Position Overview
The Interior Design Engineer (IDE) will lead and manage the interior design process for luxury hospitality projects, including high-rise hotel towers across KSA and the GCC. This role requires a highly experienced professional with a strong background in hospitality interiors, technical design standards, and test-fit experience. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience working directly with owners and developers, ensuring design integrity, brand compliance, and cost efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
1. Design Development & Coordination
- Develop and review interior design concepts, layouts, and detailed drawings for luxury hotel projects.
- Ensure compliance with operator brand standards, TSA (Technical Services Agreement) requirements, and local regulations.
- Conduct test-fits for space planning and optimization of guest rooms, suites, public areas, F&B outlets, and back-of-house spaces.
- Collaborate with architects, MEP engineers, and contractors to integrate interior design seamlessly into overall project plans.
2. Owner Representation & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the owner's design representative, safeguarding design vision and quality throughout the project lifecycle.
- Review and approve design submissions from consultants and contractors; provide value engineering recommendations without compromising luxury standards.
- Liaise with hotel operators to ensure design compliance and resolve technical queries promptly.
3. Technical Expertise & Quality Assurance
- Prepare and validate material specifications, FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment), and OS&E (Operating Supplies & Equipment) packages.
- Oversee mock-up room reviews, ensuring alignment with approved design and operator standards.
- Monitor site execution for interior works, ensuring adherence to design intent, quality benchmarks, and timelines.
4. Project Management & Reporting
- Maintain design schedules, deliverable trackers, and progress reports for management and stakeholders.
- Support procurement strategies for FF&E and OS&E, ensuring timely delivery and installation.
- Implement sustainability and smart design principles where applicable.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field; advanced certifications preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in interior design for hospitality projects, with a focus on luxury hotel towers in KSA and GCC.
- Proven test-fit experience and ability to optimize layouts for operational efficiency.
- Strong knowledge of international hotel brand standards and TSA compliance.
- Experience working directly with owners/developers on large-scale hospitality projects.
- Proficiency in design software (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, 3D visualization tools).
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Fluency in English; Arabic is an advantage.
Key Competencies
- Detail-oriented with strong technical and aesthetic judgment.
- Ability to balance design creativity with cost and operational efficiency.
- Strong leadership and coordination skills across multidisciplinary teams.
- Familiarity with KSA and GCC building codes, cultural considerations, and luxury hospitality trends.
