Senior Designer Lead of Interior and Exterior Trim at NAFFCO in Dubai

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Designer Lead for Interior and Exterior Trim to join our design team. The role requires a hands-on creative leader who will oversee the design, specification and delivery of interior and exterior trim, mouldings and architectural joinery across residential, hospitality and commercial projects. You will lead a small team, collaborate with architects, contractors and suppliers, and ensure high-quality, buildable design solutions that meet aesthetic, technical and cost requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead concept and detailed design for interior and exterior trim, including skirtings, architraves, cornices, cladding trims, fascias, verandas, balustrades and bespoke joinery details.

• Produce and review technical drawings, shop drawings and specification documents suitable for tendering and construction, ensuring clarity for fabrication and installation.

• Coordinate and develop design details in Revit, AutoCAD, and hand-sketches as required; ensure information is BIM‑ready where applicable.

• Manage and mentor junior designers and technicians, providing design guidance, technical review and quality control.

• Collaborate with architects, interior designers, structural engineers, suppliers and subcontractors to resolve design, material and installation issues.

• Specify appropriate materials, finishes and fixings for interior and exterior use, considering durability, maintenance, fire rating and regulatory compliance.

• Prepare cost‑aware design options and support tender evaluation and value engineering exercises.

• Undertake site visits and surveys to verify existing conditions, monitor installation progress and carry out snagging inspections.

• Maintain accurate project documentation, drawings, change records and material schedules. Ensure issues are tracked and closed.

• Ensure designs comply with relevant British Standards, building regulations and local authority requirements; liaise with certifying bodies where required.

• Support business development by preparing sample boards, presenting design proposals to clients and contributing to design pitches.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or HND in Interior Design, Architecture, Product Design, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 6–8 years' experience in interior/exterior trim, architectural joinery or finishing details, with a track record of leading design deliverables on medium to large projects.

• Proven experience producing construction-ready drawings and specifications for trim and joinery.

• Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD; competence in Sketching and Adobe Suite (InDesign/Photoshop/Illustrator) is desirable.

• Strong understanding of materials, finishes, joinery techniques and manufacturing/fabrication processes.

• Demonstrable experience coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams and delivering on-site support.

• Excellent technical awareness of relevant UK building regulations, fire safety requirements and British Standards related to finishes and materials.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present to clients and stakeholders.

• High level of organisation, accuracy and attention to detail.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with on-site manufacturing workshops or working directly with joinery/fabrication suppliers.

• Knowledge of sustainable materials and environmental certifications relating to finishes and timber products.

• Project management experience, including resource planning and budget monitoring.

• Familiarity with specification platforms and document control systems.

• Ability to produce compelling sample boards and mock-ups to communicate design intent effectively.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead high-quality projects across residential, hospitality and commercial sectors.

• Supportive team environment with professional development and mentoring.

• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience.

• Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for site travel as required.

How to Apply

If you are a proactive design leader with a strong technical background in trim and joinery, please submit your CV, portfolio samples and a short cover letter outlining relevant experience and suitability for the role. Applications will be reviewed on receipt.