At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects that shape inspiring workspaces for creativity and productivity.
- Company: Join Fora, a pioneering company redefining the future of workspaces across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, wellness support, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment focused on sustainability and user experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workspace design while collaborating with diverse teams and experts.
- Qualifications: Strong background in commercial office design and proficiency in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About the Company
At Fora, we’re reimagining what the workplace can be. We create inspiring, design-led spaces that blend hospitality, community, and wellbeing, so people can work productively, creatively, and happily. From our first London workspace over 20 years ago, we’ve grown to 60+ locations across the UK, supporting 30,000+ members and partnering with trailblazing brands. Backed by The Office Group, Blackstone, and Brockton Capital, we’re growing fast and pioneering conscious design, sustainable construction, and workspaces that empower people to work in their own unique way. At Fora, we’re not just shaping workplaces, we’re shaping the future of work.
The Role
We’re looking for a Senior Architect / Interior Designer to play a key role in shaping the design and evolution of Fora’s growing portfolio. This role brings together architectural rigour and interior design creativity. You’ll lead design across projects ranging from potential acquisitions and new developments to refurbishments, portfolio enhancements and member workplace fit-outs, taking ideas from early feasibility and concept through technical design and on-site delivery. Working across Design & Development, Real Estate, Commercial Insights, Operations, Finance, Sales and Marketing, you’ll help ensure our spaces are distinctive, commercially considered and grounded in how people actually use them. You’ll also collaborate closely with external architects, designers, consultants and contractors, acting as a guardian of Fora’s design principles throughout the process. This is a 12-month maternity leave cover.
Working Pattern
Please note this position is 4 days in the office and 1 day working from anywhere.
Why This Role Matters
Design is fundamental to what makes a Fora workspace distinctive. This role has the opportunity to influence that experience across both our existing portfolio and future spaces. You’ll bring together creativity, technical expertise and commercial thinking, using data and post-occupancy insight alongside strong design judgement. Success means creating spaces that feel unmistakably Fora while working operationally, commercially and technically for the people who use them.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Design Leadership: Lead the architectural and interior design direction across new developments, refurbishments, portfolio interventions and workplace fit-outs. Create strong concepts, space plans, layouts and material approaches that translate Fora’s design principles into individual spaces. Balance design quality with operational requirements, sustainability goals, budget considerations and relevant data. Bring clarity and direction to multidisciplinary teams, coordinating different perspectives while protecting the overall design vision.
- Acquisitions & New Opportunities: Bring a design perspective to potential acquisitions, helping assess how new buildings could work for Fora and our members. Work with Real Estate and Development on site visits, building analysis, feasibility studies and due diligence. Develop and review space plans to test opportunities, constraints and key metrics. Help turn early-stage analysis into clear design recommendations that inform investment decisions.
- Project Delivery: Lead design through RIBA Stages 0-7, from strategic definition and early concepts through technical development, construction and in-use evaluation. Oversee presentations, drawing packages, specifications, technical detailing and stage reporting while maintaining high standards of quality. Represent Fora in meetings with external architects, designers, engineers, cost consultants and contractors, reviewing their work to safeguard design intent. Stay closely connected to delivery on site, resolving design queries and working with Development, project teams and FF&E colleagues to turn the design vision into reality.
- Design Standards & Continuous Improvement: Help develop and evolve Fora’s Design Principles, applying them consistently while creating room for innovation and fresh ideas. Champion quality, user experience and sustainability throughout the design process. Use post-occupancy performance and data to understand how spaces are working and translate those findings into future design improvements. Contribute to the continued development of Fora’s Autodesk Revit BIM environment and support colleagues through day-to-day design guidance.
Why Fora?
You’ll have the opportunity to influence design at portfolio level while remaining closely involved in the creative and technical detail of individual projects. The breadth of the role means your work could begin with assessing the potential of a new building and continue through concept, detailed design and delivery, right through to understanding how the completed space performs in use. It’s an opportunity to see the real impact of your design decisions and apply those lessons across future projects.
Requirements
Essential Experience: Strong post-qualification experience within commercial office, workplace or hospitality design. Strong interior design capability, with a refined understanding of materiality and design development. Experience leading projects through RIBA Stages 0-7 and managing multiple projects concurrently. Excellent technical and construction detailing knowledge, supported by a strong understanding of architectural, structural and MEP coordination. Excellent knowledge of UK Building Regulations and relevant statutory requirements. A strong portfolio demonstrating design iteration, concept development, interior design and technical detailing. Proficiency in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD. Proficiency in Microsoft and Adobe Creative Suite. A postgraduate degree in Architecture or Interior Design.
Desirable Experience: ARB registration. Experience working client-side or extensively with end users. Understanding of FF&E procurement and specification. Knowledge of sustainability certifications such as BREEAM and WELL. Proficiency in relevant visualisation software.
Benefits
At Fora we energise and empower people to create their best work. We understand that in order to do that we need to support you every day, which is why we offer a range of benefits. Please note this position is 4 days in the office and 1 day working from anywhere.
- Work Your Way: Core working hours with flexibility – because life doesn’t run 9–5. Two weeks ‘Work from Anywhere’ – swap your desk for a beach, a mountain… anywhere that inspires you.
- Time to Rest & Recharge: 28 days’ annual leave + bank holidays. Your birthday off – celebrate you. Buy additional annual leave to create even more time for what matters.
- Well-being & Security: 5% matched pension scheme – supporting your future. Life assurance for peace of mind. Discounted gym membership to keep you feeling your best. Access to our gyms and selected wellness classes with Restore at Fora. Health cash plan - supporting day to day medical expenses. Mental Well-being support - confidential in-person or online therapy sessions.
- Smarter, Greener Commuting: Cycle to Work Scheme. Season Ticket Loan to make your journey easier and more affordable.
- Perks That Make You Smile: 25% off at Fora cafés – your morning coffee just got better. 2 x volunteer days / year. Generous Employee Referral Scheme.
Senior Interior Designer - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract in London employer: Fora Space Limited
Fora Space Limited is an exceptional employer that prioritises a welcoming and collaborative work culture, making it an ideal place for those passionate about guest services. Located in the vibrant city of London, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that fosters personal growth and development, alongside opportunities to engage with diverse events and community initiatives. With a focus on teamwork and proactive problem-solving, Fora offers a rewarding experience for its Member Experience Hosts, ensuring every day is both meaningful and fulfilling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Interior Designer - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract in London
✨Get your portfolio ready!
When applying for that temporary architecture gig, make sure your portfolio is top-notch. Showcase your best projects, even if they were just uni assignments or side hustles. Include visuals and a brief description to show your design process and creativity.
✨Tap into local architecture events
Check out local architecture exhibitions, talks, and meetups. These events are brilliant for networking and you never know who might be looking for temporary help or just has a contact that could lead you to the right opportunity. Plus, it's a great way to stay updated on trends in the field!
✨Leverage temporary recruitment agencies
Consider registering with recruitment agencies that specialise in architecture roles. They often have access to temporary positions that aren’t advertised elsewhere. It's an easy way to find that next role without much fuss, plus they can help you polish your approach!
✨Show up where the architects are
Join online architecture forums or social media groups where professionals share opportunities. Engaging with these communities not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to job leads and collaborations. Don't underestimate the power of a simple message introducing yourself!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Interior Designer - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Aesthetics:In the architecture game, your portfolio is your best friend. Make sure it showcases a range of your projects, highlighting both your design skills and technical ability. Don't just list what you've done – tell a story behind your designs, and show us how you think spatially!
Emphasise Collaborative Projects:Since this is a temporary role, showing you can work well with others is key. Highlight any collaborative projects in your CV or cover letter. Let us see how you’ve contributed in team settings – we want to know that you can hit the ground running alongside our crew at Fora Space Limited.
Tailor Your Application for the Short Term:For temporary gigs, focus on your flexibility and how quickly you adapt to new environments. In your cover letter, mention your eagerness to learn and contribute immediately. We want to see that you’re ready to bring your skills to Fora Space Limited without needing a long onboarding process!
Stay Up-to-Date with Trends:Architecture is constantly evolving, so make sure your application reflects your awareness of current design trends, software tools, and sustainable practices. Mention any relevant certifications or courses you've taken recently – it shows that you're serious about staying on top of your game for that temporary role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fora Space Limited
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
When interviewing for a temporary role in architecture, it’s crucial that we bring along a strong portfolio that highlights our best projects. Make sure to include a variety of work that showcases your design skills, technical drawings, and even any 3D models or visualisations. This will help the interviewers at Fora Space Limited see your creative process and your ability to tackle different challenges in architectural design.
✨Brush Up on Software Skills
Be prepared to answer questions about architectural software like AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp, since many firms, including Fora Space Limited, heavily rely on these tools. If possible, brush up on your skills with quick tutorials beforehand, and be ready to discuss how you used these tools in past projects. This shows that you’re not just a pretty face but also technically savvy!
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
Temporary roles often require us to jump into projects mid-flow, so highlight experiences where you've quickly adapted to new teams or changing project scopes. Talk about your problem-solving strategies and how you handle unexpected challenges — this will show Fora Space Limited that you can seamlessly integrate into their ongoing work without missing a beat.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your critical thinking and design choices in real-time. Practice answers where you explain how you would approach specific architectural challenges or collaborate with different stakeholders. This will not only demonstrate our thought process but also show how we can contribute meaningfully to the team at Fora Space Limited from day one.
