Lead Designer, Interior Design – Dubai Studio

We are designers of storied places.

OBMI is a global master planning, architecture, and interior design practice shaping luxury resorts, boutique hotels, private residences, and mixed-use destinations around the world.

For more than 90 years, we have created places deeply rooted in land, culture, and emotion, balancing imagination, craft, and care.

With studios in Miami, London, Dubai, and KSA, we collaborate globally to deliver holistic, experiential environments across the Middle East, the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond. Clients see us as trusted advisors, drawn to our belief in thoughtful design, long-term value, and spaces that are both innovative and sustainable.

We are seeking a Lead Designer – Interior Design to join our Dubai studio. In this role, you will help shape and deliver exceptional interior environments across high-profile luxury hospitality, resort, and destination projects throughout the Middle East and internationally.

About the role

The Lead Designer – Interior Design plays a key role in developing and delivering creative design concepts from inception through documentation and implementation, combining strong design thinking with the leadership and technical understanding needed to successfully deliver complex projects.

Working closely with the Director of Interior Design, project teams, consultants, and clients, you will lead design direction across large-scale projects, develop compelling design narratives, and ensure design intent is carried consistently through every phase.

You will also play an important role in mentoring and guiding designers, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, maintaining design and technical quality, and helping ensure projects are delivered in line with client expectations and OBMI’s standards of excellence.

What you’ll do

• Lead the development of interior design concepts and strategies from early concept through design development, documentation, and implementation
• Shape strong design narratives and translate them into cohesive, memorable interior experiences
• Lead large-scale projects or multiple small to medium-sized projects across local and international markets
• Guide, mentor, and motivate design teams, providing clear creative direction and fostering a collaborative design culture
• Participate in client meetings and presentations, communicating design intent and ensuring client feedback is reflected throughout the design process
• Coordinate closely with Project Managers, architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and specialist sub-consultants to integrate interior design solutions across disciplines
• Oversee the development of high-quality presentations, design packages, sample boards, drawings, and specifications
• Provide detailed design development input and review technical drawing packages and specifications for accuracy, coordination, and alignment with design intent
• Apply strong knowledge of FF&E, finishes, materials, sanitaryware, hardware, and specifications to support thoughtful and technically sound design solutions
• Contribute to QA/QC and design reviews, providing clear and actionable feedback to maintain OBMI’s standards of quality
• Monitor project scope, schedules, design hours, and resource requirements in coordination with project management and finance teams
• Review shop drawings, material submittals, finish samples, mock-ups, and prototypes to ensure alignment with the approved design
• Participate in site inspections and help resolve design-related issues during construction while protecting the overall design vision
• Stay current on emerging materials, luxury hospitality trends, design technologies, and sustainable practices, sharing knowledge and ideas across the studio

Who we’re looking for

We’re seeking a talented and experienced interior design leader who combines strong creative vision with the ability to lead teams and deliver sophisticated, technically resolved projects.

You are:

• Equipped with 8–12 years of professional interior design experience, with a proven track record of leading design projects and managing client relationships
• Holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Architecture or Interior Design
• Highly experienced in luxury hospitality, hotels, resorts, and large-scale projects
• Experienced in leading projects and design teams from concept through documentation and implementation
• Highly knowledgeable in FF&E selection and specification, interior finishes, materials, sanitaryware, and hardware
• A strong visual storyteller with exceptional graphic, presentation, freehand drawing, and sketching skills
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
• Proficient in 3D modeling tools such as SketchUp and Rhino, with working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit
• Comfortable working with technical drawing packages, specifications, consultant coordination, and QA/QC processes
• Confident engaging with clients, presenting design concepts, and building strong professional relationships
• A strong communicator and mentor who can inspire teams, provide clear direction, and foster collaborative problem-solving
• Knowledgeable about industry trends, emerging technologies, sustainable design principles, and relevant building codes and regulations
• Comfortable managing priorities, project schedules, budgets, and design resources in a fast-paced environment
• Culturally aware, adaptable, and comfortable collaborating across multidisciplinary and international teams
• Passionate about design excellence, innovation, craftsmanship, and continuous learning

Why OBMI

You’ll join a globally recognized practice with deep roots in luxury hospitality and destination design and a strong presence across the Middle East.

This role offers the opportunity to shape meaningful, high-profile projects, work alongside multidisciplinary teams across OBMI’s global studios, engage directly with clients and consultants, and mentor the next generation of designers while contributing to the continued growth and design excellence of our Dubai studio.

Location: Dubai, UAE

Please send your CV, portfolio, and salary expectations to careers@OBMI.com. Once we have reviewed applications, we will reach out to candidates who meet our criteria to discuss the role and next steps.