Chief Operating Officer for Internationally Focussed Interior Architecture Practice
£110,000-£150,000 p.a.
Soho
A leading UK-based interior architecture and placemaking practice is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to work closely with the founding partners in leading and growing the business. Based in Soho, the studio is comprised of around 70 interior architects, designers, and support staff and delivers high-profile international projects across multiple sectors.
This is a senior, client-facing leadership role with responsibility for the business, operational, commercial, and financial performance of the practice. The COO will oversee day-to-day operations, fee forecasting, and financial management, while also playing a key role in people leadership and studio culture. Acting as a trusted partner to the founders, they will help shape the strategic direction and long-term success of the practice.
The role will suit an experienced leader (potentially an ex-architect or interior architect) who combines strong commercial and financial acumen with genuine design sensibility and gravitas, and who is comfortable operating at senior level within the world of interior architecture and placemaking.
Responsibilities
* Lead and inspire a team of approximately 70 interior architects and designers
* Manage the operational and financial performance of the practice, including fee forecasting and monthly P&L oversight
* Work closely with the founding partners on business strategy, growth, and studio management
* Act as a senior, client-facing representative of the practice
* Shape, communicate, and deliver the practice’s strategic priorities, objectives, and areas for improvement
About You
You are a commercially astute, people-focused leader with senior experience within an interior architecture, architecture, or design-led practice. You bring a strong understanding of how creative studios operate, balancing design excellence with financial performance and operational rigour.
You are confident in a client-facing role and comfortable representing a practice at the highest level, with the presence and gravitas to operate within the placemaking and built environment sector. You may be an ex-architect or interior architect, or a business leader who has worked extensively within a design-led studio environment.
You are strategic yet hands-on, able to manage the day-to-day running of the business while working closely with founding partners on long-term growth and direction. Above all, you are a collaborative leader who inspires teams, builds trust, and helps create a high-performing, sustainable studio culture.
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