Director of Interior Design

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

AmaWaterways is seeking a highly creative, design-driven, and strategically minded Director of Interior Design to lead and define the next evolution of luxury river cruising through elevated onboard interior design experiences, setting a new standard in luxury 

This role will own the definition and execution of the aesthetic vision for both fleet refurbishment initiatives and future newbuild programs, ensuring every onboard environment reflects warmth, sophistication, residential comfort, and a refined sense of place.

The Director of Interior Design will partner with executive leadership, external design firms, shipyards, and cross-functional teams to deliver immersive guest experiences that blend operational excellence with emotionally engaging hospitality design. The ideal candidate combines visionary creative instincts with exceptional design leadership and a deep understanding of luxury interiors, guest behavior, and experiential hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

Brand Design Strategy & Standards

• Lead the development of AmaWaterways design philosophy and supporting design standards.
• Document the standards for internal and external audiences.
• Partner with design agencies to bring the standards to life across all projects and guest touchpoints.

Brand & Guest Experience Collaboration

• Partner directly with the Chief Creative & Marketing Officer and the experience design teams to ensure alignment between onboard design initiatives, brand strategy, guest experience objectives, and overall visual consistency across the fleet.
• Translate AmaWaterways’ brand values into immersive physical environments that strengthen emotional connection, guest satisfaction, and premium market positioning.
• Champion the continued evolution of the AmaWaterways guest experience through thoughtful, design-forward, and commercially aligned interior solutions.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Product Development, Procurement, and Technical teams to ensure cohesive execution of all design initiatives.

Fleet Refurbishment & Brand Enhancement

• Lead the development and execution of refurbishment and enhancement programs across the AmaWaterways fleet.
• Drive the evolution of AmaWaterways’ onboard design identity through boutique-hotel-inspired aesthetics and guest-centric interior experiences.
• Define and direct design concepts that elevate onboard environments through layered materiality, curated lighting, refined detailing, and residential-style comfort.
• Direct the research and selection of materials, finishes, furniture, lighting, fabrics, artwork, and decorative elements appropriate for luxury hospitality and marine environments.
• Oversee mock-ups, sample reviews, and prototype approvals to ensure design quality and consistency.
• Ensure all design solutions balance aesthetics, durability, maintainability, marine compliance, and operational practicality.
• Benchmark emerging trends in luxury hospitality, wellness, residential design, and experiential travel to continually elevate the guest experience.

Newbuild Design Leadership

• Direct and manage external interior designers, architects, and consultants appointed for newbuild projects.
• Define and own the overarching design language and guest experience philosophy for next-generation vessels.
• Lead the review of design packages, drawings, material selections, and specifications to ensure alignment with AmaWaterways’ luxury brand standards and operational requirements.
• Oversee design deliverables, approvals, comments, and revision cycles throughout the design-development process.
• Serve as the primary point of accountability across design teams, shipyards, technical departments, procurement, and executive leadership.
• Lead the integration of hospitality-driven design concepts within the constraints of marine engineering and vessel operations.

Materials, FF&E & Design Standards

• Establish and oversee organized sample libraries and tracking systems for fabrics, finishes, furniture, carpets, lighting, artwork, and decorative elements.
• Direct sample procurement, shipping, cataloging, and presentation processes.
• Develop and own design standards, finish palettes, and brand reference materials across the fleet.
• Lead FF&E review and specification processes in coordination with procurement and vendor partners.

Executive Presentations & Design Communication

• Lead the creation of professional presentations, mood boards, renderings, finish palettes, and design narratives for executive and board-level review.
• Present at executive meetings with clear visual storytelling and concise project updates.
• Oversee the preparation of schedules, reports, and design-status documentation.

Project Leadership & Site Engagement

• Lead and prioritize multiple concurrent projects with varying priorities and timelines across refurbishment and newbuild initiatives.
• Lead ship visits, shipyard meetings, vendor reviews, mock-ups, and onboard inspections as required.
• Guide value-engineering discussions while protecting design integrity and guest experience objectives.
• Maintain strong communication and coordination across internal and external stakeholders throughout all project phases.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in luxury hospitality, boutique hotel, luxury residential, yacht, cruise, or related design environments, including senior leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring in-house design talent and directing external design firms, architects, and consultants.
• Deep understanding of luxury hospitality interiors and premium guest experience expectations.
• Excellent organizational, project leadership, and program management skills.
• Strong presentation, storytelling, and visual communication abilities.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Proven experience directing FF&E, material samples, and finish schedules.
• Proven ability to lead multiple projects and senior stakeholders simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience with luxury boutique hotels, lifestyle hospitality brands, yacht, or cruise refurbishment/newbuild projects.
• Familiarity with shipyard environments and marine design constraints.
• Knowledge of hospitality FF&E procurement and specification processes.
• Experience reviewing technical drawings, architectural packages, and material specifications.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, or similar design tools.
• Exposure to internationally recognized luxury hospitality brands or design-led environments is highly valued.

Personal Attributes

• Strong aesthetic sensibility aligned with contemporary luxury hospitality brands.
• Passion for creating warm, residential, design-forward guest environments.
• Strong understanding of how design influences emotion, comfort, social interaction, and guest memory-making.
• Highly detail-oriented, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
• Collaborative and influential in leading multiple stakeholders and creative partners.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and evolving environment.
• Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on design leadership and day-to-day execution.
• Passion for travel, hospitality, culture, and guest experience.

Travel Requirements

Domestic and international travel required, including ship visits, shipyard attendance, vendor meetings, mock-ups, and project inspections.

Why Join AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways is entering an exciting new chapter in the evolution of luxury river cruising, one focused on redefining the onboard experience through elevated design, boutique-hotel-inspired interiors, and immersive guest-centered hospitality.

This role offers a rare opportunity to lead the visual and experiential future of one of the industry’s most respected brands, shaping both fleet modernization initiatives and next-generation vessel concepts alongside executive leadership, internationally recognized design partners, and global shipyard teams.