At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design projects and collaborate with creative teams to deliver exceptional spaces.
- Company: Join Populous, a global leader in innovative design and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, gym discounts, and access to exclusive events.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant studio on the River Thames with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by designing places where people connect and celebrate.
- Qualifications: Degree in Project Management or Architecture; experience in large projects is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We design the places where people love to be together — and we can’t do it without you. Populous is all about people — it’s in our name. Attracting and retaining talented people who are passionate about their work is what makes us thrive. As a global firm, we have established roots in cities across the world, uncovering the very best local talent. The diversity of our team is our greatest strength and one of the most powerful sources of our creativity. We believe in supporting each other, coming together as a team to make sure everyone is fulfilled professionally, creatively, and personally.
Culture
Populous is built around the core values of integrity, entrepreneurial creativity, excellence and enjoyment. There are many milestones and celebrations along the way — yours and ours — and we share in these special moments together. We also reach beyond our offices to help make our local communities stronger, from engaging with university students and taking part in urban clean‑up projects, to partnering with sports charities and promoting sustainable design.
Understanding people is what Populous is all about — and that begins with the people in our team. That’s why we have designed a comprehensive benefits program to support your employee experience at Populous and your life outside of work, including flexible work environments. From CrossFit in London, to the Noosa Triathlon in Australia to mental health check‑ins in the Americas, we have all kinds of initiatives to help you keep mind and body in top condition.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging
With more than 1,600 colleagues in 33 offices spanning four continents, we value the incredible range of talents, beliefs, experiences and perspectives of every person that makes up our team. You bring your authentic self and we’ll set the stage for you to succeed.
Professional Development
Populous is a team of people that are emotionally connected to their work. We wouldn’t have it any other way. From mentor programs and cross‑disciplinary design charettes to global conferences, you will have a wealth of opportunities to innovate and learn, shaping your career to meet your personal goals. Our commitment to innovative design has earned us the top spot in architecture on Fast Company's list of the world's 50 most innovative companies.
What happens when you provoke designers to bring to life a digital footprint? Tapping the Power of a Global Knowledge Network 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.
Our team is made up of highly talented people with a range of skills, all integral to successfully bringing to life the places and experiences we design. As our company has grown, our expertise has expanded to encompass a wide variety of disciplines – including architecture, audiovisual consultancy, brand activation, design & build, events, food & beverage strategy, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design and wayfinding.
As we continue to bring to life award‑winning venues and experiences, our EMEA Practice is looking for a Design Manager based in our Putney studio.
About the Role
This role sits within our Design Management Group. You’ll work closely with departments from across the business from architectural teams, to support teams to facilitate collaboration, organise design tasks, monitor progress, and ensure the highest standards of design quality. The Design Manager’s focus will be facilitating effective design delivery across all design disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for the project(s). The role involves supporting the Senior Design Manager in the management and oversight of the project and design strategy, plans, procedures, and processes to deliver projects within agreed parameters aligned to the Clients expectations and needs.
Key responsibilities include:
- Support Senior Design Managers with project initiation and set‑up procedures.
- Undertake day‑to‑day design management duties under the guidance of the Senior Design Manager and Project Lead.
- Assist with project close‑out procedures including client sign‑off and payment.
- Support the implementation of the Design Management Discipline within the Populous Group under the guidance of others.
- Assist with preparation of competition / bid material.
Key requirements include:
- Bachelor Degree in Project Management, Architecture or similar.
- Experience across large scale, complex projects is advantageous.
- Proficient skills in relevant project management software packages to perform the role.
- Ability to drive a high performing design team to deliver projects aligned to project objectives.
- Strong attention to detail, time management and organizational skills.
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 with excellent travel connections. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive and competitive benefits programme, as well as the opportunity to attend events at several Populous‑designed venues.
Why Join the Team?
- Work alongside passionate, creative individuals who lead their industry, transform ideas into reality and celebrate the beauty of human connection.
- Enjoy various benefits, such as hybrid working and gym membership discounts.
- Enjoy the opportunity to attend events at Populous‑designed venues.
- Connect and learn at regular social and knowledge sharing events including an annual conference and a weekend abroad Christmas party.
Populous is an equal opportunity employer.
Design Manager employer: Populous
Populous offers an inspiring work environment in the heart of London, where creativity thrives within a passionate team dedicated to hospitality and concept innovation. Employees benefit from a flexible hybrid working model, access to professional development opportunities, and perks like gym membership discounts, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨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 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 Design Manager
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!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Populous. 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
✨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.
