London, UK
Furniture designer
at Jan Hendzel Studio
Jan Hendzel Studio is seeking a furniture designer to join its team in London.
Jan Hendzel Studio is looking for a midweight/senior furniture designer to assist us on a few upcoming projects. This is for an in person role in our Southeast London studio, full time five days a week for a three to six month period, ideally looking for an immediate start.
Our work consists of spatial commissions and cohesive furniture collections, sculptural artist collaborations and bespoke pieces for the home, always ingraining sustainable practices into our process. Each project offers up a new perspective. Architectural and residential commissions allow us to dream big; bespoke collaborations mean we can dive into the details; meanwhile our studio collections give us creative freedom to capture a moment, an environment, and a new element of play.
We are looking for a freelance designer who has experience in furniture design. The offered role is temporary, but there is scope to offer a permanent role for the correct candidate. The candidate would be confident and proficient in the use of 3D CAD programmes; ideally rhino and/or fusion 360.
Two key requirements are: an overarching understanding of technical furniture production alongside the ability to understand and clearly represent the exacting details that the studio is known for. Presenting these items within well-executed technical drawing packs is another core skill that the successful candidate would have.
Alongside our development of signature details is our specialisation in the use of British hardwoods and reclaimed timbers. Our work often blends organic sculptural forms with precision joinery, elevating our chosen material to best exemplify colour, composition, grain and natural defects. An understanding of the material properties of wood and the associated production methods are preferable skills that would greatly benefit the candidate.
We design and make expressive timber furniture and objects from our workshop in London. Translating complex ideas into sculptural forms, our expertise lies in the relationship between artistry and craft – engineering the two to design and make things the right way. Our work follows a flowing path from concept to object, building on the studio’s sense of experimentation that allows us to deliver truly incredible projects. Because of this intersection, we would also welcome candidates who have a slightly more diverse design background that could offer new perspectives to the studio.
Day rate circa £130 – £160, depending on experience.
Full-time position, five days a week for a three to six month period.
Immediate start.
Please note – this is not a job for someone wanting to make furniture in the workshop.
No agencies or recruiters please.
Key responsibilities:
- develop products from ideas through to accurate drawings for a smooth and efficient handover to production
- manage a research and design budget
- create design specific presentations and deliver to clients confidently
- collaborate with clients to understand their needs and preferences
- maintain a structured design file storage and archive
- plan and execute design prototyping
- assisting production on the design of jigs or equipment to improve productivity
Skills:
- highly organised and proactive in solving design problems
- great attention to details
- confident, self-driven and enthusiastic team member with a can-do attitude
- excellent verbal and written communication
- confident at liaising with suppliers, contractors and clients
- personable team player and communicator in a busy (and sometimes noisy) work environment
- experience in partnering with various internal teams and external suppliers and in demonstrating critical thinking, attention to details and problem solving skills
Experience
Highly desirable:
- timber joinery experience
- CNC programming and machining experience
- minimum of five years design experience
- understanding of a business working with natural raw materials
experience in working within the luxury bespoke market
Of interest:
- working on sustainably-driven projects
- good working knowledge of Office, Google workspace and project management software e.g. Trello or similar
- an understanding of timber products
What’s in it for you?
A fully immersed experience with the director and the wider team into the
wonderful world of bespoke furniture making
Possibility to become a full-time member and support you with bespoke learning initiatives and training opportunities in design and timber culture.
Being part of a growing, ambitious and dynamic team, you will get the chance to help shape and contribute to our work culture.
We all prepare lunches for one another on rota. Social events including summer and Christmas parties as well as occasional full team activities.
Please submit your CV and portfolio and your availability to [email protected], along with your phone number and a few lines on why you’d like to work for us and what you can bring to the role. Please use Furniture Designer Role as the subject heading.
Due to the high level of response anticipated, we may not be able to respond to every application received but thank you for your interest in advance.