Associate Design Director

Location: Soho, London

Working Type: Hybrid

Sector Focus: Retail, Hospitality, and F&B

The Opportunity

A highly regarded, design-led studio based in the heart of Soho is looking for an Associate Design Director to join its senior creative team. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who is equally strategic and hands-on, confident leading ideas, people, and clients, while still deeply involved in the craft of design.

You’ll be working across beautifully considered retail and hospitality environments, from destination restaurants and bars through to experiential brand-led spaces. The studio is known for its collaborative culture, strong design point of view, and thoughtful approach to both creativity and commerciality.

The Role Purpose

As Associate Design Director, you’ll lead a portfolio of high-profile projects and client relationships, shaping creative direction from concept through to delivery. You’ll mentor and guide design teams, set the creative standard, and play an active role in growing both client partnerships and the studio’s reputation.

This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with detail, who can inspire teams while also rolling up their sleeves when needed.

The Studio

This is a studio that values creativity, trust, and balance. Hybrid working is part of the culture, with time spent together in the Soho studio balanced by flexibility. You’ll be joining a team that cares deeply about design quality, professional growth, and doing good work with good people.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creative direction on retail and hospitality projects, ensuring consistently high-quality, original design outcomes.
• Build and nurture trusted client relationships, acting as a senior creative voice and strategic partner.
• Guide and mentor designers at different stages of their careers, fostering a supportive, ambitious studio culture.
• Collaborate closely with studio leadership on pitches, new business opportunities, and project strategy.
• Oversee project delivery, ensuring work is conceptually strong, well-resolved, and commercially sound.
• Represent the studio externally through client presentations, industry engagement, and creative thought leadership.

About You

• Proven experience in a senior creative role within an interior, architectural, or multidisciplinary design studio.
• A strong portfolio of retail and hospitality or F&B projects that demonstrates concept, narrative, and execution.
• Confident leading teams and clients, with a calm, considered, and collaborative approach.
• Commercially aware, with an understanding of how great design supports wider business goals.
• Passionate about design, culture, and creating spaces that people genuinely want to spend time in.