OPPORTUNITY: Interior Designer for a Musical Lounge Restaurant

Lounge Life Douala aims to create an innovative musical lounge restaurant in the Douala 5ᵉ district (Bonamoussadi) – a vibrant space celebrating live Cameroonian music (makossa, afrobeat, bikutsi) and a fusion of local and international cuisine. With a capacity of 100 seats, this venue is set to become a cultural and culinary landmark in Douala.

We are looking for a talented Interior Designer to create a space that reflects the musical, culinary, and cultural identity of Cameroon, while delivering a modern, functional, and immersive lounge atmosphere. The designer will be expected to overcome local challenges (materials supply, energy constraints) and collaborate with local artisans and suppliers to ensure a sustainable and authentic design.

Main Objectives:

• Design an interior that enhances live music performances and celebrates Cameroonian heritage.
• Optimize the layout for concerts, dining, and relaxation.
• Integrate locally sourced materials to reduce costs and support the local economy.
• Provide detailed plans, 3D renderings, and budget estimates. 

Desired Profile

Education & Experience

• Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent experience (minimum 5 years in designing festive or commercial spaces).
• At least 3 years of experience designing interiors for restaurants, bars, lounges, or cultural venues – ideally in Africa.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with design tools (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop or equivalents).
• Understanding of safety standards (ERP) and acoustic requirements for musical venues.
• Ability to work with local materials (wood, African fabrics, etc.).
• Design project management, including supplier and artisan follow-up.

Interpersonal Skills

• Cultural sensitivity and ability to incorporate Cameroonian elements (patterns, colors, crafts).
• Creativity and the ability to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with the Project Manager and service providers.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• A CV (maximum 2 pages) detailing their experience in interior design.
• A motivation letter (maximum 500 words) outlining:
  • Their vision for the interior of a musical lounge in Douala.
  • Similar projects completed (with tangible outcomes).
  • Their approach to incorporating local materials.
• A portfolio (photos, 3D renderings, floorplans, mood boards) or links to projects (Instagram, Pinterest, website, etc.).
• Contact details for 2 to 3 professional references.

Submission Details

• Deadline: June 15, 2025, 5:00 PM (Douala time).
• Format: Single PDF document.

Submission channels:

• Email: lifelounge237@gmail.com (Subject: “Interior Designer Application – Lounge Douala 5ᵉ”)
• WhatsApp: +237 671 664 071
• Existing network of local suppliers or artisans (carpenters, weavers, etc.) is a plus.
• Proficiency in French; English and/or Pidgin is a bonus.