About the Role

Role Details

We are looking to meet Architectural & Spatial Designers specifically working freelance or in fixed term contracts, at all levels. This area of design practice is a key pillar in our multidimensional design work and we have some great long-term relationships, but as our portfolio grows we're looking to build our networks and meet new collaborators that can co-deliver our next stage of projects.

To manage expectations, this is not an opportunity for those interested in full time, permanent positions -  we are only looking, at this stage, to connect with people on a freelance or fixed-term project specific basis.

Key Responsibilities 

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following: 

Project Teams  

• Working with multidisciplinary design teams to lead and execute the creative process on a project having an awareness for the details on all aspects of the project 
• Lead and coordinate the design process on multiple, varying scale projects with substantial budgets 
• Attending client-facing design meetings in order to assimilate and understand a creative brief  
• Engaging in internal design discussions, reviews and critical feedback  
• Supporting the delivery of internal and client-facing design presentations   

Creative  

• Demonstrating an understanding and an overview of the project as a whole  
• Personally, undertaking design work at a number of different stages, which depending on your specialism could include:  
• Conceptual design and research  
• Sketching and Storyboarding  
• Visualisation of ideas and communication to external parties  
• Preparation of design presentations  
• Building reusable design templates and workflows in various software packages related to your specialism and design approach  
• Maintaining project files and design assets  
• Archiving projects  
• Working with a Director to lead and execute the creative and managerial process on a project having an awareness for the details on all aspects of the project  
• Leading and coordinating the design process on multiple, varying scale projects with substantial budgets, taking them to completion

Other  

• Managing your own time confidently and meeting deadlines  
• Support training for junior or new members of the team both during onboarding and as part of their ongoing practice  
• Contributing to the ongoing work to generate a wider network of freelance/external company relationships  
• Understanding and contributing to the interdisciplinary nature of Journey
• Investigating new ways of engaging audiences through the application of technology to narrative challenges  
• Contributing to our work around Sustainability in Design

Candidate Qualifications & Skills

Required:

• A number of years direct experience as a spatial designer working in an interdisciplinary context:
  • Assistant Roles  - approximately 1-3 years professional experience
  • Designer Roles - approximately 3-7 years professional experience
  • Senior Designer Roles - approximately 7-12 years professional experience
  • Design Director Roles - approximately 12+ years professional experience
• Training and/or a qualification in spatial or set design, product design and/or architecture
• Demonstrable experience designing projects from pre-concept through to delivery on site   
• Demonstrable interest in a story driven design approach   
• Evidence of a lateral thinking design ability to take a concept / brief and develop it into a specific form    
• Excellent spatial design skills illustrated across a range of analogue means and digital software - hand sketching, visualising, 2d drafting, 3d modelling and physical modelling skills   
• A good communicator who can convey creative ideas with passion as well as manage expectations   
• A true interest in and ability to work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment  
• Knowledge of creating work in different territories, with a design portfolio that demonstrates a range of work in different mediums and storytelling formats (i.e. theatrical, exhibition, design for VR, audience experience, interior design etc)    
• A thorough working knowledge of designing with a wide range of materials – alongside a deep engagement with the practical and technical realisation of design ideas through careful material use   
• An ability to multitask effectively and handle multiple project workflows at any one time  
• An ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines   
• A high degree of knowledge of design phases (RIBA or equivalent) and ability to deliver at all phases of a design process   

Desirable:  

• An understanding of recent key themes and industry shifts within live events, performances and exhibitions  
• Computational design skills (such as Grasshopper)  
• An understanding of other disciplines workflows and technical requirements - e.g. lighting, video, sound, costume design  
• Knowledge of procurement methods, construction contracts and designer appointment terms 

Application: Please share a CV of your experience, softwares and any training, a cover letter outlining how your experience would transfer to our projects, which level of seniority you'd like to be considered for and a portfolio of your work.

Location: London - we offer hybrid working, with regular in-person collaboration at our London studios through the week

Contract: Opportunities will be project specific, and contracted as freelance or fixed-term employment based on the specific task. Fixed Term Contract Salaries vary based on the role, with the below as a guide. Freelance rates discussed on a case by case basis.

• Assistant Designer: £31,000-£36,000
• Designer: £35,000-£44,000
• Senior Designer: £48,000-£60,000
• Design Director: £65,000-£95,000

CLIENT MANAGER, LONDON

APPARATUS is a New York-based designer and manufacturer of a distinctive catalog of high-end, high-touch lighting, furniture and objects. We produce both in-house and with the support of high-quality external partners; our catalog is sold globally.

This role manages and cultivates client relationships and a corresponding book of business within a specific territory. The Client Manager serves as the primary contact for interior designers, architects, end-users and purchasing agents, requiring a high degree of aesthetic and technical knowledge and elevated communication ability to manage these relationships effectively. This is an in-person role based in our London Gallery.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Relationship Management and Business Development

• Serves as primary representative of APPARATUS in allocated sales territories.
• Develops deep knowledge of and effectively shares APPARATUS product and brand story to drive client engagement and sales.
• Consistently executes approved brand activities to grow business in territory, including follow-ups, thank you notes, re-engagement correspondence, micro-events and studio visits.
• Represents APPARATUS with elevated presentations for clients to walk them through collections including in-person, digitally and by phone, to explore all client needs and possible APPARATUS solutions.
• Provides consistently positive and engaging client experience through accurate information, timely response, and warmth in communication.

Sales Process and Order Management

• Manages client orders efficiently through the sales process and in the utilization of Salesforce including quoting, invoicing, billing, order completion and shipping.
• Manages client expectations effectively by building an understanding of cross-functional processes and structures and what is possible and not possible.
• Provides follow-up care and problem-solving as needed.
• Performs to established KPIs through company-directed tasks and activities to achieve goals.

Gallery Operations and Brand Standards

• Manages aesthetic and operational oversight of the London gallery and escalates any maintenance issues as needed.
• Partners with the London Sales team to lead client experience standards, maintain the upkeep of visual standards, and continually refine client engagement within the gallery.
• Partners with Gallery Director and Brand team to develop and implement both large- and small-scale events in the gallery, with a focus on continued community building.
• Ensures implementation and upkeep of headquarters policies and procedures.

Business Analysis and Sales Support

• Utilizes reporting to manage book of business, recognizes areas of opportunity and partners with leadership to create and deploy outreach strategies to optimize sales in territory.
• Consistently seeks to support the global APPARATUS sales team with client needs by developing and delivering solutions to maintain the highest level of client experience and reaching monthly and yearly sales goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-6 years elevated sales experience in a similar client-facing role in either the interior design industry or with luxury products.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain ongoing client relationships.
• Knowledge and interest in contemporary design.
• Experience in a business that requires a team to execute the common vision, understands the value of the individual and the team.
• Proven ability in a high-paced environment that values consistency, efficiency, and excellence.

SKILLS

• Excellent time-management skills, independent drive, and the ability to work under pressure while delivering a positive and elevated on-brand experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Able to build rapport quickly and effectively with different personalities.
• Curious and resourceful approach to learning.
• Comfortable with a majority computer-based workload and the need for accuracy.
• Strong aesthetic and presentation skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Strategic and solutions-based thinker.
• A consistently positive attitude displayed both as an individual and within a collaborative team of peers and management.
• Ability to respond professionally to critical feedback and proactive in seeking support and help when needed.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full-time gallery hours
• Longer hours and weekend availability as needed
• Travel as needed

PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND CHECK-INS SCHEDULE

• Regular check-ins.
• Annual performance review.

This is a full-time position with competitive compensation and benefits. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Position is based in our London Gallery. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.K. without sponsorship.

About Us

At Blank Street, we’re on a mission to become the defining food and beverage brand of our generation. From the very beginning, we’ve set out to add a spark to ordinary experiences through elevated products, attention to detail, and a commitment to making every moment memorable. We’re motivated by the millions of customers we serve across cities, and know that our potential is unlimited. It all starts with our people and their commitment to make magic happen each and every day.

Add a Spark to the Ordinary... 

We’re looking for an Interior Designer who is passionate about creating exceptional consumer experiences and excited to be part of our expansion.

In this role, you will support all phases of the design and build process—from test fits and concept design through construction administration - with a strong focus on FF&E selection, as well as materials and supplier research and documentation.

What You’ll Own

• Support the design, documentation, and execution of multiple high-quality projects by collaborating with all internal and external teams
• Assist with key initiatives from creation to implementation
• Contribute to ideating the conceptual framework for projects
• Work with the Design team and wider global team to maintain an on-brand project aesthetic appropriate to the market
• Provide regular updates to management and the project team, and work alongside and receive mentorship from Senior Designers.
• Assist in coordinating with external consultants throughout the design process
• Support the determination and organisation of functional requirements, programming, space planning, and code analysis
• Help ensure design deliverables follow brand standards, including quality assurance policies and procedures
• Assist the Real Estate team in the due diligence process as needed
• Develop FF&E proposals, coordinating with suppliers and tracking communications, lead times, and budgets.
• Research and evaluate new materials and suppliers, manage sample and prototype orders, and document all related communications.

Requirements

• BArch / MArch degree in a design or design-related field, including but not limited to Interior Design or Architecture
• 5+ years of professional design experience in commercial or hospitality projects
• Proven ability to support and contribute to both design concepts and technical documentation across multiple project phases.
• Solid understanding of materials, finishes and space planning.
• Excellent oral, written, and graphic communication skills;
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive, detail-oriented approach to your work.
• Experience working in collaborative design teams and contributing to project coordination.
• Excellent organisational and ‘people’ skills.
• Proficient in the following programs: BIM (Revit), all things Google, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite
• Possess a strong eye for FF&E selection and a passion for supplier and materials research.

Benefits and Perks

• Equity package
• Private health and dental insurance
• 25 days of annual leave (on top of bank holidays), along with an additional paid day a year ‘to start something extraordinary’ ✨ and pursue a passion
• A salary sacrifice scheme to spend on Cycle to Work, bike subscriptions, pensions and medical
• Access to 1Rebel off-peak classes at the sites near our office, for free!
• Exclusive access to our coveted Regulars program – yes, that means free coffee, matcha and more! ☕️✨
• Great culture with regular team events

*Portfolios must be submitted for consideration
**This role is based in London, and periodic travel may be required