At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting interior and FF&E design projects in the education sector from concept to delivery.
- Company: Join Belle Unique Ltd, a forward-thinking studio with a focus on high design standards.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and genuine autonomy in your role.
- Other info: Supportive environment where your hard work is recognised and career growth is encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile education projects and see your designs come to life.
- Qualifications: Degree in Interior Design or equivalent experience, plus strong background in education projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Due to a sustained increase in secured education projects, Belle Unique Ltd is expanding the studio. Our continued growth reflects the trust placed in us by local authorities and main contractors, and we’re now looking to strengthen the team with a Senior Interior / FF&E Designer who can confidently lead projects from concept through to delivery.
This is a senior role for someone experienced, assured, and comfortable taking ownership — not a support role, not a stepping-stone.
The Role
- Lead interior and FF&E design projects across the education sector
- Take projects from concept through RIBA stages to Stage 5 delivery
- Develop strong, well-considered design concepts aligned with budgets and programme
- Produce detailed Revit models, layouts, FF&E schedules, and specifications
- Produce detailed technical drawings for bespoke furniture and fitted elements
- Prepare and issue Stage 5 coordinated drawings, aligned with architectural, M&E, and other consultant information
- Resolve clashes and coordination issues collaboratively with the wider design team
- Present designs clearly and confidently to clients, stakeholders, and end users
- Coordinate with architects, M&E consultants, contractors, and suppliers
- Prepare FF&E schedules for costing, procurement, and installation
- Attend design meetings, workshops, and site visits when required
- Maintain high design quality while working within tight timescales
About You
You know your stuff — and you’re comfortable standing behind it.
Essential:
- Degree in Interior Design or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience)
- Proven experience as a Senior Interior Designer / FF&E Designer
- Strong background in education projects (schools, colleges, universities)
- Highly confident presenting designs to clients and stakeholders
- Advanced working knowledge of Revit (non-negotiable)
- Experience producing detailed bespoke furniture drawings
- Experience delivering Stage 5 coordinated information
- Strong technical understanding of interiors, FF&E, and buildability
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a close-knit team
Desirable:
- Membership of a professional body (e.g. BIID, SBID, or similar)
- Experience working with main contractors and local authorities
- Strong understanding of RIBA work stages
- BIM Level 2 / coordinated model experience
- Enscape or similar visualisation tools
- Knowledge of procurement and installation processes
What We Offer
- Salary based on experience — we value capability, not job titles
- Opportunity to work on high-profile education projects
- Genuine autonomy and responsibility
- A growing, forward-thinking studio with high design standards
- Hybrid working options (role-dependent)
- Supportive, professional environment where good work is recognised
The Straight Talk
This role exists because the work is there. If you enjoy leading projects, coordinating properly, presenting with confidence, and seeing your designs built as intended, you’ll fit right in. If you’re looking for something passive or purely conceptual, this won’t be the right match.
How to Apply
If you meet the criteria outlined above, please forward your CV (and portfolio, if available) to design@belle-unique.co.uk. Due to the anticipated level of interest, we will contact candidates who are selected to progress to the interview stage.
Senior Interior/FF&E Designer - Education Sector in Glasgow employer: Belle Unique
At Belle Unique Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer in the education sector, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Scotland. Our team enjoys genuine autonomy and the opportunity to lead high-profile projects, with a strong emphasis on professional growth and recognition for outstanding work. With hybrid working options and a commitment to high design standards, we foster a culture that values capability and innovation, making us an attractive choice for talented designers looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Interior/FF&E Designer - Education Sector in Glasgow
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Belle Unique who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Interior/FF&E Designer - Education Sector in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Belle Unique!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Belle Unique. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Belle Unique
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Belle Unique.
