At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design strategy for a major commercial refurbishment project in Bristol.
- Company: Join a leading main contractor on a prestigious redevelopment project.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and long-term career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on innovation, quality, and sustainability.
- Why this job: Play a pivotal role in transforming a landmark commercial development.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management and a degree in a related discipline.
- Head of Design – Major Commercial Refurbishment
- Permanent or Fixed-Term Contract | Bristol
- Competitive Salary + Excellent Package
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Design to join a leading main contractor on one of Bristol's most prestigious commercial redevelopment projects.
Our client has secured the delivery of a £74m city centre refurbishment and office fit-out scheme, transforming an existing commercial building into a modern, sustainable workplace.
They are seeking a design leader to take ownership of the design function, ensuring the project is delivered efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality, buildability and technical compliance.
The Role
Reporting to the Project Director, you will lead all design management activities from pre-construction through to project completion.
Working closely with the client, consultants and delivery teams, you'll ensure the design programme aligns with the construction programme, managing design risk and driving innovative, practical solutions throughout the project.
This is a key leadership role requiring someone who can coordinate multidisciplinary design teams while balancing programme, quality, cost and client expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design strategy and delivery for a major commercial refurbishment project.
- Manage the consultant design team and coordinate all design disciplines.
- Ensure design information is issued in line with the construction programme.
- Drive design coordination, buildability reviews and value engineering opportunities.
- Identify and manage design risks, technical queries and design changes.
- Work collaboratively with project, commercial and construction teams to ensure successful project delivery.
- Build strong relationships with the client, consultants and key stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, technical standards and project specifications.
About You
We're looking for an experienced design professional who has successfully led the design function on complex commercial construction projects.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience as a Head of Design, Senior Design Manager or Design Lead within a main contractor.
- Strong background delivering major refurbishment, retrofit, cut & carve and commercial office projects.
- Experience working for a Tier One or leading regional main contractor.
- Excellent understanding of design management, construction methodology and project delivery.
- Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Degree qualified in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
- What's on Offer
- Permanent or Fixed-Term Contract opportunities.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- The opportunity to lead the design function on one of Bristol's landmark commercial developments.
- Long-term career progression within a respected and growing contractor.
- A collaborative environment where innovation, quality and sustainability are at the forefront of project delivery.
If you're an experienced design leader looking to play a pivotal role in delivering a flagship commercial redevelopment, we'd love to hear from you
Head of Design in Bristol employer: Sphere Solutions
Sphere Solutions is an excellent employer that values its employees by offering a competitive salary and a supportive work culture focused on professional growth. Working in Wiltshire, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality civil engineering projects, with ample opportunities for career advancement and skill development in a thriving environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design in Bristol
✨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 Sphere Solutions 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 Head of Design in Bristol
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 Sphere Solutions!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Sphere Solutions. 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 Sphere Solutions
✨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 Sphere Solutions.
