Dezeen Jobs

Absolute Project Management is looking for a mid-level interior designer and project manager to join its team in London.

Absolute specialises in residential renovation in London and Brighton. We work closely with our clients to plan, design and oversee the work to their property- ensuring efficiency and excellence at every stage.

We’re looking for someone with great design skills, who enjoys problem solving and working closely with others- whether that’s other team members, clients or specialists. We’d like someone who is proactive, resourceful and mindful of the commercial needs of a small business.

The role:

• full-time, permanent (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm with one hour for lunch)
• flexible – you are expected to be in the Islington office a minimum of three days per week, but can work from home other days as preferred
• many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways (e.g. adjusted hours). Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you will/are likely to need. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we promise to not judge you for asking
• it is a small business – you will be working within a team of six. Each project is overseen by one of the Directors, with one to two other team members assigned to each project

Our projects:

• project budgets range from £75,000 to £1m
• type: residential. Period homes (listed/ in conservation areas) to modern flats and everything in between.
• clients tend to be working professionals with set timelines/budgets
• clients typically approach us at the beginning of their renovation journey, with an idea of what they want to achieve. We then guide them through the process- from feasibility study, planning, engaging the specialists they need, tender, on site to finished home
• typical works involve design and project management for extensions, layout changes, redecoration, joinery, replacement of bathrooms, kitchens, electric/lighting/plumbing upgrades and energy efficiency improvements.
• we are committed to working more sustainable and consider this at each project stage
• we work closely with other construction professionals (builders, roofers), specialists (architects, structural engineers, building control etc) and suppliers (kitchen, bathroom, flooring, ASHP/ PVs/kitchen/gardener/audio equipment etc.)
• we also offer (on occasion) consultancy services in relation to the above.
• occasionally we undertake home staging projects- including minor repairs/ upgrades and dress to rent or sell

Required skills and experience:

• degree in interior design or architecture OR diploma in interior design or equivalent
• minimum of three plus years’ industry experience, ideally in an interior design role, working on residential projects

Skills:

• VectorWorks (or AutoCAD/ equivalent)
• Microsoft Office – Word/ Outlook/ Excel (detailed knowledge/ confidence with Excel formulas is highly valuable)
• creative suite such as Adobe InDesign or Canva
• skill in drawing/ sketching is useful
• skill in SketchUp is a bonus but not necessary

General:

• thorough, accurate and organised approach to work – able to undertake multiple projects at once and delegate work where necessary
• very high-level written and spoken communication skills: able to communicate accurately and clearly to a wide range of people (clients, contractors, suppliers, specialists)
• a beautiful and technically accomplished portfolio of good quality residential projects
• knowledge of or genuine commitment to learn more about sustainability in design
• excellent interpersonal skills
• remains calm and optimistic under pressure
• well-presented with a ‘can do’/ flexible attitude
• uses experience to improve services and practices where possible
• reliable member of the team
• anticipates need and helps colleagues without prompting

Responsibilities

Design:

• taking client brief and considering how to efficiently deliver within proposed timeframes/team resource
• considering sustainability at every stage of design/implementation
• knowledge of building codes, regulations, and best practices in interior design
• site survey and preparation of existing drawings, plans and elevations
• producing concept boards and demonstrating clear style/ scheme for project/ space
• designing and presenting proposed layouts in plan and elevation – ensuring all necessary details are included for accurate review/confirmation and implementation
• designing bespoke joinery – including (but limited to) wardrobes, shelves, cupboards
• designing lighting and electrical layouts, including circuits, switching, choosing fittings and engaging with specialists where necessary
• sourcing and suggesting FF&E throughout, typically including fittings (bathroom/ kitchen/ other) paint colours, wallpapers, flooring, window treatments and occasionally furnishings
• client presentations – accurately describing plus justifying designs and outlining considerations to clients so they can make informed choices

Project management:

• attend/lead weekly on-site meetings with the builder (and occasionally client), produce detailed notes with actions and communicate these to all project parties
• prepare, oversee and effectively manage – project timelines, budgets, specification of works, JCT contracts, drawing packages and team resources throughout – to ensure successful project delivery
• liaise with clients, contractors and specialists, retain and share as necessary detailed records of all interactions/decisions for use/referral
• checking technical drawings and monitoring regulatory requirements

Marketing

Contributing to all marketing activities undertaken by the business – including (but not limited to) website updates (Wix), assisting with photoshoots of completed projects (preparation/ staging of space for photographer), regular social media output (Instagram, Tiktok etc.), updates and gathering of content (photos, videos etc), writing blogs, newsletters, design and installation of sign boards and other stationary etc.

More info:

• as a founding signatory of Interior Design Declares we introduce our clients to, and implement where possible- suitable sustainable products, technologies and methods across our projects
• as a BIID registered practice, we uphold the BIID Code of Conduct and work closely with the institute. Absolute’s director is BIID President Elect 2025-26 and our design director recently completed a term on the D&I committee)
• we are a living wage employer
• we offer 20 min massages in the office each week (where possible) as an employee benefit
• we are a supporter of The Orchard Project – we donate £25 to the charity every time we take on a new client

If you are interested in this role, please submit the following

• a cover letter, setting out your interest in this role, how you meet the skills and experience outlined, and your availability (including notice period as necessary)
• your CV
• portfolio, which should be no longer than 20 pages (online or PDF sent by link/ transfer), and that should include at least one example of a residential project across all stages.

Salary: depending on experience.

www.absoluteprojectmanagement.com