London, UK
Senior project architect
at Lumsden
Lumsden is hiring a senior project architect to join its team in London.
Lumsden is an award-winning experiential design studio creating remarkable spaces and environments for some of the world’s most loved brands, museums and visitor destinations. Working internationally across experiential flagship retail, hospitality and cultural projects, we deliver unique, one-of-a-kind environments from concept through to completion.
Our work is rooted in storytelling and the visitor experience — bringing world-famous entertainment IP to life, and translating collections, heritage and culture into immersive environments that connect with modern audiences.
We are looking for an experienced delivery lead / architect to join our Clerkenwell studio and play a key role in delivering ambitious international projects. This role sits at the intersection of design creativity and technical excellence, ensuring our concepts are realised with precision, craft and buildability.
This is not a support role.
This is a leadership position for someone who wants to own delivery, elevate standards, and help define how a world-class studio executes complex work globally.
The opportunity
You will take ownership of the technical design and delivery of high-profile international projects, working from concept through to installation in a growing studio.
You will operate as a critical link between creative vision and built reality — ensuring ideas are translated into robust, intelligent and beautifully resolved environments.
Alongside project delivery, you will play a key role in strengthening Lumsden’s technical and project management capability, helping implement systems, workflows and standards that support a growing international studio.
What you’ll lead:
Technical design excellence:
- lead the development of fully resolved, buildable design solutions across complex spatial environments
- oversee and produce high-quality technical drawing packages, detailing and specifications
- drive decisions around materials, fabrication, finishes and construction methodologies
- ensure all work meets regulatory, commercial and build constraints without compromising design intent
Project delivery and management:
- take ownership of project planning, coordination and execution across multiple live projects
- align design, programme, budget and delivery strategy from early stages through to completion
- lead coordination with consultants, fabricators, contractors and suppliers globally
- oversee tender processes, site phases and final delivery
Systems and process leadership:
- implement and refine project management systems, workflows and documentation standards
- improve how projects are structured, tracked and delivered across the studio
- introduce clarity, rigour and scalability to technical and delivery processes
- act as a key problem-solver for complex technical and logistical challenges
Client and stakeholder leadership:
- build strong working relationships with clients, collaborators and delivery partners
- represent Lumsden with confidence in technical discussions, reviews and decision-making forums
- provide authority and clarity in navigating design vs. build challenges
Mentorship and studio impact:
- support and mentor designers, raising the level of technical thinking and execution across the team
- contribute to a studio culture that values craft, precision and intelligent problem-solving
Who you are
You are a highly capable and commercially aware technical designer who thrives on turning ambitious ideas into reality.
You bring both technical authority and delivery leadership, and are motivated by improving how things get built — not just how they look.
Experience:
- eight plus years in experiential, retail, hospitality, exhibition or spatial design environments
- proven track record delivering complex, multi-phase projects from concept to installation
- strong experience in project management, coordination and on-site delivery
- experience implementing or improving project systems, workflows or delivery processes
- deep knowledge of materials, detailing, fabrication and shopfitting
- strong understanding of UK building regulations and international project contexts
Technical capability:
- expert in AutoCAD, Revit, and confident across 3D platforms (Rhino, SketchUp or similar)
- strong experience producing detailed technical packages and tender documentation
- proficient in Adobe Creative Suite
- rendering tools (Enscape, V-Ray or similar) advantageous
Mindset:
- highly organised, structured and solutions-focused
- confident leading projects and making decisions under pressure
- detail-driven, with a strong commitment to quality and craft
- proactive in identifying inefficiencies and implementing improvements
- collaborative, with strong communication skills and client presence
Working style and expectations:
- this is a full-time, studio-based role in our Clerkenwell office with six-month probationary period
- you will work closely with the wider team in a hands-on, highly collaborative environment
- the role requires flexibility and availability to travel, including regular UK and international travel for site visits, installations and client engagement
- you will be actively involved across both studio and on-site project phases
- applicants must be eligible to work in the UK
Why Lumsden
This is an opportunity to join a studio operating at the highest level of experiential design — working on projects that define how people engage with brands, culture and destinations globally.
You will be part of a team that values:
- original thinking and strong narrative ideas
- technical excellence and attention to detail
- collaboration, trust and shared ambition
And you will have the platform to:
- shape how complex projects are delivered
- influence studio-wide processes and standards
- work on globally recognised, high-impact projects
Benefits:
- competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- holiday allowance + bank holidays
- pension contribution
- healthcare
- studio socials and away days
- paid volunteering day
- additional benefits for long-serving team members
Apply
Please submit your CV, portfolio and cover letter to [email protected] or via the apply for job button below.
Portfolios must be accessible (no password protection) and clearly demonstrate both technical capability and built work.
Due to the volume of applications, we will unfortunately not be able to respond to everyone.
Equal Opportunities
Lumsden is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and welcome applications from all backgrounds.