At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead wayfinding design projects, collaborating across disciplines to create engaging user experiences.
- Company: Join Populous, a leading design firm focused on innovative spaces and human connection.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, gym discounts, and access to events at Populous-designed venues.
- Other info: Dynamic studio environment in Shoreditch with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in designing award-winning venues and experiences.
- Qualifications: Strong graphic design skills, experience in wayfinding, and collaboration with architectural teams.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ 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.
Populous Wayfinding is a team of specialist designers, strategists and industry experts, working as part of the wider Populous design and architecture practice. We bring a distinct wayfinding perspective and expertise to projects of every scale, whether through cross-disciplinary collaboration on projects, or delivering our own specialist commissions. Our approach is holistic and human-centred: we look beyond signs to understand people, behaviour and the diversity of journeys through a place, considering both the practical needs and emotional responses that shape how people navigate and experience complex environments.
As we continue to bring to life award-winning venues and experiences our EMEA Practice is looking for a Senior Wayfinding Design Lead based in our Shoreditch studio.
About the Role
The Populous London studio is seeking a Senior Wayfinding Design Lead to lead the wayfinding design function within the studio, fostering collaboration across disciplines and guiding the design and delivery of major sports and entertainment, urban realm, and aviation wayfinding projects. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional graphic design and information design skills, with experience in wayfinding systems, mapping, pictograms and information graphics, alongside a strong command of typography and visual communication. You will have proven experience collaborating with architectural, landscape and spatial design teams, translating complex information into clear, engaging and accessible user experiences. An understanding of product design, fabrication and materiality would be advantageous.
Key responsibilities include:
- Liaise directly with clients to determine project briefs, deliverables, and schedules.
- Lead projects from concept through detailed design, coordinating with the other design disciplines across the project.
- Undertake project and user research and apply findings to project outputs.
- Present in front of clients.
- Collaborate with the architectural team, manufacturers, and other third-party teams to align work streams.
- Collaborate with the design team and client on all aspects of the design process.
- Document design through plans, elevations, and details, coordinating with vendors to maintain design intent.
- Provide sign placement plans, content schedules, proof-referencing numbers, produce artwork according to signage requirements (sizing and standards), and articulate design decisions.
Key requirements include:
- Good communication (written and oral) and presentation skills.
- Exceptional graphic design skills with a strong background in information and user-centric design (i.e., map design, pictograms, information graphics).
- Experience in working with architecture and spatial design, specifically with large-scale public buildings.
- Strong familiarity with architectural construction documents, scales, sections, plans, and elevations; proficiency in drawing in scale.
- Ability to work in the architectural environment of wayfinding, be fully conversant with architectural terminology, and track architectural drawings.
- Excellent design aesthetic and typography skills.
- A solid understanding of user behaviour in complex environments.
- Effective written, visual, verbal, and presentation communication skills (internal team and client-facing).
- Firm working knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
- Confidently working with the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Degree in graphic design, information design, or another related equivalent degree.
About the Studio
Our Worship St studio is located just a short walk from Shoreditch High St Station, surrounded by well-known bars and restaurants 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.
How to Apply
Populous is an equal opportunity employer. If you’re ready to utilise your skills to support our growing practice, click “Apply” to begin the application process. In your application, please include your CV and a one-page letter of motivation (cover letter), salary expectations, and availability.
We are committed to supporting candidates to perform at their best throughout the recruitment process, including making reasonable adjustments to our process. If you wish to discuss or request an adjustment, please contact our recruitment team at emea.recruitment@populous.com.
Senior Wayfinding Design Lead in London 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 Senior Wayfinding Design Lead in London
✨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 Senior Wayfinding Design Lead in London
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.
