Senior Designer Lead of Interior and Exterior Trim
Senior Designer Lead – Interior & Exterior Trim: lead a small team to create buildable, joinery-focused designs across projects; collaborate, mentor, and deliver with clarity.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Designer Lead for Interior and Exterior Trim to join our design team. The role requires a hands-on creative leader who will oversee the design, specification and delivery of interior and exterior trim, mouldings and architectural joinery across residential, hospitality and commercial projects. You will lead a small team, collaborate with architects, contractors and suppliers, and ensure high-quality, buildable design solutions that meet aesthetic, technical and cost requirements.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead concept and detailed design for interior and exterior trim, including skirtings, architraves, cornices, cladding trims, fascias, verandas, balustrades and bespoke joinery details.
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Produce and review technical drawings, shop drawings and specification documents suitable for tendering and construction, ensuring clarity for fabrication and installation.
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Coordinate and develop design details in Revit, AutoCAD, and hand-sketches as required; ensure information is BIM‑ready where applicable.
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Manage and mentor junior designers and technicians, providing design guidance, technical review and quality control.
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Collaborate with architects, interior designers, structural engineers, suppliers and subcontractors to resolve design, material and installation issues.
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Specify appropriate materials, finishes and fixings for interior and exterior use, considering durability, maintenance, fire rating and regulatory compliance.
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Prepare cost‑aware design options and support tender evaluation and value engineering exercises.
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Undertake site visits and surveys to verify existing conditions, monitor installation progress and carry out snagging inspections.
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Maintain accurate project documentation, drawings, change records and material schedules. Ensure issues are tracked and closed.
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Ensure designs comply with relevant British Standards, building regulations and local authority requirements; liaise with certifying bodies where required.
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Support business development by preparing sample boards, presenting design proposals to clients and contributing to design pitches.
Qualifications & Experience
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Degree or HND in Interior Design, Architecture, Product Design, or a related discipline.
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Minimum 6–8 years' experience in interior/exterior trim, architectural joinery or finishing details, with a track record of leading design deliverables on medium to large projects.
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Proven experience producing construction-ready drawings and specifications for trim and joinery.
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Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD; competence in Sketching and Adobe Suite (InDesign/Photoshop/Illustrator) is desirable.
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Strong understanding of materials, finishes, joinery techniques and manufacturing/fabrication processes.
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Demonstrable experience coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams and delivering on-site support.
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Excellent technical awareness of relevant UK building regulations, fire safety requirements and British Standards related to finishes and materials.
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Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present to clients and stakeholders.
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High level of organisation, accuracy and attention to detail.
Preferred Skills
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Experience with on-site manufacturing workshops or working directly with joinery/fabrication suppliers.
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Knowledge of sustainable materials and environmental certifications relating to finishes and timber products.
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Project management experience, including resource planning and budget monitoring.
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Familiarity with specification platforms and document control systems.
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Ability to produce compelling sample boards and mock-ups to communicate design intent effectively.
What We Offer
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Opportunity to lead high-quality projects across residential, hospitality and commercial sectors.
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Supportive team environment with professional development and mentoring.
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Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience.
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Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for site travel as required.
How to Apply
If you are a proactive design leader with a strong technical background in trim and joinery, please submit your CV, portfolio samples and a short cover letter outlining relevant experience and suitability for the role. Applications will be reviewed on receipt.
- Department
- Chassis Manufacturing Division
- Role
- Senior Design Lead of Interior and Exterior Trim
- Locations
- Dubai - UAE