At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects that shape inspiring workspaces for creativity and productivity.
- Company: Fora is redefining workplaces with a focus on community, wellbeing, and sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, 28 days leave, gym discounts, and mental health support.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to conscious design and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workspace design while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in commercial office design and proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ 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.
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.
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 Auto CAD.
- 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.
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
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Architect / Interior Designer 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 Architect / Interior Designer
✨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 Fora Space Limited 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 Senior Architect / Interior Designer
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 Fora Space Limited!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Fora Space Limited. 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 Fora Space Limited
✨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 Fora Space Limited.
