At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with Es Devlin on innovative art and design projects, from concept to completion.
- Company: Join a renowned creative studio in London, working with a leading contemporary artist.
- Benefits: Unique opportunity to work on high-profile projects and develop your design skills.
- Other info: Nurture junior talent while enjoying a dynamic and creative work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a rare opportunity to shape iconic installations and performances globally.
- Qualifications: Extensive design experience, strong teamwork, and excellent drawing skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Es Devlin Studio is seeking a Senior Associate Designer to join its team in London. We are a small southeast London based creative studio dedicated to developing and realising British contemporary artist and designer Es Devlin’s art and design projects. Our practice encompasses large scale art installations at institutions including V&A, Design Museum, Serpentine Gallery, Pinacoteca di Brera Milan, Faena Miami and Tate Modern; performance designs at the Met Opera, Royal Opera House, National Theatre and Sadlers Wells; as well as collaborations with fashion houses, and kinetic stage sculptures with celebrated musicians and Olympic and Super Bowl ceremonies.
We are seeking a senior designer with extensive experience in these fields, excellent drawing and rendering expertise as well as great skills in teamwork and communication, who has already designed a portfolio of large scale projects from concept to completion. As senior associate designer you will collaborate closely with Es Devlin to research and develop art and design concepts and produce first class technical drawings, illustrations, renders and animations. You will manage communications for specific projects with commissioning partners, fabrication vendors and creative collaborators, and will travel regularly in order to supervise fabrication, installation and realisation of Es Devlin’s art and design projects globally. You will also nurture the skills and talents of the studio’s more junior design associates.
This is a rare opportunity to become part of Es Devlin’s senior design associate team: this type of opening tends to arise once or twice every three to four years. Please send a CV, cover letter and portfolio by 15 May 2026.
Essential skills:
- 3D modelling/visualisation: Rhino, Cinema 4D, Premiere Pro
- 2D Design/graphics: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects
- Fabrication: 3D printing, laser cutting, architectural model making
Essential experience:
- At least three years’ in a comparable role.
Senior associate designer employer: Critical Playground LLC
Contact Detail:
Critical Playground LLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior associate designer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow designers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or collaborations.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your work! Make sure your portfolio is up-to-date and highlights your best large-scale projects. Use our website to showcase your skills and make it easy for potential employers to see what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Es Devlin’s past projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision and how you can contribute to their creative process.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior associate designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Best Work: When putting together your portfolio, make sure to highlight your most impressive projects. We want to see your creativity and technical skills shine through, so choose pieces that demonstrate your experience in large-scale designs and installations.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! We’re looking for candidates who understand our work and ethos. Make sure to customise your application to reflect how your experience aligns with the role and Es Devlin’s vision.
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to your experience in design.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials in the right format. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Critical Playground LLC
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Make sure you can talk confidently about each project in your portfolio. Highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your depth of experience and your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Research Es Devlin's Work
Familiarise yourself with Es Devlin’s past projects and artistic style. Understanding her vision will help you align your ideas with her creative direction, making it easier to discuss how you can contribute to future projects.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your proficiency in 3D modelling and visualisation tools like Rhino and Cinema 4D. Bring examples of your technical drawings and renders to demonstrate your expertise and how you can apply these skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams. Discuss how you’ve managed communications with partners and vendors, showcasing your ability to lead and nurture junior designers.