At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and create innovative timber play structures for parks and schools.
- Company: Join TouchWood Play, a leader in designing natural playgrounds since 2002.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to inspire children through imaginative play and nature.
- Qualifications: Advanced 3D modelling skills, experience with technical drawings, and a strong design portfolio required.
- Other info: Show us your creativity – the best applications are those that truly stand out!
The predicted salary is between 24700 - 35000 £ per year.
TouchWood Play
Designer – Play Equipment
Salary: £24,700 – £35,000 plus bonus scheme, dependent on experience
Bristol
Are you interested in joining a leading design and build company specialising in timber playground equipment? TouchWood Play is searching for a passionate and technically proficient Industrial Designer to join our growing and focused team, who create beautiful play spaces for top leisure attractions, schools, public parks and more.
About Us
At TouchWood Play, we are passionate about real play. We design, build and install unique, natural playgrounds that inspire, challenge and connect children with nature. Since 2002, we’ve created hundreds of play experiences for parks, schools, visitor attractions, trusts, charities and commissions both in the UK and across the world.
TouchWood creates amazing environments where children of all ages – and their imaginations – can run wild. Our playgrounds offer freedom, learning through play and a safe space where each visit feels like a new adventure. From zip wires to dens, towers to slides, and epic swings to mud kitchens, our installations appeal to everyone, including parents, carers and community members. Best of all, we strive to make everything as local, sustainable and natural as possible.
The Role
We are looking for a talented Industrial Designer to work with clients, communities and colleagues to transform great ideas into creative, safe and practical timber play structures. You will work in parallel with our sales team developing new conceptual play experiences and presenting them to clients with illustrations and renders. You will also work closely with our manufacturing and installation teams to deliver projects on time and on budget. Your responsibilities will range from initial sketches to 3D modelling, technical drawings, costing and adapting to site constraints.
You will have practical knowledge and experience related to timber construction and on-site installation. An understanding of regulations and guidelines about play provision, including inclusive design and industry standards, would also be beneficial.
So, if you’re a first-rate designer with a passion for working with wood and creating innovative and imaginative designs, we want to meet you.
About You
You feel a real connection to the great outdoors, the magic of the woods and the beauty of natural materials. Your creative skills are well-developed, and you are eager to use them to design and enhance play spaces and constructions.
If you’re going to turn your talents to the design of bespoke play spaces, we would like to see:
Required:
· Advanced skills in 3D modelling software, particularly SketchUp and LayOut
· Experience in producing and working from technical drawings
· Understanding of the structural and technical requirements of timber structures – how they fit together
· Autonomy, self-motivation and strong team spirit
· Ability to sketch ideas on paper and present them to the team or clients
· An impressive design portfolio showcasing your abilities
Desirable:
· Practical, hands-on experience in landscaping or construction – in work or life
· Strong project management skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel (or similar) to manage and organise the delivery of small and large projects
· Empathy, adaptability and communication skills to work effectively with a wide range of people
· An appreciation for designing according to industry guidelines and standards
In return, you will join a supportive team of talented designers, creating extraordinary play spaces across the UK and internationally. As an integral part of a company with ambitious growth plans, you\’ll enjoy a collaborative and friendly work environment.
Want to apply but missing a bit?
Use your imagination and make us believe in you – sometimes the best applications are those that show, not tell!
How to apply
To apply, please send your CV, cover letter and a portfolio of concept and technical drawings to
The closing date for applications is 25th July 2025.
Designer - Play Equipment and Adventure Parks employer: TouchWood Play - Playgrounds that amaze
Contact Detail:
TouchWood Play - Playgrounds that amaze Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Designer - Play Equipment and Adventure Parks
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with TouchWood Play's previous projects and design philosophy. Understanding their unique approach to creating natural playgrounds will help you align your ideas with their vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare a few innovative design concepts that showcase your skills in 3D modelling and technical drawing. Presenting these during your interview can demonstrate your creativity and practical knowledge of timber construction.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the play equipment and adventure park industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who may provide insights or even referrals to TouchWood Play.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for outdoor play and sustainable design in your conversations. Being able to articulate why you care about creating safe, imaginative play spaces will resonate well with the team at TouchWood Play.
We think you need these skills to ace Designer - Play Equipment and Adventure Parks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the job description for the Designer position at TouchWood Play. Pay attention to the required skills and responsibilities, as this will help you tailor your application.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for design and the outdoors. Highlight your relevant experience with timber structures and your ability to create innovative play spaces. Make it personal and engaging to capture their attention.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a well-organised portfolio that showcases your best work, particularly in 3D modelling and technical drawings. Ensure it demonstrates your creativity and understanding of play space design, as this is crucial for the role.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the job. Emphasise your skills in 3D modelling software, project management, and any hands-on experience in landscaping or construction. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.
How to prepare for a job interview at TouchWood Play - Playgrounds that amaze
✨Showcase Your Design Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work. Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your skills in 3D modelling, technical drawings, and any hands-on experience you have with timber structures.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Familiarise yourself with TouchWood Play's mission and values, especially their focus on natural materials and sustainable practices. Be prepared to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to creating inspiring play spaces.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your knowledge of timber construction and industry standards. Brush up on relevant regulations and guidelines, and be ready to discuss how you would approach designing safe and practical play structures.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with sales, manufacturing, and installation teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in past projects. Highlight your communication skills and ability to adapt to different team dynamics.