Lead Designer — Architecture & Interiors (London)

Critical Playground LLC; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Design Studio in London is seeking a senior designer to join the team on a fixed-term contract. You will lead day-to-day design and delivery, guide projects from concept to completion, and balance conceptual exploration with technical rigor.

You will play a key client-facing role, present design concepts, manage teams, and contribute to knowledge-sharing across the studio. Collaboration and leadership are essential to success in this role.

Qualifications

• 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 clearly to clients and colleagues.
• Solid understanding of RIBA stages, technical detailing and construction processes.
• Positive, proactive and collaborative leadership.

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 the studio

Skills

Project leadership

Architecture & interiors

Spatial design

Conceptual design

Client communication

Construction detailing

Job description

Universal Design Studio in London is seeking a senior designer to join the team on a fixed-term contract. You will lead day-to-day design and delivery, guide projects from concept to completion, and balance conceptual exploration with technical rigor.

You will play a key client-facing role, present design concepts, manage teams, and contribute to knowledge-sharing across the studio. Collaboration and leadership are essential to success in this role.