Design Director, Interiors & FF&E

CARPENTE is a luxury residential architecture and interiors studio based in Notting Hill.

Founded and creatively led by Christophe Carpente, we create highly individual interiors for private clients in the UK and internationally. Our work is art-led, deeply personal and designed around the way each client wants to live.

CARPENTE was recently named among Country & Town House magazine's 50 Finest Interior Designers for 2026.

We are a small, focused studio with ambitious projects, exceptional clients and a commitment to delivering distinctive, beautifully considered homes.

CARPENTE is a luxury residential architecture and interiors studio based in Notting Hill.

Founded and creatively led by Christophe Carpente, we create highly individual interiors for private clients in the UK and internationally. Our work is art-led, deeply personal and designed around the way each client wants to live.

CARPENTE was recently named among Country & Town House magazine's 50 Finest Interior Designers for 2026.

We are a small, focused studio with ambitious projects, exceptional clients and a commitment to delivering distinctive, beautifully considered homes.

We are seeking an experienced Design Director to work closely with Christophe Carpente, providing senior leadership across our luxury residential interiors projects.

This is a key appointment within our studio, offering the opportunity to take ownership of complex interior design and FF&E work streams, oversee project delivery and support the continued development of the practice.

You will initially play a leading role in a significant private residential project in Dubai, ensuring that the studio's creative vision is translated into exceptional, technically resolved interiors.

We are looking for someone who combines strong design judgement with outstanding project management and delivery experience.

This is a hands-on leadership role within a small studio, suited to someone equally comfortable directing a project, coordinating consultants and resolving detailed design challenges.

Design leadership

• Work directly with Christophe to develop, interpret and deliver the creative vision across major residential projects.
• Lead interior design development, technical coordination and FF&E delivery.
• Oversee material, furniture, lighting and finish selections to ensure exceptional quality and consistency.
• Review and approve design documentation, technical drawings, specifications and supplier submissions.
• Maintain the integrity of the design vision throughout procurement, manufacture and installation.

Project delivery

• Take ownership of interior design and FF&E work streams, ensuring projects progress against agreed budgets, programmes and quality standards.
• Coordinate architects, project managers, consultants, contractors, manufacturers and specialist suppliers.
• Lead design coordination meetings, manage decisions and proactively resolve delivery challenges.
• Oversee complex procurement requirements, bespoke fabrication, logistics and installation.
• Identify project risks, resolve technical issues and maintain momentum through demanding project phases.
• Support international project delivery, including occasional travel where required.

Studio leadership and client relationships

• Act as a senior point of contact for clients and external project stakeholders.
• Build trusted relationships through clear communication, sound judgement and exceptional service.
• Guide and mentor junior designers and coordinators, ensuring high standards across the team.
• Improve studio processes, documentation and project delivery practices.
• Work closely with Christophe to balance creative ambition with commercial and practical considerations.
• Contribute to the wider development and success of the practice.

We are looking for an established senior design professional, ideally with 10+ years of relevant experience and a proven track record in luxury residential interiors.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience delivering exceptional high-end private residential projects.
• Previous experience operating at Associate Director, Design Director or equivalent senior level.
• Strong technical knowledge of interior architecture, FF&E, bespoke joinery, materials and finishes.
• Proven experience taking complex projects from design development through to completion.
• Excellent understanding of international suppliers, specialist manufacturers and procurement processes.
• Strong AutoCAD capability and confidence…