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For Companies 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 work on impactful projects.
- Why this job: Shape sustainable communities and enhance lives through transformative design.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in landscape architecture or architecture; strong design and software skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge digital tools and technologies.
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 employer: Gillespies
Contact Detail:
Gillespies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Designer (Landscape Architect / Architect) Freelance
✨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, use your portfolio as a conversation starter to showcase your design thinking and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to come to you. Research companies like Gillespies LLP and reach out directly. Express your interest in freelance roles and share how you can contribute to their projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay current with design trends and tech! Familiarise yourself with emerging digital tools and AI-assisted workflows. This will not only enhance your skill set but also make you more appealing to firms looking for innovative designers.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Principal Designer (Landscape Architect / Architect) Freelance
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 highlight your design thinking and technical skills. We want to see how you approach challenges and create transformative environments.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that align with our role. Highlight your experience in landscape architecture or architecture, and don’t forget to mention any relevant software skills we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your experience and how it relates to the role. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Gillespies LLP. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 in landscape architecture or architecture.
✨Research Gillespies LLP
Familiarise yourself with Gillespies LLP's recent projects and their approach to design. Understanding their commitment to nature-led urbanism will help you align your answers with their values during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Be ready to discuss your proficiency with essential software like AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Cloud. You might be asked to explain your design process or how you integrate digital tools into your work, so have some examples prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves mentoring junior team members, be prepared to share experiences where you've guided others. Discuss your approach to collaboration and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic.