards, fabric schemes, and presentations.

Skills

BA Hons in a design or arts degree

Bespoke high-end residential and/or boutique hotel design experience

Experience acquiring unique curated pieces

Proficiency in Vectorworks, Photoshop, and InDesign

In-depth knowledge of suppliers and specialists

Creative thinking for curating FF&E

Organised and efficient

Excellent negotiation skills

Strong numeracy and project planning skills

Ability to manage products and art

Understanding of artwork and curation

Prior experience in a UK-based high-end residential studio

Education

BA Hons in a design or arts degree

Tools

Vectorworks

Photoshop

InDesign

Job description

FF&E Designer - Grade 1 Listed Residential Project | Client side

This range is provided by Curio Careers. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from Curio Careers

The client is looking for an FF&E interior designer to join its family team based in Central London. You will be part of a project team designing a once-in-a-lifetime ambitious and bespoke project. The project involves the restoration and refinement of a Grade I Estate of cultural and historical significance. This role is for true creatives who want to push boundaries, explore beyond house styles and be curious about what can be achieved by curating and combining the old and new.

The client is open to candidates with varying levels of FF&E experience. They are building a team, and are keen to see enthusiasm, creativity, and the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. This is an exceptional role, team and project, and a rare opportunity to be part of something unique.

This role involves sourcing furniture, antiques, and art, in addition to designing bespoke furniture, upholstery, and lighting. The candidate will be responsible for preparing mood boards, fabric schemes, and presentations, as well as leading numerous FF&E projects with the assistance of a small team. You will also be required to develop detailed specifications and schedules, manage budgets, and coordinate the procurement of all FF&E items. The ideal candidate for this position must be able to take charge of intricate design details and lead project initiatives with confidence. Demonstrating a keen design sensibility, they will be responsible for overseeing FF&E for over 240 rooms in the main building, alongside outbuildings of varying sizes.

In addition to designing interior spaces in collaboration with a wider team, the candidate should be able to effectively communicate design concepts, strategies, and material palettes, crafting innovative and cohesive spaces aligned with clients' visions. They must possess excellent communication skills and provide support to line managers for client presentations.

The candidate must possess exemplary organisational and time management skills, with the ability to consistently meet deadlines and adhere to project programs and scopes. They should also have a keen understanding of budgets and maintain commercial awareness throughout the design process. The ability to foster and strengthen relationships with suppliers and the wider team will be essential for success in the role. The successful candidate will report to the Director on a day-to-day basis and work with outside consultants and clients.

Skills

• Ideally a BA Hons in a design or arts degree
• Demonstrable experience of bespoke high-end residential and/or boutique hotel design
• Experience acquiring and finding ultra-bespoke, unique curated pieces
• Proficiency in Vectorworks, Photoshop, and InDesign
• In‑depth knowledge of suppliers, products, and specialist artisans
• Creative thinking when curating FF&E
• Organised and efficient
• Excellent negotiation skills for suppliers and products/finishes
• Strong numeracy, project planning and scheduling of projects/finishes
• The ability to build and maintain a library of materials and samples
• The ability to manage large volumes of products, art, and finishes
• A demonstrable understanding of artwork and art curation
• Proven track record of prior experience in a UK‑based high‑end residential studio.

Please note that this job requires designers to be in the office five days a week.

The office hours are 9-6pm with a flexible lunch break.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Design and Art/Creative
• Architecture and Planning, Design Services, and Interior Design