London, UK
Senior technical designer
at 59 Studio
59 Studio is seeking a senior technical designer to join its team in London.
Application deadline: Thursday 18 June, 10am
Contract type: permanent
Salary band: £55,000- £70,000 (C1)
Overall purpose of the job
We are seeking an experienced senior technical AV 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 senior 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 and 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 and documentation
Own and standardise 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and technology proficiency:
- experience and understanding preferred
- audio: Dante Controller, Q-SYS Designer, EASE
- video and 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 and 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 and 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 and creative problem-solving:
- strong analytical skills combined with creative problem-solving abilities, ensuring innovative and reliable technical solutions.
Professional standards and 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