Design Leader

BAR Studio

International collaborative and culturally engaged BAR Studio specialises in the design of hotels and resorts throughout the world. Since 2003 we have established a portfolio of refined and sensitively realised projects. We are committed to design responses that form a sense of place grounding each project in a material and aesthetic landscape. Above all else we value material and spatial quality detail and the integrity of the designed outcome.

The key to creating successful design outcomes lies in our personal approach and our creative and professional collaboration with strong cohesive and effective teams. We structure our studio so that key senior members are across all projects ensuring each project is prioritised companywide and our directors and key staff are integrally involved in all aspects of design and delivery.

The Opportunity

Finding the right people for our studio is crucial. As a Design Leader you will shape and maintain the design vision from concept through construction. Your primary responsibilities include transforming design briefs into master concepts working closely with FF&E designers and overseeing spatial interior design development. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential for engaging with internal teams and clients ensuring project continuity and resolving design challenges. You will manage project timelines resources and budgets demonstrating exceptional attention to detail and flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design vision and deliverables throughout the life of a project.
• Develop the design brief into master concepts and presentations including creating a design narrative sourcing interior mood images and translating the design vision into 2D artistic renderings 3D SketchUp models and plans.
• Oversee the development of spatial interior design and planning during the design development and documentation phases providing guidance to new designers.
• Collaborate with the FF&E Designer for the design selections of the ID and FF&E specification document during design development and documentation.
• Respond to planning shifts and design changes during the coordination of building services and provide design solutions with support from the Technical team.
• Organize the final review of all material finishes and fabrics ensuring the design intent of QA of ID drawings and ID and FF&E specification documents if the FF&E Lead is not on the project.
• Collaborate with the Creative/Design Lead to ensure effective space planning and build knowledge of operational requirements.
• Conduct design reviews of submittals and substitutions during the Construction Observation phase and support the Project Lead in answering RFIs as required.
• Lead kickoff meetings with the Design team.
• Manage design parameters program and budget.
• Communicate progress with the Project Lead escalate any risks to deliverables and program and propose solutions within the design process to mitigate risks.
• Navigate the design process effectively and guide project designers towards design resolution keeping project and team members updated on changes or design processes.

To be successful you will have

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in a relevant field (i.e.. Interior Design Architecture Interior Architecture)
• Proven hotel design experience ideally with planning experience
• Design leadership experience in large scale hospitality projects
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent problemsolving and decisionmaking skills
• Strong organisational and timemanagement skills
• Experience working with crossfunctional teams
• AutoCAD and sketch up skills with 2D photoshop rendering experience an advantage
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools

What is on Offer

• The opportunity to work with highly experienced leaders and gain exposure to interesting and complex projects across the globe.
• Employee Assistance program
• Learning and development opportunities including Lunch & Learns Artist talks access to training and more.
• Hybrid Working arrangements
• Regular staff and team social events
• A brandnew studio in the heart of Collingwood
• Flexible working arrangements
• 12 weeks of Paid Parental leave

Apply Now

To apply for this exciting opportunity please submit your CV/Resume and portfolio to or contact us if you have any questions on this role.