Design Manager

Buchan and London Recruitment

Our leading Architectual client is looking for a skilled and experienced Design Manager with experience of high-spec commercial and office fitout projects – this offers hybrid working remotely 3 days with other days in London.

Display strong leadership in directing and coordinating design teams (internal and external).

Act as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring exceptional communication.

Present work to clients in an inspiring, engaging, professional and creative manner.

Act as both manager and mentor to members of the team to promote a collaborative atmosphere.

Proactively develop high quality spatial, architectural and operational designs both independently and within the studio to meet the vision of the practice and client s brief

Understanding of regulatory standards(Building Regulations, health & safety standards, and planning legislation).

Keep up to date with registration and charter requirements (ARB / RIBA / CIAT).

Uphold and implement requirements for ISO 9001 / 14001.

Maintain and ensure business, client and project confidentiality.

Develop and maintain professional relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and local authorities.

Skills and experience

• Must have recent design manager experience working for a Principal Contractor.
• Must have worked on high end commercial office fit outs.
• UK qualified architect or architectural technologist with significant post-qualification experience (7 years+)
• Experience in working on projects with a construction value between £5M – £100M
• Proven experience as a Design Manager of office fit-out projects.
• Experience working with fit-out contractors, architects, and project managers.
• Strong knowledge of construction techniques, materials, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) coordination.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Ability to develop and manage design programmes, ensuring alignment with project timelines.
• Familiarity with sustainable design principles and BREEAM/LEED standards.
• Excellent communicator and negotiator with clients, contractors, and suppliers.
• Ability to present design concepts clearly in meetings and reports to the aforementioned.
• Quick decision-making in resolving design conflicts or site issues.
• Ability to adapt to fast-track project timelines and evolving client requirements.
• Highly competent, experienced and passionate about technical detailing and the production of technical information
• Highly experienced in the delivery of projects on-site including contract
• Highly experienced in producing exceptional concept design,visualisation andtechnical design output
• Excellent in the use of Microsoft Office,Adobe Creative Suite,Revit, CAD