Dezeen Jobs

Mehrai Design is looking for a creative, highly organised and self-motivated junior interior designer and creative assistant to join its London studio.

Location: London – studio-based

Contract: freelance

Experience: minimum two years’ professional practice experience

This is a varied and hands-on role within a small interior design practice specialising in beautifully crafted commercial and hospitality interiors.

We are looking for a capable all-rounder who combines strong design and space-planning skills with excellent written communication and organisation. the successful candidate will work closely with the Founder and Creative Director, providing dependable design and project support across several live workstreams.

Applicants must currently live in London, speak and write fluent English and be available to work regularly from our Wimbledon studio.

Applicants must already have the unrestricted right to work in the UK. visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

The role

You will work closely with the creative director and senior team members across the design process, from early concept development and space planning through to developed design, technical coordination and project delivery.

You must have a practical understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work, particularly stages one to four, and experience of how a project develops from initial briefing and concept through to coordinated design information and implementation on site.

This role would suit someone who enjoys the breadth and responsibility of working within a small practice. you should be comfortable taking initiative, managing your own workload and moving between creative, technical and practical project tasks.

Key responsibilities:

• producing accurate drawings and design information in AutoCAD
• developing space plans and testing layout options independently
• creating and developing SketchUp models
• supporting projects through RIBA Stages one–four
• supporting concept development, material palettes and mood boards
• assisting with the development and coordination of design information
• producing clear and beautifully formatted client presentations
• taking detailed and accurate meeting notes
• translating meetings and discussions into clear actions and follow-ups
• drafting well-written project emails, notes and supporting documents
• maintaining drawing registers, action trackers and project documentation
• coordinating samples, finishes, specifications and FF&E schedules
• researching products, materials, suppliers and specialist makers
• liaising professionally with clients, consultants, suppliers and contractors
• attending and assisting with client, consultant and contractor meetings
• attending site visits, recording progress and following up design actions
• reviewing site progress against the agreed design intent
• organising samples and maintaining the studio materials library
• assisting with project case studies, website updates and social media content
• updating and managing website content through Squarespace
• providing general design and project support to the Creative Director and wider team

Essential skills and experience:

• a minimum of two years’ professional experience within an interior design or architectural practice
• demonstrable involvement in at least one project from initial concept through to completion or site delivery
• practical site experience and confidence attending site meetings and recording actions
• a working understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work, particularly Stages one–four
• an understanding of the difference between concept design, developed design and technical design
• strong AutoCAD and SketchUp skills
• confident space-planning ability
• a good understanding of scale, circulation, functionality and commercial interior requirements
• the ability to produce clear and accurate drawing information
• proficiency in Photoshop and InDesign, or equivalent presentation software
• excellent spoken and written English
• strong writing, spelling, grammar and proofreading skills
• the ability to listen carefully and produce clear, comprehensive meeting notes
• experience using Squarespace or a similar website platform
• strong Microsoft Office and Google Drive skills
• excellent visual judgement and attention to detail
• the ability to prioritise several workstreams and follow tasks through to completion
• current London residency
• unrestricted right to work in the UK without sponsorship

Experience in Revit would be advantageous but is not essential.

Personal qualities

We are looking for someone who is:

• passionate and knowledgeable about interiors, architecture, materials and design
• proactive, resourceful and solutions-focused
• highly organised, dependable and discreet
• self-driven and comfortable taking responsibility
• able to anticipate what is needed rather than always waiting for instruction
• a clear and confident verbal and written communicator
• comfortable working directly with the Founder and Creative Director
• professional when communicating with clients, consultants, suppliers and contractors
• confident working both independently and collaboratively
• happy working within a close-knit and fast-moving practice
• keen to learn, contribute ideas and grow with the studio

This is not a narrowly defined production role. It is an opportunity for an ambitious designer to gain meaningful experience across the creative, technical and practical sides of a design practice and become a trusted and integral member of the team.

To apply

Please submit the following via the apply for job button:

• CV
• Portfolio
• a brief cover letter explaining why this particular role appeals to you
• confirmation that you currently live in London
• confirmation of your right-to-work status
• availability
• freelance day-rate expectations

Portfolios must include examples of:

• space planning
• AutoCAD drawing work
• SketchUp modelling
• client presentation design
• a project on which you were involved from concept through to site or completion

Please clearly explain your personal responsibilities on each project shown, rather than only describing the work of the wider practice.

www.mehrai.design