We outsourced procurement 18 months ago. It freed up significant capacity but you share the margin. We now do a hybrid, keep procurement for key statement pieces where the client relationship matters, outsource the volume items. Worth testing on one project first.

11k for 6 yrs managing multiple sites is low ngl. I was at 14k with similar experience 2 years ago and that was considered mid-range even then.

Interviews are the best place to actually find this out honestly, recruiters will tell you real numbers once they see your CV.

Make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Some "PM" titles here are basically project coordinators with a fancier title lol. But I would say you are on the low side and definitely should try bringing up your pay.

Haha just wanted to comment on the previous response… "recruiters will tell you real numbers?"…. errr, no they won't. It's their job to get you hired for as low as possible, just saying…

15% is too low for the work involved in procurement. I charge 20% as standard, written into the contract. High-end clients sometimes negotiate to 18% but I rarely go below that. Hope that helps you.

Hi, that's an interesting question. But I feel impossible to answer without more context... all depends on the project and budget. Sometimes we even not put any percentage if we need the work :)

Hello :) To me, I think you're okay. Definitely request higher than what they are offering, as HR usually give you a lower offer and expect you to negotiate. But at 14K I would think isn't so bad especially if there are other perks. But note this all depends a lot on your degree, background, skills, portfolio and how well all that aligns with the firm. If that all aligns nicely that you might have some room to get more. Good luck!

14k is on the low side for 8 years experience. Most I know at that level are on 18–22k in mid-size firms. I'd push back and ask for at least 17-18k minimum before accepting.

Anything above 8k base plus reasonable commission is decent in this space from what I've seen across a few suppliers.

10k base plus commission is roughly where I am too, but commission structure makes a huge difference. Percentage based on margin vs volume changes everything.

I'm very curious how others structure commission too, mine is tiered based on monthly targets which works out better in busy months.

Hi there. Look it's impossible to say because it all depends on where you work, what kind of projects they are and the value involved, what your skills are. In general though, you're not really underpaid. 3 years is still very young and you're considered a junior. I'd say definitely keep asking for higher but also try to get more responsibility so you can back up your request. Unfortunately workload isn't always a measure that companies use (sadly) it's more about the level of responsibility and scope. Try to be involved in decision making, join important meetings, and ask to take on new projects. im in HR and used to work for design firms so hopefully Im giving you good advice :)) good luck

Yes, you're underpaid. 3 years experience in Dubai running 4–5 live projects should be 10–13k depending on firm size. Start looking.

5k is a reasonable ask in Dubai for a fresh grad. Realistic range is 4.5–6k depending on the firm size. Don't undersell yourself but also don't price yourself out of good learning environments early on.

I graduated from AUS a few years ago and started at 4.8k in a small studio. Within 2 years I was on 9k with real project experience. At this stage chase the best learning environment, not the highest starting number.

Hello ! Starting out early in your career can be confusing. Previous replies here are spot on, prioritize learning over salary in the early years. But make sure you also set a baseline for yourself, understand what you will and won't accept. alculate your expenses, transport, and establish what you need to feel rewarded, and what work conditions work for you. Then negotiate higher pay (always). There is usually a little room for you to earn higher than their offer. Best of luck to you.

It's the industry but not all of the industry. Firms that normalise 60+ hour weeks are usually fit-out companies with back-to-back handover deadlines and poor planning. It's a management problem dressed up as culture...

I left a firm like that 2 years ago. First 3 month in the new place I kept waiting for the crunch that never came. Ask in interviews specifically what the average hours are during a live fit-out. Good luck and take care.

Hello fellow freelancer! I'm on IFZA, been on it 2 years. Total annual cost including license, visa and medical is around AED 18k. SHAMS is slightly cheaper but I've heard renewals can be slower. Both should work fine for residential ID and FF&E work.

Hey, absolutely you should not do it. Respond professionally and explain that you don't have the time available on your hands to do a proper concept. And that you prefer to do so once hired. Offer to come in again and discuss your skills, portfolio and even bounce some design ideas for a current project they have. But don't take any work home for free. Been there many times, I know its hard. Good luck to you!!

It can vary and isn't always consistent, but it seems the rate you got is pretty average. I started at around 2% a few years ago and my rate increased with experience. with you all the best

Seems like a reasonable rate, I would say go with it. Best of luck!!

Complete Renovation & Fit-Out Solutions in the UAE With experience dating back to 2006 and a team of 25 skilled professionals, we provide comprehensive interior design, renovation, and fit-out services for villas, apartments, offices, and commercial spaces across the UAE. We handle interior design and technical drawings, NOC requirements, approvals and permits, as well as project supervision. Our scope of work includes interior finishing, ceilings and partitions, painting, electrical and plum

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Hello there. For that budget in Business Bay get quotes from 4–5 contractors and ask for references from similar sized apartments specifically. The ones that finish on time tend to be smaller operations with the owner actively on site. Avoid anyone who can't give you at least 3 recent client contacts. good luck

Dear Hiring Team, I am writing to express my interest in Lead Interior Designer / Design Manager opportunities within your organization. With 25+ years of experience across the UAE and Lebanon, I have delivered luxury residential, hospitality, commercial and government fit-out projects, including Carlton Downtown Hotel and Dubai Courts, with project values exceeding AED 40M. I have led teams of up to 20 professionals, combining high-end conceptual design and hand-sketching with strong technica

Firstly just keep in mind that salaries vary a lot and it really depends on many things like the type and profile of projects you work on, your exp, skills, and responsibilities, the company size, and other factors. But to be honest things haven't been very positive lately. Some of the smaller design firms/fit-out contractors just don't have the budget even if you deserve it. That said, from what I've heard about salaries of other designers, what you are asking seems to be reasonable and fair. Hope this helps

Not greedy at all honestly, 24k is actually on the lower end for someone with 15 yrs in high end villa/hotel work, in my opinion. I know designers with less exprience pulling that. Ask for it confidently and Good luck!

I am interested

Sounds fair to me

Yes possible

Hello yes Ive been wondering the same thing. My health has sufered over last few years and I dont get enough sleep. I am PM for a big architecture firm, very well known. There are too many projects and many overnight shifts. maybe its just the company I work for? would appreciate if any more experienced PMs can advice