At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design direction and oversee architectural projects in hospitality and urban design.
- Company: WATG, a global leader in destination and hospitality design.
- Benefits: Employee-owned firm with a focus on community, sustainability, and career growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to enhancing cultural heritage and community resilience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in design while mentoring a creative team.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in hospitality design, strong leadership, and software proficiency required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
ABOUT WATG
WATG is the world’s preeminent destination and hospitality design firm. We are employee-owned, home to more than 500 professionals globally, located remotely and in our offices in Atlantic City, California, Dallas, New York, Honolulu, London, Singapore, and Shanghai. Our approach to design applies a hospitality ethos to the development of all shapes and sizes. From initial feasibility studies to finishing touches, we operate globally as an integrated, multidisciplinary practice. Along with our interior design studio, Wimberly Interiors, we specialize in hospitality, gaming + entertainment, urban + mixed-use, and high-end residential design. We were founded in Honolulu in 1945, and the spirit of the islands taught us to focus on community strength, self-reliance, and sustainability – which we still prioritize today. We passionately believe that culture and heritage are the roots that lead to long-term resilience. We stay true to our values of designing spaces that respect, protect, and enhance the natural magic of their surroundings while delivering long-term value for our clients and their communities.
WATG is hiring a Senior Project Designer for our office in London.
ROLE
The Senior Project Designer is responsible for establishing overall design direction, developing architectural designs, and overseeing documentation for mid-size to large-scale projects. This role provides leadership throughout the design phases, ensuring continuity from concept through design development while managing project financial performance and team communication in partnership with the Project Manager and Project Architect. The Senior Project Designer leads teams, proposes design solutions, monitors project progress, and maintains positive client relationships. The Senior Project Designer mentors the team, supports marketing efforts, and upholds quality control standards while meeting project timelines and budgets.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Project-focused, leads design execution on specific projects, ensuring they meet client expectations, design intent through all phases, budgets and schedules.
- Leads multiple design teams on specific projects and ensures quality control and consistency.
- Works directly with clients to meet project-specific goals.
- Is deeply involved in project management and delivery.
- Confirms that the design follows the contractual agreement with the client and that the project is on schedule and within budget.
- Oversees the design team in ensuring that documentation for all phases of design conforms to quality assurance, quality control, and best practice standards.
- Proposes and develops effective design solutions to design problems to meet project goals.
- Verifies that project needs and design intent are met by effectively managing design staff and ensuring the efficient utilization of resources.
- Monitors design concepts through the design development phases.
- Works with the design team in prioritizing, planning and executing several projects efficiently.
- Understands and implements processes that reduce risks and exposure.
- Establishes and fosters a commitment to ongoing, positive and productive internal and external client relationships and service.
- Regularly communicates with internal team and client representatives to verify design requirements and specifications, progress reviews, and design delivery are on target.
- Supports the marketing and business development activities of the studio when needed.
- Mentors and develops team members, providing ongoing performance feedback to enhance team performance and contributions.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Professional degree from an appropriate accredited institution.
- 15+ years of experience in the hospitality design of mid-size to large architectural projects, including urban and resort hotels.
- Licensure and/or professional certification as appropriate.
- Proficiency in software skills, including Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, and Sketch-Up.
- Sketching skills required.
- Experienced in client management, project management, and negotiations.
- Ability to work in a team environment and supervise and motivate others.
- Ability to meet deadlines consistently and effectively.
- Highly effective written and verbal communication.
- Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills to effectively communicate design concepts.
- Highly effective management and leadership skills and the ability to manage multiple project priorities while consistently achieving results.
*Please include a copy of your resume and portfolio to be considered for this position. WATG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Senior Project Designer in London employer: WATG
WATG is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where creativity thrives in the heart of London. As an employee-owned firm, we prioritise professional growth and mentorship, ensuring our team members are supported in their career journeys while working on impactful hospitality design projects. With a commitment to sustainability and community values, WATG offers a unique opportunity to contribute to designs that enhance both client satisfaction and environmental stewardship.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Designer 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 WATG 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 Project Designer 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 WATG!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to WATG. 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 WATG
✨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 WATG.