Architectural Retail Designer

Penguin Recruitment; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working opportunities

Competitive salary

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment is seeking an experienced Retail Designer to join its Cardiff studio. You will take ownership of multiple retail design projects from concept through to completion, delivering high-quality technical drawings and design proposals.

The role requires a degree in architecture or related field, strong AutoCAD skills, and the ability to travel across the UK. Hybrid working options and a competitive salary in the £35-42k+ DOE range are offered.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Interior Design, or a related discipline.
• Substantial post-qualification experience in retail design or architectural environments.
• Highly proficient in AutoCAD with strong technical drawing experience.
• Experience delivering retail fit-out, refurbishment or rollout projects.
• Good understanding of construction methods, materials and MEP coordination.
• Able to interpret technical drawings and client briefs confidently.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Full UK driving licence; willingness to travel across the UK.

Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality technical retail designs using AutoCAD.
• Develop detailed drawing packages for new build, refurbishment, and rollout projects.
• Manage multiple projects, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met.
• Act as main client contact, communicating professionally throughout the project lifecycle.
• Present design proposals to clients and stakeholders.
• Carry out site surveys and attend project meetings across the UK.
• Coordinate with architects, consultants, contractors and project managers to ensure successful project delivery.
• Monitor project progress, identifying risks and escalating issues where appropriate.
• Ensure all designs comply with current building regulations and industry standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvements in design processes and studio workflows.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and uphold client confidentiality.
• Support a collaborative studio culture and contribute to successful project delivery.

Skills

Retail design experience

Client communication

Project coordination

Time management

Education

Architecture degree

Architectural Technology degree

Interior Design degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Retail Designer

Location: Cardiff

Salary: £35-42,000+ DOE

About the company

An established multidisciplinary design consultancy is looking to appoint an experienced Retail Designer to join its Cardiff studio. Renowned for delivering high‑quality architectural and retail design solutions across the UK, the practice works with a diverse portfolio of retail clients on new build, refurbishment, and rollout projects. This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative and forward‑thinking team, taking ownership of multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment while contributing to innovative design solutions from concept through to completion.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working opportunities
• Career progression within a growing multidisciplinary consultancy
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Exposure to a varied portfolio of retail projects
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunity to travel across the UK for project and site involvement

Daily Duties

• Produce high‑quality technical retail designs using AutoCAD.
• Develop detailed drawing packages for new build, refurbishment, and rollout projects.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and budgets are achieved.
• Act as the main point of contact for clients, providing clear and professional communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Present design proposals to clients and project stakeholders.
• Carry out site surveys and attend project meetings across the UK.
• Coordinate with architects, consultants, contractors, and project managers to ensure successful project delivery.
• Monitor project progress, identifying risks and escalating issues where appropriate.
• Ensure all designs comply with current building regulations and industry standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvements in design processes and studio workflows.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and uphold client confidentiality.
• Support a collaborative studio culture and contribute to successful project delivery.

Ideal Candidate

• Degree qualified in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Interior Design, or a related discipline.
• Substantial years' post‑qualification experience within a retail design or architectural environment.
• Highly proficient in AutoCAD with strong technical drawing experience.
• Experience delivering retail fit‑out, refurbishment or rollout projects.
• Good understanding of construction methods, materials, and MEP coordination.
• Able to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and client briefs with confidence.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proactive, detail‑oriented, and able to work independently.
• Competent in Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Full UK driving licence with no penalty points.
• Willingness to travel across the UK to undertake site surveys and project visits.