Design Director, Interior Design – Manila Studio

We are designers of storied places.

OBMI is a global master planning, architecture, and interior design practice shaping luxury resorts, boutique hotels, private residences, and mixed-use destinations around the world.

For more than 90 years, we have created places deeply rooted in land, culture, and emotion, balancing imagination, craft, and care.

With studios in Miami, London, Dubai, and KSA, we collaborate globally to deliver holistic, experiential environments across the Middle East, the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond. Clients see us as trusted advisors, drawn to our belief in thoughtful design, long-term value, and spaces that are both innovative and sustainable.

We are looking for an accomplished Design Director, Interior Design to lead and inspire our interior design practice. This is an opportunity for a seasoned design leader to shape exceptional environments, guide talented teams, and build trusted client relationships while advancing OBMI's commitment to creating experiences rooted in the unique story, culture, and character of place.

About the Role

As Director, Interior Design, you will provide creative and strategic leadership across multiple projects, guiding the design process from concept through delivery. You’ll set design direction, develop compelling narratives, mentor and lead design teams, and work closely with clients, consultants, and project leaders to deliver thoughtful and distinctive interior environments.

Beyond design leadership, you’ll help drive the growth and success of the Interior Design practice, overseeing project performance, resources, quality, and client relationships while fostering a collaborative culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous development.

What You’ll Do

• Set the creative vision and overall design direction across multiple interior design projects, developing strong narratives and storytelling that carry through the full design experience.
• Lead projects through all stages of design, from concept through tender and construction, ensuring design intent, quality, schedule, and budget are maintained.
• Build and maintain trusted client relationships, serving as a senior design advisor and primary liaison on design-related matters.
• Lead, mentor, and develop interior design teams, fostering collaboration, creativity, accountability, and professional growth.
• Oversee project planning, resourcing, schedules, budgets, and financial performance in collaboration with Project Managers and senior leadership.
• Lead design reviews, critiques, charrettes, presentations, and quality assurance processes to maintain OBMI's standards of design excellence.
• Guide the development of presentations, 3D visuals, material selections, FF&E, finishes, and detailed interior design packages.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and other disciplines to integrate design solutions across project packages.
• Oversee design quality during construction, including reviews of shop drawings, mock-ups, materials, finish samples, and completed work to protect the original design intent.
• Stay connected to evolving design trends, materials, technologies, and industry best practices while representing OBMI through professional events, conferences, and industry engagement.

Who We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture from an accredited design school.
• Minimum 15 years of interior design experience, with a proven track record of leading design teams, managing multiple projects, and building strong client relationships.
• Exceptional design sensibility with the ability to establish creative direction and communicate compelling design narratives.
• Strong leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams while delivering against project scope, schedule, and budget.
• Extensive knowledge of FF&E, interior finishes, sanitaryware, hardware selection, specification, and interior material applications.
• Proficiency in Autodesk tools, including AutoCAD and Revit, as well as 3D modeling software such as SketchUp and Rhino.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Strong freehand drawing and sketching capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently with clients, stakeholders, consultants, and design teams.
• Strong understanding of industry best practices, emerging design trends, and technologies.
• A passion for design excellence and a commitment to delivering exceptional work.

Why OBMI

At OBMI, you’ll join a globally connected design practice creating extraordinary hospitality, residential, and mixed-use destinations around the world. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Shape the creative direction of distinctive interior environments and experiences.
• Lead and mentor talented designers while helping build the next generation of design leaders.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across our global studios.
• Build trusted relationships with clients, operators, consultants, and industry partners.
• Influence the continued growth and evolution of OBMI’s Interior Design practice.
• Bring together storytelling, culture, craft, and design to create places with a lasting sense of identity.

Location: Manila, Philippines | On-site/Hybrid

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the Philippines.

To Apply: Please submit your CV, portfolio, and salary expectations to [email protected].