At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design projects from concept to construction, creating transformative environments.
- Company: Gillespies LLP, a top landscape architecture and urban design studio.
- Benefits: Freelance flexibility, creative freedom, and the chance to shape sustainable communities.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and work on exciting international projects.
- Why this job: Join a team that values innovation and makes a real impact on urban spaces.
- Qualifications: Experienced designer with a background in landscape architecture or architecture.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 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 may include:
- 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
Software list:
- Essential: 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 based on project requirements: Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Navisworks
Remote Senior/Principal Designer (Landscape Architect / Architect) Freelance in Portsmouth 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 benefit from opportunities for professional growth and mentorship, particularly in the integration of cutting-edge design technology. Working remotely allows for flexibility while contributing to impactful projects both in the UK and internationally, making it a rewarding choice for talented designers seeking meaningful freelance opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Remote Senior/Principal Designer (Landscape Architect / Architect) Freelance in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the landscape architecture and design world. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have a lead on a freelance opportunity or can introduce you to someone at Gillespies LLP.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a stunning portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that align with Gillespies' focus on nature-led urbanism. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and visually appealing – first impressions matter!
✨Tip Number 3
Get social! Use platforms like LinkedIn to engage with Gillespies LLP and other industry leaders. Share your thoughts on design trends, comment on their posts, and showcase your expertise. This can help you get noticed and open doors for freelance roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Gillespies LLP site. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their projects and values, and don’t forget to mention your passion for integrating design and technology.
We think you need these skills to ace Remote Senior/Principal Designer (Landscape Architect / Architect) Freelance in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Make sure to highlight your design experience and showcase your best work in your application. Include a portfolio that reflects your ability to create transformative environments, as we love seeing how you approach design challenges.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with our role. We want to see how your background in landscape architecture or architecture fits into our vision of nature-led urbanism.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role. Avoid fluff and get straight to what makes you a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Gillespies!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gillespies
✨Know Your Design Portfolio Inside Out
Make sure you can talk confidently about your previous projects and how they relate to the role. Highlight your design thinking process, especially in landscape architecture or urban design, and be ready to discuss how you've integrated technology into your work.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated on complex projects. Discuss your experience in mentoring junior team members and how you’ve contributed to client discussions and workshops.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Projects
Research Gillespies LLP and their recent projects. Understanding their approach to nature-led urbanism and sustainable design will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of industry-standard design tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and AutoCAD. Be ready to discuss how you use these tools in your design process and any experience you have with emerging digital design technologies.
