With 13+ years of international experience, I’ve delivered hundreds of projects across QSR, Retail, Hospitality, and Residential, working with world-renowned design studios such as "Marcel Wanders' studio as well as boutique practices like Studio C Tubman. My experience ranges from large-scale QSR for global brands like Starbucks and KFC, contributing to the opening of 180+ restaurants across multiple regions, to high-end luxury hotels, private apartments, retail flagships, and even Palaces for royal families. I manage projects from A to Z, from concept and design strategy through technical development and delivery. My strengths include design layout, concept creation, FF&E, technical detailing, reviewing construction documents, and preparing and presenting clear, compelling presentations to clients, directors, and stakeholders. I’m known for keeping projects running smoothly, on budget, and at the highest quality. Proactive and resilient under pressure, I bring energy, structure, and a positive mindset to complex environments, building strong relationships with franchisees, partners, suppliers, and contractors. Whether leading teams or collaborating cross-functionally, I focus on execution, clarity, and results. I have an academic background in Civil Engineering and graduated cum laude as an Interior Designer, allowing me to bridge creative vision with construction reality. Reliable, creative, and persistent, I’m always keen to learn and committed to delivering the best possible outcome on every project.

Fabio Santos

With 13+ years of international experience, I’ve delivered hundreds of projects across QSR, Retail, Hospitality, and Residential, working with world-renowned design studios such as "Marcel Wanders' studio as well as boutique practices like Studio C Tubman. My experience ranges from large-scale QSR for global brands like Starbucks and KFC, contributing to the opening of 180+ restaurants across multiple regions, to high-end luxury hotels, private apartments, retail flagships, and even Palaces for royal families. I manage projects from A to Z, from concept and design strategy through technical development and delivery. My strengths include design layout, concept creation, FF&E, technical detailing, reviewing construction documents, and preparing and presenting clear, compelling presentations to clients, directors, and stakeholders. I’m known for keeping projects running smoothly, on budget, and at the highest quality. Proactive and resilient under pressure, I bring energy, structure, and a positive mindset to complex environments, building strong relationships with franchisees, partners, suppliers, and contractors. Whether leading teams or collaborating cross-functionally, I focus on execution, clarity, and results. I have an academic background in Civil Engineering and graduated cum laude as an Interior Designer, allowing me to bridge creative vision with construction reality. Reliable, creative, and persistent, I’m always keen to learn and committed to delivering the best possible outcome on every project.

Available to hire

With 13+ years of international experience, I’ve delivered hundreds of projects across QSR, Retail, Hospitality, and Residential, working with world-renowned design studios such as "Marcel Wanders’ studio as well as boutique practices like Studio C Tubman. My experience ranges from large-scale QSR for global brands like Starbucks and KFC, contributing to the opening of 180+ restaurants across multiple regions, to high-end luxury hotels, private apartments, retail flagships, and even Palaces for royal families.

I manage projects from A to Z, from concept and design strategy through technical development and delivery. My strengths include design layout, concept creation, FF&E, technical detailing, reviewing construction documents, and preparing and presenting clear, compelling presentations to clients, directors, and stakeholders.

I’m known for keeping projects running smoothly, on budget, and at the highest quality. Proactive and resilient under pressure, I bring energy, structure, and a positive mindset to complex environments, building strong relationships with franchisees, partners, suppliers, and contractors. Whether leading teams or collaborating cross-functionally, I focus on execution, clarity, and results.

I have an academic background in Civil Engineering and graduated cum laude as an Interior Designer, allowing me to bridge creative vision with construction reality. Reliable, creative, and persistent, I’m always keen to learn and committed to delivering the best possible outcome on every project.

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Language

English
Fluent
Portuguese
Fluent
French
Advanced
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced
Italian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Architect Retail at KFC Europe
October 2, 2023 - Present
• Oversaw and approved the opening of over 100 restaurants of various formats internationally. • Responsible for the final validation of projects and layout plans from external architects, in accordance with KFC brand standards (kitchens, back offices, interiors, exteriors, renovations, material selection, furniture, signage, etc.). • Ensured the administrative follow-up of ongoing procedures. • Acted as the primary point of contact for architects, site managers, and real estate representatives. • Coordinated numerous restaurant fit-out projects, from design to completion, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budgets, and delivering exceptional results.
Senior Interior Designer at Studio C Tubman
June 1, 2020 - September 30, 2023
• Design Project Manager for several luxury projects (United States and Amsterdam). • Design: concept development, technical drawings (CAD), project presentations, and development of bespoke furniture for luxury suites. • Creative design and development (concept, mood boards, material selection, bespoke furniture, technical drawings, etc.). • Guaranteed adherence to budget and deadlines agreed upon with the client, thanks to rigorous monitoring throughout the project. • Management of multidisciplinary teams and coordination with international partners.
Senior Interior Designer at FGstijl
June 1, 2019 - January 31, 2020
• Luxury hotel development projects: Ritz-Carlton, Park Central, Kempinski, from concept to final fit-out. Design and management of high-end hotel projects. • Creative and dynamic mindset, responsible for space planning, design, development, materials, and layouts, in direct collaboration with the client and architect. • Planning, coordination, and supervision of all activities related to site preparation and construction. Merchandising development. Design: concept, technical drawings (CAD), project presentations, and development of custom furniture for luxury suites.
Architect Retail at Starbucks EMEA
November 1, 2016 - March 1, 2019
• Monitoring and support of international franchisees. • Optimization of equipment and production spaces in fast-food outlets. Development, support, and monitoring of over 70 high-end outlets (flagship stores, pop-up shops, prestige boutiques). Supervision of operations: equipment and regulatory compliance. Development of the outlet network: design, preliminary studies, diagrams, design concepts, creation of plans and visual materials for implementation. Implementation of decoration and beautification techniques to strengthen brand image at outlets. Development and monitoring of action plans.
Interior Designer at CJ Decor
October 1, 2015 - October 31, 2016
• Management of interior design projects for high-end/luxury properties. Client contact, presentations, and negotiations. • Implementation of design and branding techniques to strengthen brand image at points of sale. • Responsible for implementing best technical practices and coordinating between the client, contractors, suppliers, and agencies. • Monitoring of quality, deadlines, and budget. Supervision of art direction, decoration, and window displays.
Interior Designer at Marcel Wanders
October 1, 2013 - September 30, 2015
• Projects for luxury hotels, brands, and boutiques: Kameha Grand Zurich, Raffles Qatar, Mondrian Doha, wellness centers/spas. • Expert in technical specifications. • Design of retail spaces for Maison Décorté Japan, from concept to completion. Development of luxury projects for royal families in Asia and the Middle East. • Coordination of local teams, quality control, and cultural integration in the Asian market. • Management of multiple projects. Management of operational issues with clients and the company.
Interior Designer at MGARK Architecture
May 1, 2013 - October 1, 2013
• Development of architectural plans and mood boards for materials and concepts. • Promotion of innovation in the approach to spatial planning. • Technical and equipment specialist. • 2D and 3D CAD design and technical drawing. • Definition of the scope of work related to the complete construction file.

Education

Bachelor - Interior and Product Design at ESART
September 1, 2010 - July 1, 2013
Bachelor - Civil Engineering at ISEC
September 1, 2008 - June 30, 2010
Leadership Development- Mooc at Oxford University
December 1, 2025 - December 30, 2025
Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills -Mooc at University of Michigan
November 1, 2021 - November 30, 2021

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.