At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design projects and mentor junior designers while creating transformative environments.
- Company: Gillespies LLP, a top landscape architecture and urban design studio.
- Benefits: Freelance flexibility, creative freedom, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and explore the latest in digital design technology.
- Why this job: Shape sustainable communities and enhance lives through innovative design.
- Qualifications: Experience in landscape architecture or architecture with strong design skills.
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 Surrey employer: Gillespies
Gillespies LLP is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to creating transformative environments that enhance community well-being. With a collaborative work culture that values innovation and mentorship, employees are encouraged to grow their skills in a supportive environment while working on pioneering projects both in the UK and internationally. The freelance nature of this role offers flexibility, allowing talented designers to contribute meaningfully to impactful projects while advancing their careers in a forward-thinking studio.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Remote Senior/Principal Designer (Landscape Architect / Architect) Freelance in Surrey
✨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 count!
✨Tip Number 3
Get social! Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with current employees at Gillespies LLP. Engage with their posts, share relevant content, and don’t hesitate to drop them a message expressing your interest in the freelance role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Tailor your submission to highlight how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially your expertise in digital design tools and mentoring junior team members.
We think you need these skills to ace Remote Senior/Principal Designer (Landscape Architect / Architect) Freelance in Surrey
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. Mention your familiarity with digital design tools and how you've integrated them into your projects.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to highlight key achievements and responsibilities.
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 you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gillespies
✨Know Your Design Philosophy
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your design philosophy and how it aligns with Gillespies LLP's commitment to nature-led urbanism. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've integrated landscape and architecture, showcasing your ability to create meaningful places.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure you’re familiar with the essential software listed in the job description, especially Adobe Creative Cloud and AutoCAD. Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work, focusing on high-quality drawings and visualisations that demonstrate your technical prowess and creativity.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions
Since this role involves working across multidisciplinary teams, think about examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to share how you’ve contributed to client discussions or workshops, as well as how you’ve mentored junior team members.
✨Stay Updated on Digital Trends
Gillespies LLP is interested in candidates who are passionate about the evolving relationship between design and technology. Brush up on emerging digital design tools and AI-assisted workflows, and be prepared to discuss how you’ve incorporated these into your design processes.
