Head of Operations

The Studio

Simply put, this studio is considered one of the best studios in the world. The studio originated a style that others have copied but never improved on.

The studio is seeking a Head of Studio Operations to work closely with the founder, overseeing the commercial and operational processes that support its projects and design team.

The Opportunity

This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who combines commercial understanding with significant experience of how an interior design or architecture studio operates.

You will oversee fee proposals, resourcing, project performance and studio processes, bringing structure and consistency to the way projects are planned and delivered. Working closely with the founder, you will identify risks, make recommendations and drive improvements across the studio.

The role carries substantial ownership and autonomy, with final decisions on commercial terms, hiring and studio direction remaining with the leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess new project enquiries and coordinate the process from initial contact through to project appointment and handover.
• Prepare fee proposals, defining scope, time and budgets in partnership with the founder.
• Monitor commercial performance across live projects, tracking hours against fees and flagging discrepancies.
• Coordinate studio resourcing and capacity plans, identifying scheduling conflicts and gaps.
• Oversee monthly client billing and timesheet processes, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Provide regular project overviews to the founder, highlighting key actions and risks.
• Develop and maintain a studio playbook, with clear protocols and checklists covering each stage of the client journey.
• Maintain legal and compliance templates alongside studio leadership, HR and external advisers.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and employee administration in partnership with the HR team.
• Improve communication and handovers between project stages, supporting a consistent client experience.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, software and processes, reducing administration for the design team.

The Candidate

• Significant experience in operations, studio management or project delivery within a luxury interior design or architecture practice.
• Strong commercial understanding, including fee proposals, budgeting, forecasting and project financial performance.
• Experience coordinating resources and workloads across multiple live projects.
• An understanding of design delivery and the service expected by private clients.
• Confident developing practical processes and embedding them within a busy creative studio.
• Highly organised, with close attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• An assured communicator who can work effectively with designers, senior leadership and external advisers.
• Comfortable exercising independent judgement while working closely with the founder.
• Discreet and thoughtful when handling sensitive client, commercial and employee information.
• Proficiency with project management and resourcing tools.
• Experience supporting recruitment and working with an HR or People function would be advantageous.