Senior FF&E and Catering Designer in Emsworth

CHALK Creatives | Remote - Office is Emsworth, Hampshire | Full-time | Permanent

Great Design Starts from the Inside Out.

Senior FF&E and Catering Designer

CHALK believes exceptional design is about more than creating beautiful spaces. It's about understanding how people use them, how they function and how they perform.

We are a progressive design, supply and delivery business specialising in furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E), catering environments and bespoke interior solutions across education, SEND, commercial workplaces, leisure and hospitality.

We're looking for an experienced, ambitious Senior FF&E and Catering Designer who combines creative vision with technical excellence, BIM-enabled design and a genuine passion for shaping inspiring, functional environments.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of projects, influence design outcomes and help shape the future of a growing, forward-thinking design studio.

The Role

You'll lead the development and delivery of FF&E and catering design solutions, from initial concept and space planning through detailed design, technical coordination, specification and project delivery. Working collaboratively with architects, contractors, consultants, specialist suppliers and our internal project teams, you'll translate creative ideas into coordinated, practical and commercially viable solutions.

We're looking for someone who is equally comfortable developing a compelling design concept, working confidently in Revit, coordinating multidisciplinary information and taking responsibility for delivering high-quality work.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Design & Placemaking

• Develop inspiring, functional FF&E and interior design solutions that respond to the needs of the people using them.
• Lead space planning, furniture layouts, material selections, finishes and design presentations.
• Apply creative, inside-out design thinking, considering accessibility, inclusion, sustainability and long-term performance.
• Translate client briefs into thoughtful, practical and commercially viable design solutions.

BIM-Enabled Design & Technical Excellence

• Produce accurate, coordinated FF&E layouts, specifications, schedules and technical design information using Autodesk Revit.
• Develop and coordinate BIM models, identifying and resolving technical issues and design clashes.
• Coordinate FF&E and catering requirements with architectural, structural and MEP information.
• Support structured information delivery, including COBie and project-specific BIM requirements.
• Maintain exceptional standards of technical accuracy, drawing quality and design documentation.

Multidisciplinary Coordination & Delivery

• Take ownership of allocated projects and design workstreams through the relevant RIBA stages.
• Collaborate with clients, architects, contractors, consultants and specialist suppliers.
• Attend and contribute to design workshops, technical reviews and coordination meetings.
• Manage design deliverables, priorities and deadlines, proactively resolving challenges.
• Ensure creative intent is translated into coordinated, buildable and deliverable solutions.

Digital Innovation, AI & Efficiency

• Embrace emerging technologies, intelligent workflows and digital design tools.
• Explore opportunities to use AI and automation to improve design quality, efficiency and productivity.
• Contribute to the development of smarter Revit workflows, BIM standards and digital design processes.
• Help shape a progressive studio culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.

Commercial Awareness & Project Ownership

• Take responsibility for the quality, accuracy and timely delivery of design information.
• Understand the relationship between design decisions, specification, procurement, budgets and installation.
• Support value engineering while protecting design quality, functionality and performance.
• Consider product suitability, technical viability, availability and whole-life value.
• Communicate clearly, make informed decisions and take ownership of project outcomes.

Collaboration, Leadership & Mentoring

• Contribute positively to a collaborative, high-performing design studio.
• Share knowledge, support junior colleagues and encourage best practice.
• Help establish and maintain consistent design and technical standards.
• Bring ideas, initiative and a genuine desire to improve how we work.

About You

You're an experienced, technically confident designer who combines creativity with practical delivery.

You thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, enjoy solving complex design challenges and take pride in seeing your work progress from concept to completion. You're organised, proactive, commercially aware and comfortable taking ownership. Above all, you're someone who makes things happen.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven professional experience in FF&E design, interior design, interior architecture or architectural/interior design technology.
• Strong working knowledge of Autodesk Revit, with the ability to independently produce and coordinate technical design information.
• Experience in FF&E specification, space planning, furniture layouts, materials and finishes.
• Experience delivering projects within education and/or commercial environments.
• Understanding of BIM-enabled design, multidisciplinary coordination and technical information management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication, presentation, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Commercial awareness and a proactive, accountable approach to project delivery.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working on education, SEND or Department for Education framework projects.
• Experience with commercial catering design, equipment layouts and specialist coordination.
• Knowledge of ISO 19650, COBie and structured BIM information delivery.
• Experience using AutoCAD, Autodesk Docs and 3D visualisation software.
• Understanding of RIBA work stages, technical design development and construction coordination.
• Experience in sustainable design, inclusive environments and placemaking.
• An interest in AI, digital innovation and design workflow optimisation.
• Experience mentoring or supporting other designers.

Why Join CHALK?

We're building a design studio where creativity, technical excellence and intelligent digital working come together.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Take genuine ownership of projects and design outcomes.
• Work across an exciting portfolio of education, SEND and commercial environments.
• Collaborate with experienced design, technical and project delivery professionals.
• Influence our approach to BIM, digital innovation and emerging technologies.
• Develop your skills, share your expertise and contribute to the growth of the studio.
• Be part of an ambitious business where your ideas, experience and contribution genuinely matter.

We're seeking someone to join our design studio and help shape its future.

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