Office Fit-out Design Manager & Project Architect/Architectural Technologist

Company Overview: We are an award-winning global practice for sustainable Architecture and Design, founded in 1883 and with seven studios across the UK. Renowned for our quality design and technical delivery, we have long-standing relationships with some of the biggest global brands.

As part of our continued growth, we are actively seeking an Office Fit-Out Design Manager to join our team in London. On the doorstep of Clerkenwell, our London studio provides a vibrant environment for fostering creativity and innovation.

About you

You should demonstrate ambition and enthusiasm for success, along with a readiness to serve as an ambassador for the business. The role requires a strong technical aptitude and the ability to adapt to challenging situations.

Responsibilities:

• Display strong leadership in directing and co-ordinating design teams (internal and external).
• Inspire your team to design aspirational projects that are both innovative and creative in their resolution.
• Nurture existing client relationships and seek out new potential sources of work.
• Log and maintain all relationship development activities in the company CRM.
• Leading and writing fee proposals / bids.
• Log and maintain all pipeline and live projects on the company Bid Tracker.
• Assist with and take on some of the studio administration tasks such as resource management and invoicing.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring exceptional communication.
• Present work to clients in an inspiring, engaging, professional and creative manner.
• Act as both manager and mentor to members of the team to promote a collaborative atmosphere.
• Proactively develop high quality spatial, architectural and operational designs both independently and within the studio to meet the vision of the practice and client’s brief.
• Prepare and review project programming and project delivery objectives.
• Develop design responsibility matrix.
• Manage and track master design deliverables schedule of full design team.
• Chair and minute workshops with supply chain partners.
• Manage samples, tech submissions, and mock-up schedules.
• Ensure your projects are fully resourced and project deadlines are met.
• Ensure projects are delivered within the fee parameters, reporting back data where projects are at risk.
• Log and maintain all risks on the company Risk Register.
• Inform the Directors of any significant risks to the business immediately.
• Drive exceptional quality in both graphical, technical and 3D output as well as the final built result.
• Continuously look for and implement opportunities to increase efficiencies and improvements in operational and design terms across the practice.
• Strong understanding of regulatory standards (Building Regulations, health & safety standards, and planning legislation).
• Keep up to date with registration and charter requirements (ARB / RIBA / CIAT).
• Uphold and implement requirements for ISO 9001 / 14001.
• Maintain and ensure business, client and project confidentiality.
• Mentor junior staff and participate in the development of the design team.
• Contribute to the improvement of office standards, workflows, and design processes.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and local authorities.

Requirements:

• UK qualified architect or architectural technologist with significant post-qualification experience (7 years+).
• Experience in working on projects with a construction value between £5M - £100M.
• Confident, organised and proactive.
• Proven experience as a Design Manager of office fit-out projects.
• Experience working with fit-out contractors, architects, and project managers.
• Strong knowledge of construction techniques, materials, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) coordination.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Ability to develop and manage design programmes, ensuring alignment with project timelines.
• Familiarity with sustainable design principles and BREEAM/LEED standards.
• Excellent communicator and negotiator with clients, contractors, and suppliers.
• Ability to present design concepts clearly in meetings and reports to the aforementioned.
• Quick decision-making in resolving design conflicts or site issues.
• Ability to adapt to fast-track project timelines and evolving client requirements.
• Highly competent, experienced and passionate about technical detailing and the production of technical information.
• Highly experienced in the delivery of projects on-site including contract administration.
• Highly experienced in the managing of external multidisciplinary consultants.
• Highly experienced in producing exceptional concept design, visualisation and technical design output.
• Excellent in the use of Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Revit, Autocad and Common Data Environments (e.g. Acconex, Asite etc.).
• Excellent use of the English language, both written and spoken word.

Benefits:

• Agile working (with 2 days remote).
• Vitality health scheme.
• Life assurance.
• 25 days leave + bank holidays + birthday off.
• Enhanced maternity/paternity package.
• Membership body payments.
• Pension scheme (5% employee + 3% employer contributions).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Electric car scheme.
• Eye care vouchers.
• Further education and training.
• Workplace wellbeing support.
• Mentoring opportunities.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio showcasing relevant work samples. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can contribute to our team’s success!