Interior Designer & Project Manager
Location: Cornwall & Devon (Multi-Site)
Reporting to: Managing Director
About Us
We are a growing hospitality group operating a collection of distinctive hotels, spas, restaurants and leisure facilities across Cornwall and Devon. Our properties each have their own character, but all share a commitment to exceptional guest experiences, thoughtful design and continuous improvement.
We are looking for an Interior Designer with strong project management capability to lead interior design projects across our portfolio. This is not a purely creative role. We need someone who can turn ideas into reality, managing projects from concept through to completion while ensuring designs are delivered on time, on budget and with minimal disruption to operations.
The Role
You will be responsible for the design, planning and delivery of refurbishment, redevelopment and enhancement projects across our hotels and spas.
Working closely with operational teams, suppliers, contractors and senior leadership, you will ensure every project enhances the guest experience, strengthens brand positioning and delivers commercial value.
This role combines creativity, practical problem solving and hands-on project management. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable selecting fabrics and finishes as they are managing budgets, programmes and contractors.
Key Responsibilities Interior Design
- Develop creative design concepts for guest rooms, public areas, restaurants, bars, spas and back-of-house spaces.
- Produce mood boards, design presentations and material specifications.
- Select furniture, fixtures, lighting, artwork, fabrics and finishes.
- Ensure designs align with the individual identity of each hotel while maintaining overall brand standards.
- Keep abreast of hospitality and wellness design trends and identify opportunities to enhance our properties.
- Create design standards and specifications that support long-term consistency across the group.
Project Management
- Lead refurbishment and capital projects from brief through to completion.
- Manage project plans, budgets and timelines.
- Coordinate architects, contractors, consultants and suppliers.
- Manage tender processes and supplier selection.
- Monitor project costs and ensure expenditure remains within approved budgets.
- Identify risks and implement mitigation plans.
- Schedule works to minimise disruption to guests and operations.
- Conduct regular site inspections and progress meetings.
- Ensure projects are delivered to agreed quality, cost and programme targets.
Property Improvement & Development
- Assist with feasibility studies for new developments and acquisitions.
- Undertake space planning and operational flow reviews to improve usability and guest experience.
- Recommend design improvements that drive revenue, guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Contractor & Supplier Management
- Build and maintain relationships with trusted contractors and suppliers.
- Negotiate competitive pricing and terms.
- Monitor contractor performance and quality standards.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements throughout projects.
- Manage snagging processes and ensure timely resolution of defects.
Budget & Commercial Management
- Prepare project budgets and cost estimates.
- Track expenditure and provide regular reporting.
- Deliver value engineering solutions without compromising guest experience.
What We're Looking For
- Degree, equivalent qualification or related experience in Interior Design, Interior Architecture or related discipline.
- Proven experience delivering hospitality, leisure, hotel, spa or commercial interior projects.
- Strong project management experience from concept through to completion.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong budget management and cost control experience.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite or similar design software.
- Strong understanding of construction and refurbishment processes.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience within hotels, spas or luxury hospitality environments.
- Knowledge of FF&E procurement processes.
- Experience with planning applications and listed buildings.
- Understanding of sustainability and environmental design principles.
Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who:
- Has an exceptional eye for detail.
- Understands how design influences guest experience and commercial performance.
- Is highly organised and able to deliver multiple projects simultaneously.
- Takes ownership and sees projects through to completion.
- Builds strong relationships with operational teams and contractors.
- Is practical, resourceful and solutions-focused.
- Balances creativity with commercial awareness.
Enjoys working in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
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About: Philema Hospitality
We are a family-owned forward-thinking company who put our team and guests at the heart of everything that we do. We focus on development, well-being and team engagement with bespoke programmes to support each of these values. We create an environment which engages with our employees and ensures they feel appreciated, “when you enjoy what you do, work becomes play”
Shortlisted for Best Retention Initiative & Career Development Initiative at Springboard Excellence Awards 2023.
Employee Benefits
- Tronc / Service charge (Food & Beverage Departments only)
- Complimentary off peak gym & spa membership at Fistral Spa / Gaia Spa
- Tokens & recognition scheme
- 20% discount on Fistral Spa & Gaia Spa treatments
- 25% discount on food & beverage throughout the hotels and restaurants
- 50% discount on bed & breakfast stays throughout the hotels
- 30% discount on GAIA skincare products, 1 complimentary refill and 50% on refills thereafter
- Friends & Family rates across the group
- Recommend & Get Rewarded: £25 in "Love to Shop" vouchers if you recommend a friend to work for us, receive £100 in "Love to Shop" vouchers when they pass probation.
- Access to 360 Wellbeing - https://www.360-wellbeing.co.uk/
- Access to Wagestream - https://wagestream.com/en/
- Length of Service rewards: 1 Year, Afternoon Tea for 2, 3 Years - Dinner for 2 , 5 - 15 Years - 1 additional holiday day per year.
- Cycle 2 work Scheme
- Annual Christmas Event
