Designer - Workspace

Designer - Workspace

Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Fora

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design inspiring workspaces that blend creativity, community, and wellbeing.
  • Company: Fora is revolutionising the workplace with design-led spaces across the UK.
  • Benefits: Flexible hours, remote work options, generous leave, and wellness support.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team shaping the future of work in innovative environments.
  • Qualifications: Experience in workplace design and strong technical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

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 and supporting 30,000+ members and partnering with trailblazing brands like Ocado, The British Fashion Council, and Pangaia. 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 Fora is looking for a passionate, highly driven Designer to join our Design & Development team, supporting the delivery of high‑quality, beautifully considered workspaces across our growing portfolio. In this role, you'll work closely with senior designers while confidently leading design packages when required—playing a key part in client alterations, refurbishments and space‑planning projects that directly support sales, operations and investor‑level reporting. This is a fantastic opportunity for a designer who enjoys combining creative thinking with technical rigour, client interaction and real‑world delivery in live, occupied buildings.

What you'll be doing

  • Client Alterations & Refurbishments: Act as the design lead for client alterations and refurbishment projects, from initial brief through to coordinated design packages. Meet with new and existing clients to capture requirements and translate them into considered, commercially viable design solutions. Produce design intent presentations, test fits, space plans, FF&E layouts and coordinated drawings suitable for costing and delivery. Clearly communicate building constraints including fire strategy, M&E capacity, statutory compliance, programme and cost implications. Balance client needs with operational, technical and commercial considerations in occupied buildings. Specify finishes, fittings and materials in line with budgets, brand standards and long‑term asset strategy. Support Enterprise and priority clients, working closely with Sales to help secure and deliver commercial opportunities. Undertake site visits, identifying constraints and opportunities, and developing strong practical knowledge through contractor engagement. Collaborate closely with Project Managers to ensure designs are technically robust and coordinated for accurate cost planning. Contribute to CapEx‑funded refreshes, refurbishments and client‑specific alterations across the portfolio.
  • FF&E: Work alongside the FF&E Procurement team to guide furniture selections that align with design intent, client needs and operational requirements. Help evolve Fora's standard furniture and enhancement offering, supporting quality, consistency and commercial viability.
  • Inventory & Space Data: Capture and formally report changes to layouts and occupiable areas through Fora's inventory change process. Maintain accurate live inventory records and area matrices to investor‑ready standards. Support Sales and High‑Density plans by ensuring spatial data reflects live layouts and availability.

Requirements

  • Experience & knowledge: Experience across the full design process, ideally within UK workplace design, space planning or commercial interiors. Understanding of the flexible workspace sector or related commercial environments. Strong technical understanding of UK building regulations, fire strategy and building control. Knowledge of shell & core, CAT A / CAT B, base build and fit‑out. Good understanding of building construction techniques and commercial M&E services. Confident producing high‑quality, well‑coordinated design packages.
  • Skills & tools: Strong communication and client‑facing presentation skills. Excellent space planning and technical detailing ability. Proficient in design software such as Revit, Vectorworks and Adobe Creative Suite. Comfortable with MS Word and Excel. Understanding of RICS measurement standards.
  • Qualifications: Design, Architecture or related degree (or equivalent experience).

Benefits

  • 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.
  • 28 days' annual leave + bank holidays.
  • Your birthday off—celebrate you.
  • Buy additional annual leave to create even more time for what matters.
  • 5% matched pension scheme—supporting your future.
  • Life assurance for peace of mind.
  • Discounted gym membership to keep you feeling your best.
  • Health cash plan—supporting day to day medical expenses.
  • Mental wellbeing support—confidential in‑person or online therapy sessions.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme.
  • Season Ticket Loan to make your journey easier and more affordable.
  • 25% off at Fora cafés—your morning coffee just got better.
  • 2 x volunteer days / year.

Designer - Workspace employer: Fora

At Fora, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity and wellbeing in the workplace. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, offering designers the chance to grow through hands-on experience in a dynamic environment. With flexible working hours, generous leave policies, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, including mental health support and professional development opportunities, Fora is dedicated to empowering our team to thrive both personally and professionally.

Fora

Contact Details:

Fora Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Designer - Workspace

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 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 Designer - Workspace

Design Process
Space Planning
Commercial Interiors
UK Building Regulations
Fire Strategy
Building Control
Technical Detailing

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!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Fora. 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

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.