Junior interior designer and creative assistant

Junior interior designer and creative assistant

Freelance 23400 - 28600 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to create stunning interiors and support exciting design projects.
  • Company: Mehrai Design, a vibrant interior design studio in London.
  • Benefits: Gain hands-on experience and grow your design skills in a supportive environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work closely with industry leaders and develop your portfolio.
  • Why this job: Be part of a creative team and make a real impact on beautiful commercial spaces.
  • Qualifications: Two years of experience in interior design and strong AutoCAD skills required.

The predicted salary is between 23400 - 28600 £ per year.

Mehrai Design is looking for a creative, highly organised and self-motivated junior interior designer and creative assistant to join its London studio.

Location

London – studio-based

Contract

freelance

Experience

minimum two years’ professional practice experience

This is a varied and hands‑on role within a small interior design practice specialising in beautifully crafted commercial and hospitality interiors.

We are looking for a capable all‑rounder who combines strong design and space‑planning skills with excellent written communication and organisation. the successful candidate will work closely with the Founder and Creative Director, providing dependable design and project support across several live workstreams.

Applicants must currently live in London, speak and write fluent English and be available to work regularly from our Wimbledon studio.

Applicants must already have the unrestricted right to work in the UK. visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

The role

You will work closely with the creative director and senior team members across the design process, from early concept development and space planning through to developed design, technical coordination and project delivery.

You must have a practical understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work, particularly stages one to four, and experience of how a project develops from initial briefing and concept through to coordinated design information and implementation on site.

This role would suit someone who enjoys the breadth and responsibility of working within a small practice. you should be comfortable taking initiative, managing your own workload and moving between creative, technical and practical project tasks.

Key responsibilities

  • producing accurate drawings and design information in Auto CAD
  • developing space plans and testing layout options independently
  • creating and developing Sketch Up models
  • supporting projects through RIBA Stages one–four
  • supporting concept development, material palettes and mood boards
  • assisting with the development and coordination of design information
  • producing clear and beautifully formatted client presentations
  • taking detailed and accurate meeting notes
  • translating meetings and discussions into clear actions and follow‑ups
  • drafting well‑written project emails, notes and supporting documents
  • maintaining drawing registers, action trackers and project documentation
  • coordinating samples, finishes, specifications and FF&E schedules
  • researching products, materials, suppliers and specialist makers
  • liaising professionally with clients, consultants, suppliers and contractors
  • attending and assisting with client, consultant and contractor meetings
  • attending site visits, recording progress and following up design actions
  • reviewing site progress against the agreed design intent
  • organising samples and maintaining the studio materials library
  • assisting with project case studies, website updates and social media content
  • updating and managing website content through Squarespace
  • providing general design and project support to the Creative Director and wider team

Essential skills and experience

  • a minimum of two years’ professional experience within an interior design or architectural practice
  • demonstrable involvement in at least one project from initial concept through to completion or site delivery
  • practical site experience and confidence attending site meetings and recording actions
  • a working understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work, particularly Stages one–four
  • an understanding of the difference between concept design, developed design and technical design
  • strong Auto CAD and Sketch Up skills
  • confident space‑planning ability
  • a good understanding of scale, circulation, functionality and commercial interior requirements
  • the ability to produce clear and accurate drawing information
  • proficiency in Photoshop and In Design, or equivalent presentation software
  • excellent spoken and written English
  • strong writing, spelling, grammar and proofreading skills
  • the ability to listen carefully and produce clear, comprehensive meeting notes
  • experience using Squarespace or a similar website platform
  • strong Microsoft Office and Google Drive skills
  • excellent visual judgement and attention to detail
  • the ability to prioritise several workstreams and follow tasks through to completion
  • current London residency
  • unrestricted right to work in the UK without sponsorship

Experience in Revit would be advantageous but is not essential.

Personal qualities

We are looking for someone who is

  • passionate and knowledgeable about interiors, architecture, materials and design
  • proactive, resourceful and solutions‑focused
  • highly organised, dependable and discreet
  • self‑driven and comfortable taking responsibility
  • able to anticipate what is needed rather than always waiting for instruction
  • a clear and confident verbal and written communicator
  • comfortable working directly with the Founder and Creative Director
  • professional when communicating with clients, consultants, suppliers and contractors
  • confident working both independently and collaboratively
  • happy working within a close‑knit and fast‑moving practice
  • keen to learn, contribute ideas and grow with the studio

This is not a narrowly defined production role.

It is an opportunity for an ambitious designer to gain meaningful experience across the creative, technical and practical sides of a design practice and become a trusted and integral member of the team.

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Junior interior designer and creative assistant employer: Critical Playground LLC

Critical Playground LLC is an exceptional employer located in Wellingborough, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a commitment to employee growth, the company provides ample opportunities for professional development alongside competitive benefits such as 25 days of holiday and a matched pension scheme. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your contributions directly impact our creative projects and client relationships.

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Contact Details:

Critical Playground LLC Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior interior designer and creative assistant

Get Your Work Showcased

As a freelance architect, having a stunning portfolio is a must. Let’s ensure you're showcasing your best designs online, maybe through a personal website or platforms like Behance. Keep it updated with recent projects, even the little ones, so potential clients get a feel for your style!

Network in the Right Places

Join local architecture firms and freelance groups on Facebook or LinkedIn. Participating in architecture-related community events or meetups is also crucial. You never know when a conversation might lead to your next project or client!

Leverage Your Local Connections

Tap into your local community by visiting city council meetings or regional architecture exhibitions. This is where you can get to know potential clients, builders, and other architects, and establish yourself as a go-to freelancer for their projects.

Use Our Website Effectively

When looking for freelance gigs, don't forget to check out our website regularly. It’s a great hub for architecture opportunities and networking prospects. Plus, if you find something interesting, just remember to apply - we’re rooting for you!

We think you need these skills to ace Junior interior designer and creative assistant

Interior Design
Space Planning
AutoCAD
SketchUp
RIBA Plan of Work
Technical Coordination
Project Delivery

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Creative Portfolio:For a freelance architecture gig like this, your portfolio needs to shine! Include your best projects showcasing your design style, technical skills, and any innovative concepts. Make sure to present a variety of work that highlights your versatility—clients love to see how you can tackle different design challenges.

Highlight Relevant Skills and Software Knowledge:In architecture, specific skills and software proficiency can set you apart. Be sure to mention your experience with design tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit in your CV. Don't forget to include any certifications or training you've completed that pertain to architecture—it shows commitment to your craft!

Tailor Your Proposal to Each Project:When applying for freelance positions, tailoring your proposal is key to getting noticed. Take the time to address how your skills and portfolio match the specific project by Critical Playground LLC. Clients want to know what unique value you bring to the table, so let your personality shine through in your writing!

Be Clear About Your Availability and Rates:Being freelance means you need to be upfront about your availability and rates. In your application to Critical Playground LLC, mention how many hours you can dedicate to the project and your hourly or project-based fees. This readiness helps both you and the client set clear expectations from the start.

How to prepare for a job interview at Critical Playground LLC

Showcase Your Creative Portfolio

When we’re dealing with architecture, your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure you've curated a selection of your best work that truly showcases your style and versatility. Have it organised—think projects that demonstrate your skills in different areas, whether it’s sustainable design or urban planning. Be ready to discuss the thought process behind each piece!

Master Your Software Skills

Familiarity with tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit is often a must in architecture. Be ready to chat about specific projects where you utilised these tools, and if possible, demonstrate your competence. Maybe even bring your laptop along to show a quick digital sketch or model you’ve worked on—that can really impress!

Pitch Your Unique Value

As a freelancer, you’re not just applying for a job; you’re essentially pitching yourself as a brand. Think about what makes you different—whether it’s a unique design philosophy, a specific project experience, or a knack for client collaboration. Be prepared to discuss how you can add value to Critical Playground LLC and why they should choose you over others.

Understand the Client's Vision

Before the interview, take a moment to explore any projects or vision statements from Critical Playground LLC. Think about how your style and past projects align with their work. Keeping the conversation fluid and showing that you 'get' their goals can create a solid connection and position you as a perfect fit for their freelance needs!