Senior Associate

About the RoleThe role is accountable for the successful delivery of projects from concept through completion and plays an active role in supporting the growth of Customs Bureau. In addition to leading design delivery, the Senior Associate is responsible for contributing to business development efforts, including the preparation of proposals and responses to RFPs. This role bridges creative leadership, client management, team coordination, and commercial awareness while protecting the Customs Bureau design ethos and standards.
Key Responsibilities:Concept: Lead the development of concept design and narrative in alignment with Customs Bureau's design ethosTranslate client and operator ambitions into a clear design directionOversee planning, sketching, rendering, and early spatial thinkingDirect the selection of key reference imagery, material direction, and experiential cuesGuide Designers through concept developmentReview and align concept direction with Founder and Leadership TeamPresent concept work to clients and stakeholders with confidence and clarityThis role owns the concept once approved, not just reviews it.
Schematic: Lead schematic design development across layouts, finishes, and furniture strategyOversee sample acquisition and coordination with vendorsDirect the formulation of furniture and finish boardsEnsure consistency between concept intent and schematic outputManage internal reviews and coordinate feedback across leadershipMaintain client communication and approvals during this phase
Design Development: Lead the translation of approved design into coordinated, buildable design packagesOversee Senior Designers in refining drawings, details, and specialty finishesCoordinate directly with Specification Department to ensure alignment on FF&E, finishes, hardware, and fixturesManage and coordinate external consultants including lighting, MEP, structural, signage, kitchen, and specialist consultantsEnsure design intent is protected across all technical coordinationLead design development reviews with Founder and Leadership TeamThe Project Leader is the final internal decision maker before escalation.
Construction Documentation:Oversee the development of complete and coordinated drawing packages in line with Customs Bureau standardsReview and guide detailed millwork, custom furniture, and specialty itemsEnsure FF&E information is complete and ready for specification and procurementCoordinate ongoing consultant input and integrationManage internal quality control for design accuracy and completenessReview documentation prior to leadership sign off
Construction Administration:Act as primary design point of contact during constructionSupport Project Management with budget inputs and value discussions where requiredReview shop drawings, submittals, and samples for design complianceRespond to contractor and vendor queries with clarity and authorityAttend site visits as required and issue design clarificationsEscalate critical design or scope issues to Founder when necessary
Business Development and Proposals:Lead and coordinate the preparation of proposals and RFP responsesTranslate client briefs, RFP requirements, and fee structures into clear, compelling proposal contentWork closely with the Founder and Leadership Team on positioning, scope definition, and design narrativeCoordinate internal inputs including design approach, team structure, programme, and relevant experienceManage proposal schedules and deadlinesEnsure proposals are aligned with Customs Bureau's brand voice, visual standards, and strategic positioning
Team Leadership and Mentorship:Lead and mentor Senior Designers, Designers, and Graduate DesignersDelegate tasks clearly and manage workload across the project teamReview team output for design quality, technical rigor, and consistencyFoster a culture of accountability, curiosity, and design excellenceSupport talent development and performance feedback in collaboration with leadership
Client and Consultant Interface:Build trusted relationships with clients, operators, and consultantsLead design presentations, workshops, and coordination meetingsManage expectations while protecting the Customs Bureau design positionNavigate feedback with strategic judgment rather than reactive changes

Key Skills & Qualifications Required:Bachelor's degree or international equivalent in Interior Design, Architecture, or related design field 10+ years post graduate professional experience Proven experience leading hospitality or complex interior projects Strong understanding of full project lifecycle from concept to site High proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, SketchUp, and hand sketching Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills Demonstrated leadership capability and client facing confidence

About Customs BureauCustoms Bureau (part of the wider 7C Network) creates spaces that have an emphasis on human connection; they are emotive, atmospheric and are deeply seeded in the clients' brand and location. The studio's holistic design approach results in unparalleled services ranging from supporting early-stage sustainability initiatives to harnessing its in-house specialists in textiles, industrial and product design, exclusive to Customs Bureau. Each project is conceptually driven and makes a statement with an emphasis on the end-to-end consumer journey.
From our headquarters in London, to our design studios in New York and Sydney, Customs Bureau seeks to actively reshape the hospitality experience by understanding the future of travel and leisure. In every instance, Shida and her team approach the guest experience with a philosophy of curation and care, tapping into the emotional sensibilities, paying close attention to the sensorial qualities of the space; each detail from spatial to texture is a microcosm of the location and the customs they imbue.
Customs Bureau is part of the 7C network. The 7C network is an integrated network of design and architecture companies that provides \"Total Place Design,\" a holistic approach to creating transformative environments. It combines capabilities from its constituent brands - including Woods Bagot, ERA-co, Impact Futures, and Customs Bureau - to offer services in placemaking, sustainability, architecture and interior design, and luxury concepts.

What's on Offer?Fast-paced, demanding, yet fun working environment with a young team.Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture encouraging contribution from all team members.Opportunities for career growth and skill development in design business and management.Access to resources, CPD, training programs, and social events within the Woods Bagot Architecture firm.Foster onsite collaborative working and remote working options.Private healthcare and dental cover.Annual discretionary bonus.Company pension scheme.