Designer (Landscape Architect / Architect) - Freelancer

Gillespies LLP — Designer (Landscape Architect / Architect) – Freelance / Contract Role

About us

We are Gillespies LLP, a diverse and free-thinking design studio working across landscape architecture, architecture, masterplanning and urban design.

For more than 60 years, we have continued to learn, adapt and evolve. We believe that great places are created when creativity, people and nature are thoughtfully balanced. While technology can support design thinking, it is human insight, cultural understanding and storytelling that shape environments people truly connect with.

Our work focuses on designing places where communities and nature coexist — creating meaningful, resilient and inspiring environments.

Tell us your story.

Role overview

We are seeking designers with a background in either architecture or landscape architecture to join us on a freelance / contract basis, supporting project teams across UK and international commissions.

This role is suitable for early-career to mid-level designers who are eager to develop their professional skills within a creative, collaborative studio environment.

You will contribute to design work across project stages, supporting concept development, visualisation, technical design and delivery tasks.

What we are looking for

Education and experience

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in architecture, landscape architecture, or a closely related design discipline
  • Degree and postgraduate qualification in architecture, landscape architecture, or equivalent design field
  • Professional accreditation (such as CMLI, ARB, or international equivalent) is desirable but not essential

Portfolio

Your portfolio should demonstrate a range of design work, including:

• Concept design and sketch development
  • Visual communication and presentation graphics
  • Development of technical or construction-related design (external works) material where possible

Technical and design skills

• Proficiency in CAD-based design workflows (such as AutoCAD or equivalent software)
  • Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and 2D/3D design tools such as SketchUp, Revit or BIM
  • Ability to develop ideas from early concept through to more detailed design stages
  • Experience working within UK practice context is highly desirable

Digital innovation and emerging design tools

We are particularly interested in candidates who are curious about how technology is shaping contemporary design practice.

You should demonstrate interest in:

• AI-assisted design and visualisation workflows
  • Data-informed design research and optimisation
  • Experimentation with emerging digital tools in a design-led environment
  • Improving creative and project efficiency through technology

Freelance working considerations

This is a freelance / contract role. Candidates should therefore be able to confirm:

• Professional Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance coverage appropriate to freelance design work
• Familiarity with industry-standard design tools used in landscape and architectural practice
• Access to your own laptop and business licensed core design software

Software list :

Essential

• Adobe Creative Cloud (with access to Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator as a minimum)
• Microsoft 365 or Studio 2019 with MS Teams.
• AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT

Desirable based on project requirements

• Autodesk Revit
• Autodesk Navisworks & Manager
• ArcGIS Desktop Pro
• Autodesk Civil 3D
• Sketch-up Pro
• Google Earth Pro
• NBS Chorus
• Rhino

Personal qualities

• Creative and curious design thinker
  • Enthusiastic learner open to new approaches
  • Collaborative team player
  • Passionate about high-quality place-making and spatial design
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Adaptable, proactive and resilient

How to apply

If you believe you are a suitable match for this opportunity, please submit your CV and portfolio using the Apply For This Job button above.

Equal opportunities

Gillespies LLP is an equal opportunities employer.