London, UK
WikiHouse projects designer
at Open Systems Lab
Open Systems Lab is seeking a WikiHouse projects designer to join its team in London.
About WikiHouse
WikiHouse is an open source, digitally-manufactured building system for homes*. The aim of the project is to make it as easy as possible for anyone to build beautiful, zero-carbon, zero-waste homes. We’re trying to transform the way society builds in the 21st century by putting the knowledge and tools to do it into the hands of every business and community, and then inviting the world to copy us.
We get a lot of enquiries from clients and their architects interested in using WikiHouse on their project. Whilst in some cases this just involves answering their queries, and providing them with files, in many cases they also need some kind of design support. This might involve simply helping design teams check the suitability of WikiHouse for their project; or in some cases it involves designing standard house types or neighbourhood layouts and pattern books. At detail stage, even though we do not act as scheme architects, we work as chassis designers, preparing detailed cutting files and assembly manuals, connecting them with manufacturers or engineers, and supporting local teams through the project journey to help them get their scheme delivered.
And that’s where you come in.
*Actually, it can be used to build lots of other kinds of building too.
In this role you will:
Be the main point of contact for clients and their architects
This will begin with initial meetings and presentations about using the WikiHouse system, answering their questions, then forming an agreement with them over the scope and deliverables of the design/support services they need, and then providing those services. You will be the main point of contact through the process.
Prepare production information
You will work with teams to develop their designs, then produce detailed 3D chassis models, along with cutting files, ordering lists, outline costings and assembly manuals. Increasingly we are seeking to automate as much of this process as possible.
Design new house types and neighbourhood layouts
In some cases you will work with clients and their design teams to design replicable house types and/or bespoke neighbourhood layouts, especially in the outline stages of design. We seek to do this by developing adaptable design patterns for successful, walkable neighbourhoods and beautiful, generous, healthy, user-centred homes that don’t look or feel ‘prefabricated’.
Create illustrations and visualisations
Sometimes, your work on projects will include creating illustrations and good quality renders/visualisations that can help communicate the project or the house types to funders/planners/residents/stakeholders.
Continuously look for ways to improve the process
We apply the principle of ‘kaizen’ not just to the manufacturing and assembly process but also to our design and project management workflow. You’ll work with the team to continuously look small or large ways we can improve the process for everyone involved.
Contribute to product improvements & tools
You will work with the team to continuously look for ways to improve the product, and to collect feedback and performance data. You will also help look for ways to standardise and automate design where possible.
Site visits
On occasions, you may also be involved in visiting, supervising and recording builds on site.
Keep track of the projects pipeline
You will maintain an up to date record of all projects delivered and in the pipeline. This will allow us to plan ahead, and keep an overview of our impact, as well as to identify patterns.
Help shape strategy
The OSL team meet quarterly to discuss and agree key strategic decisions and priorities. You will play an important role in helping to shape these decisions by developing a strong understanding of the barriers that projects face, so we can help improve the system and increase the impact we have.
Requirements for the role:
Project management skills
As well as designing, you will also have a high degree of autonomy and responsibility for managing the projects you work on. This includes discipline and responsibility, but also managing relationships and issues with clients and their design team.
Architectural/urban design skill
You will need to have an eye for beautiful, timeless design. Both in terms of aesthetics, but also an instinct for building and neighbourhood layouts that work, and a knowledge of the underlying constraints, social and environmental factors that affect those designs (e.g. planning, building regulations).
A good basic technical understanding of construction and low-energy buildings
You do not need to be an engineer or an expert in anything, but you should have a reasonable working understanding of the principles and factors involved in construction and low-energy design. If terms like ‘airtightness’, ‘U-values’, ‘thermal mass’ ‘embodied carbon’ and ‘MVHR’ are unfamiliar to you, this probably isn’t your gig.
Illustrating/rendering/photoshop
Sometimes the work may also involve producing line illustrations and visualisations. Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator, 3D modelling tools and a reasonable level of competency with Adobe Photoshop will be very helpful.
Rigour and attention to detail
Due to the stop-start nature of development projects, you’ll be running several projects at once, and sending out manufacturing information with very little scope for error. You will need to be disciplined and rigorous in tracking the progress and status of projects, and checking information before it goes out.
Self-led
Although you will work alongside the WikiHouse team, and be fully supported, you will need to take ownership of your area of work, observe, make judgements, make suggestions without needing to be instructed. Not just being reactive, but spotting opportunities to improve things, pitching them, then going away and making it happen.
Responsible
You will need to have basic awareness and good everyday judgement and responsibility around things like appointment agreements/terms of service, invoicing, tort liability, warranty insurance, planning and building control and CDM regulations. If you’re not familiar with all these – don’t worry – we’ll help.
Purpose
You should be someone who is fundamentally motivated by doing great work, and leaving the world better than you found it: with a personal passion for social, economic and environmental transformation, and for creating great places, for everyone.
The WikiHouse project is maintained by Open Systems Lab, a non-profit company 9152368 registered in England & Wales
To submit your application please click the ‘apply’ link below.