London | Workplace & Commercial Interiors | Top 10 Architectural Practice

This isn’t just another interiors leadership role.

This is your chance to build — to take the reins of a new interiors division in one of the UK’s top commercial architecture practices and shape it into something remarkable.

We’re partnering with a top-tier AJ100 practice, a major name with multiple studios across the UK and a new studio in the Middle East presence, to find an Associate Director to help lead their London interiors team. Think of it as running your own studio — but with the backing, resources, and reputation of an established practice behind you.

The Opportunity

You won’t just be joining an interiors team — you’ll be defining it.

Our client is investing in interiors as a standalone “mini-business” within the practice, not a bolt-on to architecture. There’s board-level buy-in, a clear growth plan (from 9 designers today to 30 by 2030), and live projects in the UK and UAE right now.

If you’ve ever wanted to put your stamp on a practice, build a team, and grow a brand — this is it.

Responsibilities

• Lead & Build: Shape the interiors offer in London, mentor designers, and grow the team over time.

• Win Work: Front pitches and proposals, tell compelling stories, and open doors through smart networking.

• Deliver: Run projects hands-on from concept to completion — this is not a “just conceptual” role.

• Represent: Be the face of interiors in London — attending events, connecting with PMs/QSs/clients, and building strong relationships.

• Collaborate: Partner closely with the Head of Interiors while operating with autonomy as his remit is national and international.

• Travel: Occasionally visit other UK studios and the UAE to support clients and projects.

Requirements

• Proven experience in workplace, office, and commercial interiors — both new-build and fit-out.

• Entrepreneurial and self-starting, with the confidence to operate in a new but well-supported setup.

• Client-facing, with pitch/pursuit exposure and a knack for relationship-building.

• Comfortable networking in London’s design ecosystem (or eager to grow that network).

• Hands-on delivery experience — able to run projects end-to-end and mentor juniors.

• Bonus points for Middle East experience and contacts in the London workplace scene.

What’s On Offer

• Big-Stage Platform: Shape a new offer inside a top-10 practice with a respected architectural brand.

• Career Runway: Clear path to grow into future director roles as the division scales.

• Variety & Reach: Work on high-profile UK projects plus international opportunities (live pursuits in the Middle East right now).

• Attractive Package: Competitive salary with potential BD/project incentives designed to reward entrepreneurial leaders.

• Support & Autonomy: The resources of a large studio, with the freedom to build something new.

How to Apply

If you’re excited by the idea of taking ownership, growing a team, and making a mark in a very well-known practice — we’d love to hear from you.

Send your CV & portfolio (referencing the job title) to tom@fatrecruitment.co.uk

Or call us on 0208 282 8814 for a confidential chat.