Principal Design

Unispace; Madrid; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Unispace, a global design-build partner, is seeking a Principal, Design to lead regional design strategy for Spain. You will guide studio vision, drive innovative design solutions, and foster an inclusive, high‑performing culture across the team, aligning with Unispace’s CSR and sustainability commitments.

You’ll work with Spanish Design Lead on annual plans, manage client relationships, oversee projects from concept to delivery, handle budgets and bids, and contribute to growth by winning new

Qualifications

• Degree in architecture or equivalent design discipline.
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Excellent pitching, presentation, and client engagement skills.
• Solid understanding of project financials and CRE/approvals processes.
• Experience leading large, complex design projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design strategy for your studio and drive innovation.
• Build and manage strategic client relationships to grow business.
• Oversee all studio design projects ensuring quality and collaboration.
• Provide financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Lead bid/pitch presentations to win new work.

Skills

Design leadership

Client relationships

Budgeting & forecasting

Pitching & presentations

Strategic thinking

Education

Degree in architecture or related discipline

Tools

Revit

Job description

At Unispace, we create spaces that empower people and businesses to thrive. We are a global design-build partner delivering workplace and life sciences projects for some of the world’s most innovative brands. With over 500 people across four continents, we bring together strategy, design, project management, and delivery into one seamless experience. Our integrated approach enables us to move with agility, solve complex challenges, and deliver meaningful outcomes for our clients. Our people are at the centre of everything we do. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity, accountability, creativity, and continuous improvement. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us create better experiences for our clients and each other. At Unispace, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects, work alongside talented global teams, and grow your career in an environment that encourages innovation and new ideas.

Job Title

Principal, Design

Team:

Design

Responsible to:

Senior Principal, Design/Head of Design

Who We Are

At Unispace, we are committed to transforming workplaces to meet the diverse needs of today’s dynamic global brands. Our agile, end-to-end approach is delivered seamlessly across borders, fueled by strong client partnerships and supported by insightful workplace intelligence and innovative technology. We believe that everyone deserves to work in an environment that inspires productivity, fosters peak performance, and promotes overall well-being. Across our 48 global studios, we recognize that positive work environments cultivate open, collaborative, and supportive cultures, enriched by the contributions of independent and motivated individuals from all backgrounds. While our core business revolves around strategizing, designing, and building workplaces for some of the world's leading brands, we understand that our people are our greatest asset. We prioritize their growth and well-being through a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition program that includes rewards and recognition, career development opportunities, and a strong focus on mental and physical well-being. To further support our team, we embrace flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working options that empower our employees to balance in‑office collaboration with remote work flexibility. This approach not only enhances work‑life balance but also allows us to harness the full potential of our diverse and talented workforce.

Why you’re here

As the Principal, Design, you’ll be instrumental in shaping and executing the design strategy for your region, helping to expand Unispace’s portfolio and elevate our brand across Spain. You are a strategic leader who drives innovation, collaboration, and growth within your team. Your leadership will not only focus on delivering exceptional design solutions but also on fostering an inclusive, forward‑thinking culture. You'll be at the forefront of creating inspiring workplaces while ensuring that Unispace’s values and commitment to diversity, sustainability, and excellence are reflected in every project.

What You’re Responsible For

• Leading the development and implementation of the Design strategy for your studio, driving innovation and elevating the design approach to meet the evolving needs of clients and the market.
• Collaborating with the Spanish Design Lead to craft annual business and workforce plans, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals.
• Building and managing strategic client relationships, working to expand Unispace’s influence and drive new business opportunities.
• Overseeing all studio design projects, ensuring quality, creativity, and alignment with client goals while fostering an environment of collaboration and inclusion.
• Providing financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting for the design studio, ensuring that financial goals are met.
• Partnering with the Delivery and Management teams to ensure projects meet financial targets while maintaining exceptional design standards.
• Leading high‑stakes bid/pitch presentations, effectively communicating the value of Unispace’s design methodology to win new business and grow the client portfolio.
• Ensuring that the culture, values, and behaviors in the studio reflect Unispace’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability.
• Driving best practices, design processes, and technology initiatives across the studio to ensure design consistency and excellence.
• Collaborating with Studio Management to develop and implement risk management strategies, addressing legal, reputational, and financial risks as necessary.
• Championing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives within the studio, aligning them with Unispace’s global and regional vision.
• Acting as a key ambassador for Unispace’s values, inspiring your team and clients through leadership and integrity.

How We’ll Measure It

• The ability to maintain a comprehensive overview of all studio projects, providing clear and concise updates to management as needed.
• A proven track record of creating successful and accurate project bids that meet client needs, with realistic costs and timelines.
• Expertise in managing studio budgets, ensuring project profitability, client satisfaction, and strong commercial returns.
• Experience securing additional opportunities through industry recognition and awards for design innovation, enhancing Unispace’s brand and driving new business.
• A strong focus on people development, ensuring that your team is adequately resourced, engaged, and equipped with the necessary skills to succeed.
• Excellence in performance management, fostering high‑performance teams while addressing any underperformance promptly and effectively.
• A commitment to applying consistent design standards, technology solutions, and processes across the studio to maintain excellence.
• The ability to implement and manage risk management plans, with evidence of taking appropriate action when challenges arise.
• A strong commitment to CSR, ensuring initiatives are in line with Unispace’s global and regional goals, and integrated into the studio’s culture.

Your Experience And Skills

• A degree in architecture or an equivalent design‑related discipline.
• Proficiency in Revit, with a deep understanding of how to integrate it effectively into project workflows.
• A high level of technical knowledge and design expertise.
• Strong understanding of project financials, corporate real estate (CRE), and approvals processes.
• Experience leading and developing high‑performance teams, particularly on large and complex projects.
• Proven ability to cultivate strategic client relationships, with a client‑oriented approach to business development.
• Excellent pitching, presentation, and communication skills, with a talent for engaging high‑profile clients.
• A reputation for innovative, conceptual thinking, and the ability to influence others and drive results.
• A demonstrated ability to develop talent within your team, building organizational capability and agility.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to navigate change and lead your team through periods of growth and transformation.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, and we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to perform essential job functions as determined on a case‑by‑case basis.

Inclusion and Diversity Commitment:

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity hiring and will evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition (as defined by state law), physical or mental disability, military service, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are proud that our leadership reflects this commitment, with persons of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals playing pivotal roles in shaping the future of our organization. Their unique perspectives and experiences drive innovation and help us create a truly inclusive culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard and that our workplace is a space where diversity is not only celebrated but is integral to our success.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and employment lifecycle where required by applicable law.

Inclusion & Diversity

At Unispace, we believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams, our culture, and the work we deliver for our clients. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with respect and has the opportunity to thrive.

Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.