London, UK
Senior designer
at Thurstan
Thurstan is seeking a senior designer to join its team in London.
Location: London
Job type: full-time
Salary: competitive, based on experience
Role overview
Thurstan is looking for a talented and experienced Residential Senior Designer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in high-end residential design, with significant expertise in creating exceptional family homes and country residences that feature historical architectural detailing.
They should have a proven track record of leading projects from concept to completion, ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship and design integrity. We are looking for a creative professional with excellent leadership abilities, keen attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. While the primary focus is luxury historical residential projects, there may also be opportunities to work on select boutique commercial spaces, providing a dynamic and inspiring environment to showcase your expertise.
James Thurstan Waterworth founded Thurstan with a mission to create eclectic and original interiors true to the client brief and in keeping with their architecture and surroundings. Since launch, Thurstan’s work with private clients and the hospitality industry has received award nominations, including a selection by House & Garden as one of their Top 100 Designers over the past few years.
Requirements:
- seven plus years’ of experience managing design projects for family homes and country residences, I ensure the highest standards of craftsmanship and design integrity are maintained from the initial concept through to completion
- strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently
- proficient in Photoshop, AutoCAD, InDesign, Excel, SketchUp for creating drawings, mood boards, and presentation materials. Strong hand sketching skills would be a plus
- ideally, the candidate would have the ability to demonstrate design concepts through sketches, whether hand-drawn or digitally created, to effectively communicate and present ideas
- demonstrate a strong passion for historical architectural detailing
- proficiency in design project management with the ability to mentor and guide teams effectively
- ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced studio environment
- a creative thinker and problem solver who contributes to the overall success of the project
- ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- high level of initiative, enthusiasm, and team spirit
- willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges
- must be eligible to work in the UK and available for travel as required for project needs
Key responsibilities
Design and creative direction:
- develop and present design concepts in collaboration with the management team and founder, ensuring alignment with client expectations and studio standards
- conduct in-depth design research, from mood board creation to site-specific analysis
- lead the material selection process and explore innovative materials
- identify and engage new suppliers and manufacturers, keeping the team informed of industry developments
- strong knowledge of furniture, lighting, ironmongery, and sanitary ware manufacturers, ensuring project suitability
- a strong understanding of FF&E costs and project budgets
Project management:
- ensure all design documentation is accurate, adhering to high-quality standards
- support the design team in maintaining high standards for project management documentation, including meeting minutes, emails, and progress reports
- alongside the management team, oversee project timelines and deliverables, ensuring seamless execution from concept to completion
- provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members
- liaise with design and procurement teams daily to ensure project success
- support the management team in client, contractor, and supplier communications throughout the design development process
- have strong ability to navigate challenges such as budget adjustments, material sourcing, and unexpected site issues while ensuring project progress
- have a good understanding of UK building regulations for residential projects, ensuring adherence to legal and safety standards throughout the design and construction process
Why join us:
- a vibrant, fast-paced studio culture that values innovation, bold ideas, and continuous professional growth
- competitive compensation, commensurate with experience, plus potential for global travel