At Unispace, we are committed to transforming workplaces to meet the diverse needs of today’s dynamic global brands. Our agile, end-to-end approach is delivered seamlessly across borders, fueled by strong client partnerships and supported by insightful workplace intelligence and innovative technology.
We believe that everyone deserves to work in an environment that inspires productivity, fosters peak performance, and promotes overall well-being. Across our 48 global studios, we recognize that positive work environments cultivate open, collaborative, and supportive cultures, enriched by the contributions of independent and motivated individuals from all backgrounds.
While our core business revolves around strategizing, designing, and building workplaces for some of the world's leading brands, we understand that our people are our greatest asset. We prioritize their growth and well-being through a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition program that includes rewards and recognition, career development opportunities, and a strong focus on mental and physical well-being.
To further support our team, we embrace flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working options that empower our employees to balance in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility. This approach not only enhances work-life balance but also allows us to harness the full potential of our diverse and talented workforce.
The Role:
The Senior Associate/Associate Design – Technical Projects will be instrumental in ensuring Unispace operates as an efficient and cohesive design-led business within the UK. This role will focus on providing strong technical design leadership and expertise, particularly for specialist projects including healthcare and workplace.
You will build excellent working relationships within our diverse and highly skilled London design team (creative & technical) and collaborate closely with the Pre-construction & Delivery teams. Your influence will extend to strategic planning for projects and accounts, and you will play a key role in establishing a network of trusted external technical design partners, primarily within the healthcare sector.
This role demands a high degree of technical knowledge within the UK design and construction industry, with a significant emphasis on healthcare and other technically focused projects. You will leverage your understanding of these sectors, including emerging areas like life sciences, to deliver projects, mentor designers, and potentially direct technically complex projects on a high-level advisory or design basis across the UK and potentially further afield.
Why You're Here:
As the Senior Associate/Associate – Technical Projects, you will champion Unispace's reputation as a design-led business that prioritizes outstanding design and technical innovation. You will lead technical design standards for specialist projects (healthcare), ensuring a clear understanding and promotion of the Unispace methodology with both clients and internal teams.
Your natural leadership abilities will be crucial in coaching project teams to success. You will also contribute to the development of the broader design team by sharing your deep technical knowledge and capabilities. Your specialist knowledge, particularly in healthcare design, will be used to cultivate a well-rounded team with cross-sector expertise, enabling Unispace to successfully deliver a wide range of projects. You will mentor internal teams, identify skill gaps, and foster the creation of highly skilled project teams.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Take overall accountability for the design, documentation, and technical design output for specialist projects across the UK, with advisory responsibilities extending to EMEA.
- Contribute to the commercial success of design projects by managing design fees, profitability, and the design contribution to full methodology projects.
- Actively participate in key client pitches, providing coaching and/or direct involvement.
- Contribute to the development and improvement of the design process for specialist projects, including the consistent application and investment in technical design software and the development of related skills within the design team.
- Collaborate with the global digital team to oversee the effective adoption of our design systems, including Revit, Enscape, ACC, and other new technologies.
- Provide regular reports on design initiatives, sharing insights with all design and wider teams to inspire and promote our design process.
- Undertake travel as required for client interactions, site visits, team training and development, and other business needs.
- Drive global initiatives at a country level.
- Ensure all design output adheres to Health, Safety, and risk guidelines, ensuring understanding at all levels.
- Guarantee design compliance with UK building regulations for healthcare facilities and planning guidelines.
What You'll Need to Bring:
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in construction and fit-out project-related companies.
- Demonstrable knowledge in specific sectors, including Commercial, Health, and Life Science.
- Comprehensive understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work (Stages 0-7).
- In-depth knowledge of UK technical standards and mandatory processes, including local codes and regulations, particularly for healthcare.
- Strong working knowledge of Autodesk Software, especially Revit.
- Familiarity with International Standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 19650.
- Working knowledge and experience with sustainability accreditations (BREEAM, LEED, Ska, Greenlease, WiredScore, Fitwell).
- Working knowledge of CDM Regulations (UK) and Health and Safety in construction.
- Professional membership/registration (ARB, RIBA, CIOB, IIDA, BIID, CEng, MCIAT).
- Design and construction-related Degree or Masters qualification.
- CSCS Cardholder.
- Right to work in the UK.
- Current Driver's Licence.
Key Measures of Success:
- Leading and developing a project team that consistently delivers outstanding workplace and healthcare design with detailed and well-thought-out projects.
- Developing strong relationships with clients throughout projects, ensuring high satisfaction.
- Contributing to the success of winning design projects and full methodology engagements.
- Collaborating effectively with global and regional business units to ensure alignment with the Unispace brand.
- Maintaining excellent working relationships with stakeholders, including Sales, Pre-construction, and Construction teams.
- Demonstrating a strong and trusted understanding of the design process and its integration into our full methodology.
- Exhibiting excellent attention to critical factors of design excellence, including risk, systems, healthcare, and commercial design.
- Implementing effective risk management plans and protocols to safeguard UK design performance and adherence to Health, Safety, and risk requirements.
- Actively embracing and promoting technological advancements to enhance our design offering.
- Providing effective project direction and leadership on key projects, aligning with your specialist skillsets.
The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, and we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to perform essential job functions as determined on a case-by-case basis.
Inclusion and Diversity Commitment:
At Unispace, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity hiring and will evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition (as defined by state law), physical or mental disability, military service, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We are proud that our leadership reflects this commitment, with persons of color, women, neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ individuals playing pivotal roles in shaping the future of our organization. Their unique perspectives and experiences drive innovation and help us create a truly inclusive culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard and that our workplace is a space where diversity is not only celebrated but is integral to our success.
