Design Manager with architectural background - Office Fit-out

Design Manager with architectural background – Office Fit-out

As part of our continued growth, we\’re actively seeking a Design Manager to join our busy office sector team in London. On the doorstop of Clerkenwell, our London studio provides a vibrant environment for fostering creativity and innovation.

About you

You should demonstrate ambition and enthusiasm for success, along with a readiness to serve as an ambassador for the business. The role requires a strong technical aptitude and the ability to adapt to challenging situations.

Responsibilities

1. Display strong leadership in directing and coordinating design teams (internal and external)
2. Prepare and review project programming and project delivery objectives
3. Develop design responsibility matrix
4. Manage and track master design deliverables schedule of full design team
5. Chair and minute workshops with supply chain partners
6. Manage samples, tech submissions, and mock-up schedules
7. Ensure your projects are fully resourced and project deadlines are met
8. Inspire your team to design aspirational projects that are both innovative and creative in their resolution
9. Nurture existing client relationships and seek out new potential sources of work. Log and maintain all relationship development activities in the company CRM
10. Leading and writing fee proposals / bids. Log and maintain all pipeline and live projects on the company Bid Tracker
11. Assist with and take on some of the studio administration tasks such as resource management and invoicing
12. Act as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring exceptional communication
13. Present work to clients in an inspiring, engaging, professional and creative manner
14. Act as both manager and mentor to members of the team to promote a collaborative atmosphere
15. Proactively develop high quality spatial, architectural and operational designs both independently and within the studio to meet the vision of the practice and client’s brief
16. Ensure projects are delivered within the fee parameters, reporting back data where projects are at risk. Log and maintain all risks on the company Risk Register. Inform the Directors of any significant risks to the business immediately
17. Drive exceptional quality in both graphical, technical and 3D output as well as the final built result
18. Continuously look for and implement opportunities to increase efficiencies and improvements in operational and design terms across the practice
19. Strong understanding of regulatory standards (Building Regulations, health & safety standards, and planning legislation)
20. Keep up to date with registration and charter requirements (ARB / RIBA / CIAT)
21. Uphold and implement requirements for ISO 9001 / 14001
22. Maintain and ensure business, client and project confidentiality
23. Mentor junior staff and participate in the development of the design team
24. Contribute to the improvement of office standards, workflows, and design processes
25. Develop and maintain professional relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and local authorities

Requirements

1. Proven experience as a Design Manager of office fit-out projects
2. UK qualified architect or architectural technologist with significant post-qualification experience (7 years+)
3. Experience in working on projects with a construction value between £5M – £100M
4. Confident, organised and proactive
5. Experience working with fit-out contractors, architects, and project managers
6. Strong knowledge of construction techniques, materials, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) coordination
7. Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and contracts
8. Ability to develop and manage design programmes, ensuring alignment with project timelines
9. Familiarity with sustainable design principles and BREEAM/LEED standards
10. Excellent communicator and negotiator with clients, contractors, and suppliers
11. Ability to present design concepts clearly in meetings and reports to the aforementioned
12. Quick decision-making in resolving design conflicts or site issues
13. Ability to adapt to fast-track project timelines and evolving client requirements
14. Highly competent, experienced and passionate about technical detailing and the production of technical information
15. Highly experienced in the delivery of projects on-site including contract administration
16. Highly experienced in the managing of external multidisciplinary consultants
17. Highly experienced in producing exceptional concept design, visualisation and technical design output
18. Excellent in the use of Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Revit, Autocad and Common Data Environments (e.g. Acconex, Asite etc.)
19. Excellent use of the English language, both written and spoken word

Benefits

1. Agile working (with 2 days remote)
2. Vitality health scheme
3. Life assurance
4. 25 days leave + bank holidays + birthday off
5. Enhanced maternity/paternity package
6. Membership body payments
7. Pension scheme (5% employee + 3% employer contributions)
8. Cycle to work scheme
9. Electric car scheme
10. Eye care vouchers
11. Further education and training
12. Workplace wellbeing support
13. Mentoring opportunities

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio showcasing relevant work samples to . We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can contribute to our team\’s success!

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