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 creating spaces where people gather.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, gym discounts, and access to events at Populous-designed venues.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant Shoreditch studio with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the design of major sports, entertainment, and urban projects.
- Qualifications: Strong graphic design skills, experience in wayfinding systems, 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
- 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
- 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, In Design, 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
Populous is an equal opportunity employer.
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, contact our recruitment team at emea. recruitment@populous. com.
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Senior Wayfinding Design Lead 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
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio
As a graphic designer, your portfolio is your secret weapon! Make sure it's not just a collection of your work but showcases your creative process too. Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to share your designs and gain visibility within the design community.
✨Get Involved in Design Meetups
Networking is key in the design world! Check out local design meetups or workshops where you can connect with other creatives and potential employers. This is a goldmine for finding unadvertised job openings at companies like Populous.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you’re applying for a full-time role at a creative company like Populous, don’t go for a one-size-fits-all approach. Ensure your application highlights specific projects or styles that align with their brand image, showing that you’re a perfect fit for their team.
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in landing your dream design job! Share your work on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, and engage with accounts from your desired companies—this could put you on their radar before they start hiring.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Wayfinding Design Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your visual CV! Make sure to include a link to your best design projects that showcase your creativity and versatility. Tailor it to include works that relate to the kind of design work Populous does, so they can see you in action.
Tailor Your CV for Design:When crafting your CV, highlight your design skills and software proficiencies, like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Mention any relevant experience you have with branding, UI/UX design, or typography, as we want to see how you fit in with the creative team at Populous.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your design philosophy and what excites you about working at Populous. Let us know how you approach your design projects and any specific campaigns or themes that resonate with you, showing we’re not just a good fit but a perfect match!
Highlight Collaboration Skills:As a graphic designer, you often work with various teams and stakeholders. In your application, mention experiences where you've collaborated with others to bring a project to life, whether it's with clients, writers, or developers. This shows you can thrive in a team environment, which is key at Populous.
How to prepare for a job interview at Populous
✨Get Your Portfolio Ready
Your portfolio is your secret weapon in graphic design interviews! Make sure it's showing off your best work, with a variety of styles and projects that highlight different skills — from branding to digital illustration. Be prepared to talk through each piece, focusing on your creative process and the tools you used.
✨Know Your Design Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with software like Adobe Creative Suite is a must! Brush up on your skills with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as interviewers might dive into specific technical questions or ask for your workflow. If you’ve worked with any innovative tools or techniques, don't hesitate to showcase that expertise!
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Some companies may throw a design challenge your way during the interview! This might involve sketching out ideas or solving a branding issue on the spot. Practising these quick thinking exercises beforehand can help us show off our creativity and adaptability.
✨Passion Counts
For a full-time position, showing genuine enthusiasm for design is key! Talk about your inspirations, the projects you're excited about, and why you're drawn to Populous. They want to see not just a skilled designer, but someone who'll bring passion and fresh ideas to the team.
