Senior Technical Designer (AV) [59 Studio]

ABOUT THE COMPANY

About 59
59 is a multi award-winning studio based in London and New York, and is part of Journey - world leaders in Multidimensional Design. We conceive, design and deliver ambitious, large-scale story-driven artworks, stage shows and immersive experiences for live audiences, grounded by a deeply interdisciplinary process incorporating  architecture, animation, video, light, sound, music and technical design.

We work in partnership with some of the world’s most prestigious and ambitious clients, and with best-in-class partners globally across industries to build and deliver our projects. Current commissions  include artworks, placemaking installations, temporary and permanent buildings, stage shows, ceremonies and events. 

• Multi-year collaborative projects with Heatherwick Studio and Foster + Partners.
• The video design and  visual effects for Stranger Things: The First Shadow in the West End and on Broadway with SFP  and Netflix.
• The writing, direction, design and animation of immersive shows for our flagship immersive venue and joint venture Lightroom. Following recent collaborations with David Hockney, Bigger & Closer (Not Smaller and Further Away), with Tom Hanks, The Moonwalkers, and a new collaboration with Vogue and Anna Wintour, Inventing the Runway, will open in October 2024, with many more to follow.
• Amongst many others…

Focused collaboration, rigorous conceptual development and sensitivities to sustainability and cultural relevance are all hallmarks of our unique approach.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

We are seeking an experienced Senior AV Technical Designer to join 59’s interdisciplinary design studio and provide comprehensive design for Audio, Video, Lighting and Systems Integration. In this senior role, you will lead technical designs across multidisciplinary projects, ensure technical excellence, manage client project  design requirements, and oversee the seamless integration of cutting-edge audiovisual solutions across a broad range of projects including immersive experiences, permanent installations and large scale architectural projects.

• We require somebody with a passion for design, technology and innovation coupled with a thirst to provide technical solutions that empower and amplify our creative vision. As a lead technical designer you will become a critical asset for technical consultation across the project portfolio. Using your broad experience you will help guide and develop designs employing industry best practices and system engineering fundamentals to ensure project success. From concept to delivery you will play a pivotal role in design development and technical direction based on an evolving set of project requirements and studio ambitions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Technical Leadership & Project Oversight:

• Provide expert technical guidance and design across many, if not the majority, of audio, video, lighting, immersive technology, from concept to execution.
• Delivery of detailed integrated technical designs.
• Lead in depth technical evaluations and feasibility studies, ensuring integrated and cohesive AV, immersive, and theatrical solutions.
• Drive innovation and apply creative problem-solving to overcome complex technical challenges, achieving outstanding outcomes across all systems.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders during design phases.
• Demonstrate experience of translating complex conceptual and scheme designs into clear technical project deliverables
• Ability to support multiple concurrent projects at different stages of design development. 

System Design & Documentation:

• Own and standardize comprehensive system design documentation, including:
  • CAD/BIM drawings (floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, system riser diagrams, staging plans, rigging plots, detailed schematics etc).
  • System wiring diagrams, signal flow diagrams, staging configurations, rigging diagrams, and equipment specifications.
  • Detailed Bill of Materials (BOM), performance criteria documentation, acoustic and technical compliance requirements.
  • Ensure high-quality, consistent documentation across all project phases.

Client & Vendor Management:

• Serve as a primary technical interface with clients, communicating technical solutions clearly and ensuring alignment with client goals and design intent
• Contribute to vendor selection and ongoing relationship management, optimizing outcomes, skillset augmentation and resource efficiency.

Mentorship & Team Development:

• Mentor and guide junior technical teams, fostering growth, technical excellence, and collaborative innovation.
• Encourage knowledge-sharing and cross-disciplinary teamwork within the organization.

Research & Development:

• Develop R&D initiatives, identifying emerging technologies and innovative practices across AV, immersive experiences, and theatrical production technologies.
• Promote continuous improvement, exploration, and adoption of industry-leading practices.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Core Technical Expertise:

• Extensive experience designing systems that incorporate video, av, networking, audio processing, acoustics, projection mapping, media servers, immersive solutions (AR, VR, MR), lighting (architectural, entertainment, theatrical). System automation and show control.
• In-depth expertise in theatre and/or other design environments including exhibitions or immersive venues\, including staging systems, stage automation, rigging techniques, and scenic production methods.

Software & Technology Proficiency:

• Experience and understanding preferred
• Audio: Dante Controller, Q-SYS Designer, EASE.
• Video & Projection: disguise, Pixera, Modulo Pi, TouchDesigner, MadMapper, Mapping Matter.
• Lighting: DMX protocols (Art-Net, sACN, SPI).
• Immersive Technologies: Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender, Meta Quest.
• CAD/BIM: Vectorworks, AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, SketchUp.
• Staging & Rigging: Proficiency in rigging fundamentals, load calculation, automation control systems, and staging/rigging safety standards.

Theatre-Specific Knowledge:

• Comprehensive understanding of theatrical production methodologies, scenic construction processes, automation systems, and stagecraft.
• Expert knowledge of rigging safety, load management, structural analysis, and relevant industry standards).

Leadership & Management Skills:

• Demonstrated capability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams, and mentor junior staff.
• Excellent client relationship and vendor management skills, with proven ability to communicate complex technical solutions clearly.

Analytical & Creative Problem-Solving:

• Strong analytical skills combined with creative problem-solving abilities, ensuring innovative and reliable technical solutions.

Professional Standards & Certifications:

• Comprehensive knowledge of AVIXA standards as well as theatre production safety guidelines.
• AVIXA CTS-D Certification  preferred.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working on large scale multi-stage international architectural projects,
• Proven experience in large-scale audiovisual, theatrical, or immersive installations, particularly within entertainment, live event productions, or themed environments.
• Demonstrated track record in pioneering innovative technical solutions for complex theatre, staging, rigging, and automation projects

KEY DATES & DEADLINES

Webinar: Thursday 12th June, 3.45pm - please use the link here at the date and time listed

Application Deadline: Thursday 18th June, 10am

Interviews:
Round 1 - Tuesday 24th June
Round 2 - Wednesday 2nd July

The interview panel will include 59’s Head of Technical and the Director of People. They will be joined by colleagues from the Design and Technical teams, across the two rounds of interviews.

Our interviews are built as two way conversations to better understand each other’s work and aspirations, and may include  a task to better understand the candidate's process. We operate equal opportunity interviews and typically share the opening interview questions in advance with candidates. Interviews are held in-person at our London Studio in order for candidates to meet some of the team, however they can be arranged online if there are geographical considerations.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit a comprehensive CV and a cover letter (maximum two A4 sides) or up to three minutes of audio describing your suitability for the position and how your skills and experience match the person specification, via the online form only. 

If you would like to arrange a chat with the Head of Technical Design to discuss the role in more detail in advance of applying, please contact us at jobs@fiftynineproductions.co.uk - we’re very happy to facilitate this. 

Applicants should provide contact details for two references. We will seek your permission before making direct contact with any referees. 

All applicants must be eligible to work within the UK.

59’s RECRUITMENT APPROACH 

At 59 we carefully consider how we meet new people through our recruitment and how a process like this can instil breadth and diversity in our projects teams. Our work is cross-cultural, and we collaborate globally so we know diversity in our teams undoubtedly strengthens our portfolio and our work. We dedicate time and resources to creating a creative working environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

If you feel that you do not see yourself represented either in the creative industries, or in this particular professional area because of any part of your identity that makes you special, we would especially like to hear from you.

We acknowledge the gender imbalance within technical professions, not only in our organisation but in the sector. For these reasons, we are actively encouraging applications from people identifying as female.

Under the Equality Act 2010, a disabled person is someone who has – or has had in the past – a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person’s ability to carry out standard day-to-day activities.

As an inclusive organisation, we actively encourage applications from people who consider themselves to have a disability falling within that broad definition. We will guarantee an interview for applicants living with a disability, provided they meet the essential criteria. Where relevant, this should be indicated on your equal opportunities form which will be anonymised and attached to your redacted application. 

We have made steps to remove barriers to our workplace, including working to create a fully physically accessible studio. If it is helpful or reassuring to discuss your access needs ahead of applying so you can gauge if this is an accessible place for you to work, please get in touch with our Operations team at  jobs@fiftynineproductions.co.uk 

Acknowledging the resources that go into attending interviews, we are very happy to reimburse  expenses for extensive travel incurred through travelling to/from your interview with us.

About Journey: