Alexandra Jones

Hybrid design and project professional with 14 years' experience across interior design, FF&E, specification, procurement coordination, relationship management and hospitality project delivery. Classically trained designer (BA Hons) with the last seven years spent working closely alongside leading hospitality studios, procurement agents and manufacturing teams to translate design intent into commercially viable, buildable solutions. Skilled in specification management, supplier coordination, value engineering, sampling, stakeholder communication and overseeing projects through to installation.

Experienced in balancing creative, operational and commercial requirements across high-end hospitality schemes whilst maintaining strong client and supplier relationships. Now seeking a client-side or procurement-focused role within a hybrid working environment, where creative understanding, project coordination and commercial awareness can be combined.

Hospitality Design Consultant & Business Development Manager - Robena Contract Furnishings & Southern Drapes - London

(2018-01)

Robena and Southern Drapes are high-end soft furnishing companies, with Robena based in West Yorkshire and Southern Drapes based in Acton, West London. I initially joined Robena in Manchester before relocating to London to increased demand in the market.

Following

Robena's acquisition of Southern Drapes in 2022, my role as Business Development Manager has covered both companies. This role is a hybrid, client-facing position that extends far beyond traditional sales, combining project coordination, operations, consultancy and account management across high-end hospitality schemes. The role operates between designers, procurement teams, production and installation teams, overseeing projects from initial specification through to completion. It also involves a strong consultancy element, where I use my FF&E and soft furnishings knowledge to advise designers on specification, value engineering, practicality, lead times, manufacturing methods and installation considerations, helping to secure both the design intent and operational requirements are successfully achieved.

• Lead projects at The Dorchester, The Ritz, Soho House and Pan Pacific through specification choices and technical guidance.
• Guided designers through soft furnishing specifications.
• Coordinated sampling, finishes, approvals and alternatives.
• Delivered CPD Lunch & Learn presentations to designers, procurement teams and hospitality clients.
• Generated new business opportunities whilst developing and maintaining long-standing client relationships.
• Resolved production and installation issues on site.
• Managed timelines across multiple hospitality schemes.
• Provided cost-saving and design led alternatives during specification reviews.
• Represented the company at networking events, client visits and industry functions.

Interior Designer - Uber Interiors - Manchester

(2017-01 - 2018-12)

I have worked across hospitality, F&B, commercial and high-end residential interior design within several practices across the North West of England.

Interior Designer - Stylise Design - Manchester

(2016-01 - 2017-12)

Interior Designer - Koncept ID - Manchester

(2015-01 - 2016-12)

Junior Interior Designer - Architect CT - Manchester

(2011-01 - 2015-12)

Typical responsibilities within these roles included:

• Concept design, FF&E specification, mood boards & material palettes.
• Sourcing, supplier liaison & presentation development.
• Client presentations
• Light AutoCad support for layouts and elevations.
• Site visits and installation day coordination.
• Experience on large-scale commercial schemes such as Novotel canary Wharf and high-end residential projects at Uber Interiors.

BA (Hons) - Interior Design - Manchester School of Art (2010-01 - 2010-12)