Freelance & Fixed Term Architectural and Spatial Designers - all levels, Building our Network

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

 

About Journey 

The Multidimensional Experience Agency 

Journey is a global design and innovation agency shaping the future through multidimensional experiences (MDX) that connect people, brands, and culture.  

Our layered MDX approach crafts story-driven, sensory-rich engagement across physical, immersive, digital, and virtual spaces—fuelled by creative and technological innovation.  

Born from a legacy of pioneering studios, Journey blends strategic thinking with deep creative expertise to deliver solutions across industries.  

Journey’s MDX approach fuels growth and forges lasting value for audiences and partners, by creating cultural connections that resonate with impact. 

Start your journey here www.journey.world