Digital Design Consultant (Freelance)

Charcoalblue; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

Charcoalblue is seeking freelance Digital Design developers to join our Experience Design and Strategy pool in the United Kingdom. You will work on real-time 3D projects, prototyping tools, and interactive experiences within a small, agile team.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in programming, Unity, and 3D CAD tools, with strong communication and self-motivation. Availability is 2–3 days per week, initial 3-month term with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of demonstrable experience in programming, computational architecture, game development, design research, or related field.
• Experience with coding languages such as C#, Python, JavaScript or similar languages.
• Experience with 3D CAD software and producing basic renders or animations (AutoCAD, 3DS Max, Blender).
• Experience working with the cross-platform game engine – Unity.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on coding and development using real-time 3D tools, such as Unity.
• Contribute to digital design projects from conception to completion based on existing tools and product base.
• Create new prototype tools and products, including early design proofs for research studies.
• Create, edit, and optimise 3D models, including rendering and visualisation.

Skills

C#

Python

JavaScript

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in related field

Tools

AutoCAD

3DS Max

Blender

Unity

Job description

Thank you for your interest in Charcoalblue! We are looking for enthusiastic freelancers with experience in Digital Design to join our Experience Design and Strategy freelance pool. This position is based in the United Kingdom.

Full details of the role can be found below.

We look forward to receiving your application! Initial interviews will likely be held virtually in September. Time and date will be confirmed for short-listed candidates. A task may be set for those invited to interview.

Description of Role

A fast-growing part of our work is delivering software based digital tools and solutions to clients, as well as developing tools to improve our own design workflows. Examples include custom VR and AR development, building interactive applications in Unity, web-based applications, renders and visualisations and custom plug-ins for design software and digital prototyping environments.

The team at Charcoalblue is called Digital Studio, and this exciting area provides an opportunity for connection between our expertise in the built environment and emerging technologies, as well as interfacing with Research and Development initiatives and opportunities. With innovation at the core of our company values, we are always looking for new ideas and initiatives to push the boundaries of design in our industry.

You are an ideal candidate if you are an innovative problem solver with a good foundational knowledge of programming. You will use object-oriented scripting languages, such as C#, primarily for real-time 3D development platforms, such as Unity. You will work with a variety of other designers and team members, and you will bring a more holistic approach to developing solutions and digital projects. As part of a small, agile, and dynamic team, you will be expected to take initiative, drive your work independently, and provide creative input to support development efforts and project success.

You are innovative in developing concepts and ideas for internal design tools and assets and, as you develop your skills and experience, you may have the opportunity to become a project lead for a specific product. You must be a clear communicator, action-oriented, self-motivated, and comfortable with ambiguity.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Hands on coding and development using real-time 3D development tools, such as Unity.
• Contribute to digital design projects from conception to completion based on our existing tools and product base.
• Create new prototype tools and products, which may sometimes include working on early design proof of concepts for research studies.
• Create, edit, and optimise 3D models, including rendering, visualisation, and the import and export of BIM and other industry-standard file formats.
• Input on design projects where digital design services are required, such as VR visualizations, interactive modelling, or bespoke digital solutions.
• Interface with all design disciplines in Charcoalblue Experience and other teams within Charcoalblue on aspects of digital projects and initiatives.
• Maintain and improve our existing internal digital design tools and products.
• Work with external companies and subcontractors, such as programmers, developers, and graphic designers on larger collaborative projects.
• Research and develop the use of technology across all sectors and discover ways of applying it to our work, especially where technology and theatricality intersect.
• Be self-motivated in your own research, expanding your knowledge of digital technology, theatre, and the construction industry.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive and may be subject to alteration over time as we develop the service.

Qualifications and Key Skills

We are open to receiving applications from candidates with a varied range of experience and education. If you meet most of the qualifications below, we encourage you to apply:

Essential

• Minimum 3 years of demonstrable experience working in computer programming, computational architecture, game development, design research, technical design, or related field.
• Experience working with coding languages with an understanding of C#, Python, JavaScript or similar languages.
• Experience working with 3D CAD software and producing basic renders or animations, software packages such as AutoCAD, 3DS studio max, blender or similar software.
• Experience working with the cross-platform game engine – Unity.

Desirable

• An imaginative approach to problem-solving.
• Some experience of project work relating to the built environment, i.e. Architecture, events or placemaking projects.
• A basic ability to interpret design drawings or architectural plans.
• Experience working with collaborative working tools, such as Miro, Asana, Figma, and G-suite.
• A portfolio demonstrating captivating architectural renders and concepts for venues.
• Experience working with agile working methodologies, with openness to other typical construction and design project workflows.
• Experience working with other real-time 3D development platforms, such as Unreal Engine.
• An imaginative approach to problem-solving.
• A keen design eye for user interface design and presentation, with a basic ability to convey UX design ideas visually.
• A collaborative and personal approach to project work.

Additional Skills

• Experience working with version control, such as GitHub, Unity Version Control or similar.
• Experience working with front-end web frameworks such as React, for building interactive tools or web-based applications.
• Familiarity with browser-based visualisation technologies, such as WebGL or Three.js, is a plus.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field, such as Computer Programming, Game Design, Game Development, Architectural Technology, Audiovisual design, Engineering or Computer science, or Computational Architecture would be advantageous.

Interpersonal Skills

• A collaborative and personal approach to project work.
• Highly organized, excellent time management skills, reliable.
• Self-starting and ability to manage own time.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Able to work successfully on own initiative, as well as part of a local and global team.
• Friendly, professional manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Able to work calmly under pressure.
• Ability to manage and prioritise a diverse workload and meet deadlines, while maintaining both perspective and a sense of humour.
• An interest in architectural design, live events, theatre, or experiential spaces.

Availability

This freelance engagement is anticipated to be approximately 2-3 days per week, with an initial 3-month term with the potential for the scope and duration of the engagement to extend depending on project requirements and upcoming opportunities.

Start Date

As soon as possible

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Overview

We are committed to becoming an increasingly inclusive organization. We continuously work to eliminate unfair and discriminatory practices within the company while encouraging full and equal contributions from our diverse community.

Our mission is to foster an inclusive ethos by creating a welcoming work environment across our global practice. We provide recruitment opportunities that are open to all and encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds to ensure our global team reflects the clients we collaborate with and the communities we serve.

Charcoalblue strives to provide an environment free from discrimination and is committed to ensuring that all clients and customers can access the services and products we offer, across our three regions. We believe that all individuals – employees and clients alike – are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity.