Lead interior design projects for luxury lodges, camps, and yachts from concept through installation. Develop destination-inspired concepts, manage FF&E and OS&E, coordinate architects, contractors, suppliers, and procurement, review materials and drawings, oversee installations and styling, and maintain design standards. The role also supports uniforms and signature retail products, requires strong commercial awareness, and involves regular travel to remote properties.
Summary Generated by Built In
NOW HIRING | INTERNAL DESIGN LEAD – LODGES, CAMPS & YACHTS
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg
Position: Permanent
Salary: Market Related
Are you a passionate Interior Designer with a strong creative vision and a love for luxury hospitality?
Our client has a role available for an Internal Design Lead to shape the physical design and guest experience across a portfolio of luxury lodges, camps and yachts.
THE ROLE
You’ll lead the interior design journey from initial concept through to installation, ensuring every property has a distinctive sense of place while maintaining a cohesive luxury aesthetic.
You’ll work across:
• Interior design & space planning
• FF&E and OS&E
• Guest rooms and public areas
• Restaurants, bars and spas
• Art, accessories, lighting and styling
• New developments and refurbishments
• Uniform design & development
• Signature retail product design support
• Supplier and artisan relationships
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develop strong design concepts inspired by landscape, culture, local craft and destination
• Manage design projects from concept through installation and final styling
• Work closely with architects, designers, contractors, procurement and lodge operations
• Review drawings, specifications, materials, samples and prototypes
• Oversee site installations, snagging and opening readiness
• Develop and maintain design guidelines and property references
• Source quality suppliers, artisans and responsible materials
• Consider durability, sustainability, maintenance and long-term value
• Bring innovative design thinking while balancing operational realities
• Travel regularly to remote lodges, camps and yachts
IDEAL PROFILE
We’re looking for someone who is:
Creative and concept-driven
Commercially aware and highly organised
Passionate about luxury design
Culturally sensitive and curious
Practical and solutions-focused
Confident enough to challenge conventional thinking
Comfortable working in remote and complex environments
NICE TO HAVE:
Safari lodge, yacht, marine, coastal or remote hospitality experience, as well as experience with artisans, community-based suppliers, hospitality openings, refurbishments, uniforms or retail product development
Requirements
• Minimum 5 years' interior design experience
• Luxury hospitality experience highly advantageous
• Relevant Interior Design / Interior Architecture qualification preferred
• Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development and completed installations
• Experience coordinating designers, architects, contractors and suppliers
• Strong FF&E and OS&E knowledge
• Excellent knowledge of materials, finishes, furniture, lighting and styling
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong commercial understanding of budgets, quotations and procurement
• Excellent presentation, communication and project management skills
Benefits50% medical aid, provident fund, bed nights
