At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects and mentor junior designers in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Gillespies LLP, a top landscape architecture and urban design studio.
- Benefits: Freelance flexibility, creative freedom, and the chance to shape sustainable communities.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge digital tools and technologies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transformative projects that enhance people's lives.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in landscape architecture or architecture; strong design and software skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Gillespies LLP is a leading landscape architecture, masterplanning and urban design studio with a strong reputation for delivering responsibly designed, transformative, and award-winning environments that enhance people's lives. We collaborate with forward-thinking clients on pioneering projects across the UK and internationally, shaping places that support healthier, more inclusive and sustainable communities. We are committed to advancing nature-led urbanism, integrating landscape, architecture and urban systems to create resilient and meaningful places for the future.
We are seeking a highly talented Senior or Principal-level designer (Landscape Architect or Architect background welcome) to join us on a freelance / contract basis, contributing to design leadership, project delivery and creative development within our studio.
Role Overview
You will play a key role in leading design thinking, supporting project teams, and contributing to the development and delivery of complex projects from concept through to construction. This role is suitable for experienced designers who are confident operating across scales, from strategic design thinking to detailed implementation.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading or supporting design development across concept, planning and technical stages
- Producing high-quality drawings, diagrams, visualisations and presentation materials
- Guiding assistants and mentoring junior team members
- Contributing to client discussions, workshops and design reviews
- Supporting project coordination, tender preparation and construction-stage design input
- Working across multidisciplinary teams on UK and international projects
- Supporting research, precedent analysis and material exploration
Design, Digital and Innovation Capability
We are particularly interested in candidates who are passionate about the evolving relationship between design and technology.
You Should Demonstrate Interest And Experience In
- Emerging digital design tools and AI-assisted workflows
- Visualisation, data-informed design research and design optimisation
- Integration of digital methods into concept generation and delivery processes
- Supporting studio learning and mentoring others in improved digital practice
Freelance Working Considerations
This is a freelance / contract role. Candidates should therefore be able to confirm:
- Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance coverage appropriate to freelance design work
- Familiarity with industry-standard design tools used in landscape and architectural practice
- Access to your own laptop and business-licensed core design software
Essential Software
Software list:
- Adobe Creative Cloud (with access to Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator as a minimum)
- Microsoft 365 or Studio 2019 with MS Teams
- AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT
Desirable Software (based on project requirements)
- Autodesk Revit
- Autodesk Navisworks & Manager
- ArcGIS Desktop Pro
- Autodesk Civil 3D
- Sketch-up Pro
- Google Earth Pro
- NBS Chorus
- Rhino
What We Are Looking For
Experience and Qualifications
- Minimum 4 years of professional experience in landscape architecture, architecture, or related design fields
- Degree and postgraduate qualification in landscape architecture, architecture, or equivalent design discipline
- Professional accreditation such as CMLI (or equivalent international qualification) is desirable but not essential
Portfolio and Technical Capability
- Conceptual design and sketch development
- Detailed technical design and construction-stage output (for external works)
- Experience delivering projects through planning, tender or site stages
- Work within UK practice context is highly advantageous
Software and Communication Skills
- Strong proficiency in CAD-based design workflows (e.g. AutoCAD or equivalent)
- Excellent working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and 3D design tools such as SketchUp, Revit and BIM
- Excellent written and spoken English communication
Leadership and Collaboration
- Ability to contribute to or lead complex design tasks
- Experience guiding or mentoring junior team members
- Confidence engaging with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary consultants
Personal Qualities
- Creative and strategic design thinker
- Curious about new design approaches and emerging technologies
- Resilient, adaptable and proactive
- Passionate about high-quality landscape and place-led design
- Self-motivated with strong professional judgement
How to Apply
If you believe you are a good match for this opportunity, please submit your CV and portfolio using the Apply For This Job button above.
Senior/Principal Designer (Landscape Architect / Architect) – Freelance in Oxford employer: Gillespies
Gillespies LLP is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to creating transformative and sustainable environments that enhance community well-being. With a collaborative work culture that fosters creativity and innovation, employees are encouraged to grow through mentorship and involvement in pioneering projects both in the UK and internationally. The freelance nature of this role offers flexibility while allowing designers to engage with cutting-edge digital tools and contribute to meaningful design solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Designer (Landscape Architect / Architect) – Freelance in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for freelance opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be looking for someone with your skills.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential clients or collaborators, use your portfolio as a conversation starter to showcase your design thinking and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in applying! Don’t just wait for job postings to come to you. Check out our website regularly and apply for roles that excite you. The more you put yourself out there, the better your chances of landing that perfect gig.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and their projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision for sustainable and transformative design. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their team culture!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Principal Designer (Landscape Architect / Architect) – Freelance in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially projects that align with our focus on landscape architecture and urban design. We want to see your creativity and how you tackle complex design challenges.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your experience in landscape architecture or related fields. Emphasise your skills in digital design tools and any leadership roles you've taken on, as these are key for us.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured information that makes it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the position!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website using the 'Apply For This Job' button. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best chance to be considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gillespies
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Make sure you can talk confidently about your past projects and how they relate to the role. Highlight specific examples that showcase your design thinking and technical skills, especially those that align with Gillespies LLP's focus on transformative environments.
✨Brush Up on Digital Tools
Since the role emphasises emerging digital design tools and AI-assisted workflows, be prepared to discuss your experience with software like AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud, and any 3D design tools. Show enthusiasm for integrating technology into your design process.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions
Expect to engage in conversations about teamwork and mentoring. Think of examples where you've guided junior designers or collaborated with multidisciplinary teams. This will demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to contribute to a creative environment.
✨Research Gillespies LLP’s Projects
Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and design philosophy. Being able to reference specific works during your interview will show your genuine interest in the company and help you connect your experience to their mission of creating sustainable communities.
