At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented design team and oversee high-quality interior projects.
- Company: A leading specialist interiors business with a focus on bespoke solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £85,000 and senior leadership responsibilities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and influence in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on design strategy and processes in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in design management and strong technical knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
A leading specialist interiors business is seeking an experienced Head of Design to take responsibility for its design function and lead a talented team delivering high-quality commercial interior and bespoke fit-out projects. The business specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke interior solutions, working across commercial workplaces and residential developments. This is a senior position offering the opportunity to have a genuine influence on the design strategy, processes and continued growth of the business.
The Role
As Head of Design, you will lead the internal design team and oversee the design process from initial development through technical design, manufacturing and installation. You will work closely with clients, architects, contractors, suppliers and internal project teams to ensure designs are technically robust, commercially viable and capable of being delivered to a high standard.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead, manage and develop the internal design team.
- Oversee design development and technical detailing across multiple projects.
- Manage design programmes, resources and technical deliverables.
- Ensure designs are practical, buildable and aligned with project requirements.
- Coordinate design information with manufacturing, commercial and project delivery teams.
- Work closely with architects, contractors, clients and specialist suppliers.
- Review technical drawings and design information.
- Resolve technical interfaces and design issues throughout project delivery.
- Ensure design quality and consistency across all projects.
- Support value engineering and design optimisation.
- Improve design processes, standards and workflows.
- Provide senior technical and design leadership across the business.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will have significant experience within a senior design management or design leadership position, ideally gained within:
- Commercial interior fit-out
- Bespoke joinery
- Specialist interiors
- Architectural joinery
- Workplace interiors
- Shopfitting or specialist construction
You will ideally have:
- Proven experience managing and developing a design team.
- Strong technical design and detailing knowledge.
- Experience working on complex interior or specialist construction projects.
- An understanding of manufacturing, production and installation processes.
- Strong knowledge of design coordination and buildability.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- The ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
- Strong commercial awareness.
- A proactive approach to improving design processes and delivery.
This role would suit an experienced Design Manager, Senior Design Manager, Design Director or Head of Design looking to take ownership of a design function within a growing specialist interiors business.
What's on Offer
Salary up to £85,000. Senior leadership position with responsibility ...
Head of Design in London employer: Brandon James
Join a well-established independent consultancy in Birmingham, where you will enjoy a dynamic work culture that fosters autonomy and direct client engagement. With a strong focus on professional development, the firm offers excellent benefits including a competitive salary, private healthcare, and opportunities for mentorship, making it an ideal environment for ambitious Chartered Building Surveyors looking to shape their careers while contributing to a growing team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design in London
✨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 Brandon James 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 Head of Design in London
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 Brandon James!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Brandon James. 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 Brandon James
✨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 Brandon James.
