Director of Interior Design

Position Summary

Ama Waterways is seeking a highly creative, design-driven, and strategically minded Director of Interior Design to lead and define the next evolution of luxury river cruising through elevated onboard interior design experiences, setting a new standard in luxury.

• Lead the development of Ama Waterways design philosophy and supporting design standards.
• Document the standards for internal and external audiences.
• Partner with design agencies to bring the standards to life across all projects and guest touchpoints.

• Partner directly with the Chief Creative & Marketing Officer and the experience design teams to ensure alignment between onboard design initiatives, brand strategy, guest experience objectives, and overall visual consistency across the fleet.
• Translate Ama Waterways’ brand values into immersive physical environments that strengthen emotional connection, guest satisfaction, and premium market positioning.
• Champion the continued evolution of the Ama Waterways guest experience through thoughtful, design-forward, and commercially aligned interior solutions.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Product Development, Procurement, and Technical teams to ensure cohesive execution of all design initiatives.

• Lead the development and execution of refurbishment and enhancement programs across the Ama Waterways fleet.
• Drive the evolution of Ama Waterways’ onboard design identity through boutique-hotel-inspired aesthetics and guest-centric interior experiences.
• Define and direct design concepts that elevate onboard environments through layered materiality, curated lighting, refined detailing, and residential-style comfort.
• Direct the research and selection of materials, finishes, furniture, lighting, fabrics, artwork, and decorative elements appropriate for luxury hospitality and marine environments.
• Oversee mock-ups, sample reviews, and prototype approvals to ensure design quality and consistency.
• Ensure all design solutions balance aesthetics, durability, maintainability, marine compliance, and operational practicality.
• Benchmark emerging trends in luxury hospitality, wellness, residential design, and experiential travel to continually elevate the guest experience.

• Direct and manage external interior designers, architects, and consultants appointed for newbuild projects.
• Define and own the overarching design language and guest experience philosophy for next-generation vessels.
• Lead the review of design packages, drawings, material selections, and specifications to ensure alignment with Ama Waterways’ luxury brand standards and operational requirements.
• Oversee design deliverables, approvals, comments, and revision cycles throughout the design-development process.
• Serve as the primary point of accountability across design teams, shipyards, technical departments, procurement, and executive leadership.
• Lead the integration of hospitality-driven design concepts within the constraints of marine engineering and vessel operations.

• Establish and oversee organized sample libraries and tracking systems for fabrics, finishes, furniture, carpets, lighting, artwork, and decorative elements.
• Direct sample procurement, shipping, cataloging, and presentation processes.
• Develop and own design standards, finish palettes, and brand reference materials across the fleet.
• Lead FF&E review and specification processes in coordination with procurement and vendor partners.

• Lead the creation of professional presentations, mood boards, renderings, finish palettes, and design narratives for executive and board-level review.
• Present at executive meetings with clear visual storytelling and concise project updates.
• Oversee the preparation of schedules, reports, and design-status documentation.

• Lead and prioritize multiple concurrent projects with varying priorities and timelines across refurbishment and newbuild initiatives.
• Lead ship visits, shipyard meetings, vendor reviews, mock-ups, and onboard inspections as required.
• Guide value-engineering discussions while protecting design integrity and guest experience objectives.
• Maintain strong communication and coordination across internal and external stakeholders throughout all project phases.

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in luxury hospitality, boutique hotel, luxury residential, yacht, cruise, or related design environments, including senior leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring in-house design talent and directing external design firms, architects, and consultants.
• Deep understanding of luxury hospitality interiors and premium guest experience expectations.
• Excellent organizational, project…