At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design projects, inspire teams, and ensure high-quality delivery.
- Company: Universal Design Studio, a creative hub in London and New York.
- Benefits: Opportunity to work on exciting projects with leading global brands.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Shape inspiring spaces and elevate everyday experiences through design.
- Qualifications: Experience in architecture or interiors, strong conceptual and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Universal Design Studio is an architecture and interiors practice based in London and New York, dedicated to creating spaces that inspire and endure.
Founded in 2001 by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, the studio has built an international reputation for delivering thoughtful, finely crafted environments grounded in design-led strategy and research.
We design from the inside out, crafting spaces that elevate everyday experiences.
Through the ideas, objects, and spaces we create, we seek to cultivate intelligence, find beauty, and drive transformation, all while deepening connections, inspiring participation, and unlocking creative potential in every interaction.
We are looking for a talented Senior Designer to join Universal Design Studio in London on a fixed term contract.
Reporting to the Senior Creative Team, you will take responsibility for leading projects day-to-day, ensuring the highest standards of creative and technical delivery while inspiring and motivating your team.
As a Senior Designer, you will play a key client-facing role, guiding projects from conceptthrough to completion.
You will balance strong conceptual thinking with technical rigour, ensuring accuracy and quality throughout.
This is an exciting opportunity for a confident, proactive designer to take on greater responsibility, leading teams and shaping design outcomes across a range of projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day design and delivery of small to medium-sized projects.
- Implement creative direction in collaboration with the Senior Creative Team.
- Manage and support Designers, Design Assistants, and Interns.
- Oversee design intent and technical drawing packages, ensuring quality and deadlines are met.
- Represent Universal in client and site meetings, resolving issues while protecting design intent.
- Build strong client relationships and present design concepts with clarity.
- Contribute to recruitment, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing across thestudio.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience leading project teams in architecture, interiors, or spatial design.
- Strong conceptual design skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Confident communicator, able to present ideas and solutions clearly to clients and colleagues.
- Solid understanding of RIBA stages, technical detailing, and construction processes.
- Positive, proactive, and collaborative approach to leadership.
- About Universal Design Studio
Universal Design Studio (part of WPP) is an architecture and interior design practice based in London and New York.
We design from the inside out—crafting spaces that elevate everyday experiences.
Through the ideas, objects, and spaces we create, we seek to cultivate intelligence, find beauty, and drive transformation—deepening connections, inspiring participation, and unlocking creative potential in every interaction.
Our curiosity drives us to challenge boundaries and ignite emergence, seeking a more vibrant, and sustainable future.
Our services include architecture, interior design and creative strategy and we work with leading global brands and organisations to create physical spaces across multiple sectors and regions.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands.
We unitecutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counselin a single company –powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth.
For more information, visit WPP. com.
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Senior Designer - 12 month FTC employer: Universal
Universal Design Studio is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where creativity thrives and every team member's contribution is valued. Located in the vibrant city of London, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that encourages professional growth through mentorship and hands-on leadership opportunities. Joining our team means being part of a forward-thinking practice dedicated to crafting inspiring spaces while working alongside some of the industry's most talented professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Designer - 12 month FTC
✨Get your portfolio ready!
When applying for that temporary architecture gig, make sure your portfolio is top-notch. Showcase your best projects, even if they were just uni assignments or side hustles. Include visuals and a brief description to show your design process and creativity.
✨Tap into local architecture events
Check out local architecture exhibitions, talks, and meetups. These events are brilliant for networking and you never know who might be looking for temporary help or just has a contact that could lead you to the right opportunity. Plus, it's a great way to stay updated on trends in the field!
✨Leverage temporary recruitment agencies
Consider registering with recruitment agencies that specialise in architecture roles. They often have access to temporary positions that aren’t advertised elsewhere. It's an easy way to find that next role without much fuss, plus they can help you polish your approach!
✨Show up where the architects are
Join online architecture forums or social media groups where professionals share opportunities. Engaging with these communities not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to job leads and collaborations. Don't underestimate the power of a simple message introducing yourself!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Designer - 12 month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Aesthetics:In the architecture game, your portfolio is your best friend. Make sure it showcases a range of your projects, highlighting both your design skills and technical ability. Don't just list what you've done – tell a story behind your designs, and show us how you think spatially!
Emphasise Collaborative Projects:Since this is a temporary role, showing you can work well with others is key. Highlight any collaborative projects in your CV or cover letter. Let us see how you’ve contributed in team settings – we want to know that you can hit the ground running alongside our crew at Universal.
Tailor Your Application for the Short Term:For temporary gigs, focus on your flexibility and how quickly you adapt to new environments. In your cover letter, mention your eagerness to learn and contribute immediately. We want to see that you’re ready to bring your skills to Universal without needing a long onboarding process!
Stay Up-to-Date with Trends:Architecture is constantly evolving, so make sure your application reflects your awareness of current design trends, software tools, and sustainable practices. Mention any relevant certifications or courses you've taken recently – it shows that you're serious about staying on top of your game for that temporary role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
When interviewing for a temporary role in architecture, it’s crucial that we bring along a strong portfolio that highlights our best projects. Make sure to include a variety of work that showcases your design skills, technical drawings, and even any 3D models or visualisations. This will help the interviewers at Universal see your creative process and your ability to tackle different challenges in architectural design.
✨Brush Up on Software Skills
Be prepared to answer questions about architectural software like AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp, since many firms, including Universal, heavily rely on these tools. If possible, brush up on your skills with quick tutorials beforehand, and be ready to discuss how you used these tools in past projects. This shows that you’re not just a pretty face but also technically savvy!
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
Temporary roles often require us to jump into projects mid-flow, so highlight experiences where you've quickly adapted to new teams or changing project scopes. Talk about your problem-solving strategies and how you handle unexpected challenges — this will show Universal that you can seamlessly integrate into their ongoing work without missing a beat.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your critical thinking and design choices in real-time. Practice answers where you explain how you would approach specific architectural challenges or collaborate with different stakeholders. This will not only demonstrate our thought process but also show how we can contribute meaningfully to the team at Universal from day one.
