Yu Group Limited is a Wellington-based hospitality and property group overseeing a diverse portfolio of restaurants, cafés, bars, breweries, and property developments across New Zealand. The group currently operates multiple hospitality brands, including Astoria Cafe, Mian Bar, Ronin Bar, Collective Coffee Shop \& Co, and others, while also expanding into construction and property development through affiliated companies.
With continued expansion and several new venues scheduled to open across Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch, Yu Group is seeking a Commercial Interior Design Consultant to support the design and delivery of new hospitality environments and refurbishments across the group.
The role reports directly to the Project Design Manager and works closely with operations, marketing, construction, and brand teams to ensure each venue delivers a distinctive and high-quality customer experience.
Position Overview
The Commercial Interior Design Consultant will be responsible for developing and implementing interior design concepts for hospitality venues and commercial spaces across Yu Group’s portfolio.
This role focuses on translating brand identity into functional, aesthetically compelling interior environments that enhance customer experience while maintaining operational efficiency.
The successful candidate will work across the full design lifecycle, from concept development and design documentation through to supplier coordination and on-site implementation.
Key Responsibilities
Interior Design Concept Development
Develop creative interior design concepts for commercial developments, including offices, hospitality venues, retail environments, and mixed-use spaces.
Interpret briefs and project requirements to produce design concepts that balance functionality, aesthetics, and commercial objectives.
Prepare mood boards, concept presentations, and design narratives for stakeholder approval.
Space Planning and Interior Layout Design
Produce detailed space planning and layout solutions that optimise spatial efficiency, workflow, and user experience.
Develop interior layouts in compliance with building codes, accessibility requirements, and safety regulations.
Integrate architectural elements, furniture layouts, lighting design, and circulation planning.
Technical Documentation and Design Detailing
Prepare professional interior design drawings and technical documentation, including:
o Floor plans
o Reflected ceiling plans
o Joinery drawings
o Interior elevations and sections
o Material and finishes schedules
Ensure drawings meet project documentation standards and construction requirements.
Materials, Finishes and Furniture Specification
Research and select appropriate materials, finishes, fixtures, furniture, lighting, and decorative elements suitable for commercial applications.
Prepare specification schedules and coordinate procurement requirements.
Ensure design selections meet durability, safety, sustainability, and cost objectives.
Collaboration with Project Teams
Work collaboratively with architects, engineers, contractors, and the project design manager throughout the design and construction process.
Coordinate interior design elements with overall architectural and building systems design.
Participate in project design meetings and contribute to multidisciplinary design discussions.
Project Coordination and Design Implementation
Assist in overseeing interior design implementation during construction to ensure designs are executed according to specification.
Conduct site visits and inspections to review progress and address design issues.
Provide design guidance to contractors and suppliers where required.
Visualisation and Design Presentation
Produce professional design presentations including 3D visualisations, renders, and presentation materials to communicate design concepts effectively.
Support internal and external presentations to project stakeholders and clients.
Compliance and Quality Assurance
Ensure interior design proposals comply with the New Zealand Building Code, safety regulations, and relevant industry standards.
Maintain high standards of design quality, documentation accuracy, and project delivery.
Key Skills and Competencies
Strong commercial interior design capability, particularly within hospitality or retail environments.
Advanced spatial planning and aesthetic design skills.
Ability to translate brand identity into physical environments.
Strong project coordination and stakeholder management skills.
High attention to detail and strong visual communication ability.
Ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously.
Qualifications \& Experience
At least a master’s degree in interior design, Spatial Design, Architecture, or a related discipline, OR
At least 5 years of relevant commercial interior design experience, ideally within hospitality or retail environments.
Demonstrated experience delivering interior design projects from concept through to completion.
Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar.
What We Offer
Opportunity to shape the design of multiple hospitality brands across New Zealand.
Involvement in exciting new venue openings and commercial developments.
A collaborative and creative working environment.
Competitive remuneration aligned with experience.