At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to solve design challenges using computational techniques and innovative tools.
- Company: Populous, a leading design firm focused on creating spaces for people to gather.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, gym discounts, and opportunities to attend exciting events.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant studio by the River Thames with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the world of design while collaborating with passionate experts.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in computational design tools and scripting languages.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About Populous
For more than 40 years Populous has had a singular focus – to draw people together around the things that they love, to be the leading design firm that specialises in places, spaces and events where people gather. Our success is defined by designing projects that are seen as the benchmark. We are committed to future innovation, anticipating and shaping the future of our industries.
About the Role
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Computational Designer to join our growing Global Digital team. You will be part of a dedicated team of computational and digital experts, working on industry-leading systems, workflows, tools, and products. In this role, you will:
- Collaborate with project teams across the company, applying computational techniques and methods to solve design challenges and enhance workflows.
- Contribute to the development of tools and systems for internal and external use, gaining valuable experience in a range of platforms and programming languages.
Key Responsibilities
- Work and collaborate in an agile development environment, prioritising the development of widely applicable and repeatable tools.
- Assist in developing and implementing custom apps and services to automate tasks and build interoperability.
- Support the development of new computational tools and workflows to facilitate design exploration, automated analysis, and data management.
- Work as part of a global specialist team to deliver solutions to Populous internally and to its external clients.
- Document and maintain workflows, tools, and processes as required.
- Promote and share new tools and workflows across the global Populous studios.
- Collaborate with project teams to understand requirements and deliver effective computational solutions.
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and innovations in computational design.
- Contribute to internal and external publications, presentations, seminars, and talks on Innovation and Research.
- Participate in team discussions, workshops, and presentations to contribute to the team's development.
- All other duties and responsibilities as required.
Key Requirements
Knowledge & Abilities- A strong passion in computational design and a desire to learn and grow within the field.
- Strong understanding of computational thinking and application of computational design methodologies.
- Understanding of architectural building systems.
- Good knowledge of computational design tools such as Grasshopper, Rhino, Revit, or Dynamo or other.
- Strong familiarity with scripting languages like Python or C# is an advantage.
- Ability to work iteratively across a variety of project typologies and among multiple design platforms.
- Ability to support multiple projects simultaneously.
- Familiarity with data visualization techniques and practices.
- Strong graphic, visualization, and representation skills to communicate design ideas.
- Strong relationship-building and problem-solving skills.
- Strong organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail.
- Communicates professionally both verbally and in writing.
- Works in a team environment.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
- Highly self-motivated; ability to conduct design studies with minimal supervision.
- Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, or related field required; postgraduate qualification is a bonus.
- 3–5 years of experience in a relevant field or academic projects showcasing computational design skills.
- Experience in other advanced industries will also be considered: automotive, aerospace, defense, games, film & TV, etc.
- Good experience with 3D software, parametric/generative modelling and automation experience, Revit/Dynamo, Rhino/Grasshopper, etc.
- Experience in scripting/software development is required (C#, Python, or Javascript).
- Familiarity with cloud technologies (SQL, PowerBI, or other) is a bonus.
- Awareness of emerging technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and computational design, and their potential applications in architecture.
About the Studio
Our Putney studio, which is also our EMEA Headquarters, is located on the banks of the River Thames, a short walk from Putney High Street and has excellent travel connections.
Benefits
- Work alongside passionate, creative individuals who lead their industry, transform ideas into reality and celebrate the beauty of human connection.
- Hybrid working and gym membership discounts.
- Opportunity to attend events at Populous-designed venues.
- Regular social and knowledge sharing events including an annual conference and a weekend abroad Christmas party.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Populous is an equal opportunity employer.
Computational Designer employer: Populous, Inc
At Populous, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration among passionate individuals. Our Putney studio, situated along the picturesque River Thames, provides a dynamic environment where you can grow your skills in computational design while enjoying benefits like hybrid working, gym membership discounts, and opportunities to attend exclusive events at our iconic venues. Join us to be part of a team that not only leads the industry but also values your professional development and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Computational Designer
✨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 Populous, Inc 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 Computational Designer
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 Populous, Inc!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Populous, Inc. 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 Populous, Inc
✨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 Populous, Inc.
