At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning 3D environments for exciting projects in retail, leisure, and more.
- Company: Join Cod Steaks, a leading creative build agency based in Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 20 days holiday plus bank holidays, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on creativity and technical expertise.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects like Harry Potter Flagship stores and Aardman Animations.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in technical design with strong CAD skills required.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 46000 £ per year.
Cod Steaks is a multi-disciplinary design and build company creating bespoke 3D environments across retail and leisure, museum and heritage, public art, film and TV, and PR and marketing. Our work ranges from finely crafted miniature sets for Aardman Animations to large-scale themed interiors for the Harry Potter Flagship stores. Recognised as one of the UK’s leading creative build agencies, we are known for exceptional design, technical expertise and immersive visitor experiences. Our expertise spans theme parks, exhibitions, brand centres, retail environments, visitor attractions, science centres, animation, film, museums, aquariums, zoos, and art installations worldwide.
Based in Bristol, our fully equipped workshop brings together exceptional design and skilled fabrication under one roof. With in-house expertise across design, model-making, sculpting, carpentry, metalwork, spray, and artwork finishes, we deliver ambitious projects of all sizes. As we continue to build a strong pipeline of projects, we are looking for a Senior Technical Designer to support our busy production schedule.
The successful candidate will have a sound knowledge of materials, fabrication methods, and manufacturing processes. Working closely with Project Management and Fabrication, you will translate creative concepts into practical, buildable solutions and produce detailed technical drawings and 3D models ready for manufacture.
Skills & Competencies:- Minimum of 6 years’ technical design experience within the exhibition, attraction, experiential, theatre, or set building sectors
- A strong track record demonstrated through CV and portfolio
- Ability to interpret creative concepts and develop them into practical buildable solutions
- Knowledge of construction processes and experience of working alongside a workshop team
- Experience producing manufacture-ready drawings for joinery, CNC, laser cutting, metal fabrication/machining, GRP, 3D printing
- Proactive and practical approach, with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work with minimal supervision, interacting with various stakeholders including in-house departments, clients and external suppliers
- Technical ability to investigate new fabrication processes
- Awareness of electromechanical design principles
- Proficient in 2D and 3D CAD (e.g. Solidworks, Rhino, AutoCAD or equivalent)
- Must be familiar with MS Office & SharePoint
- Skills in Adobe CS, Corel or other graphics package would be a bonus
- Interpreting concept designs/sketches provided by client, breaking elements down to produce fully resolved designs
- Providing 2D technical drawings & 3D CAD models to both our in-house construction team and outsourced contractors
- Undertaking site surveys
- Producing designs compliant with both health and safety and CDM regulations
- Collaborating closely with the in-house build team to produce designs which work within the parameters of project budget, timescales and aesthetics
- Liaising closely with structural engineers and other specialist contractors as necessary
- Sourcing relevant parts, components, specialist materials and researching new processes
- Providing full list of component parts/materials and machine ready cutting files
- Producing project bill of quantities for costing/ordering
- Maintaining drawings system on file and updating when required
- Preparing presentations for client approval and supporting manufacture & installation literature as required
- Assisting with quotations, providing estimates for design time & materials
- Assisting Project Management with progress/monthly valuations related to design
- Salary - starting from £39,000
- Contract type - permanent, full-time (40 hrs per week)
- Location - based in Bristol, UK (no remote working)
- Holiday - 20 days + 8 bank holidays. Up to 5 extra days awarded according to length of service
- Start date - we’re waiting for the right candidate, but an immediate start is available for someone of the appropriate calibre
Suitable applicants will only be considered on receipt of: CV demonstrating relevant skills and experience, Portfolio of previous work in PDF format (not sent as a link to social media). We are unable to offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Designers in Bath
✨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 Cod Steaks 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 Technical Designers in Bath
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 Cod Steaks!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Cod Steaks. 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 Cod Steaks
✨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 Cod Steaks.