Graduate/Assistant Designer - Freelancer

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

About the opportunity

We are looking for a talented Graduate/Assistant-level designer, welcoming applications from Landscape Architects or Architects, with strong visual, design and technical curiosity, to join our creative studio on a freelance / contract basis.

This role is suitable for recent graduates or early-career professionals (typically 6–18 months experience is advantageous) who are eager to develop their practice skills while contributing to real projects across the UK and internationally.

If you are passionate about design, enjoy working across scales, and want hands-on exposure to real project delivery within a collaborative studio environment, we would like to hear from you.

About us

Gillespies LLP is a diverse and free-thinking team of landscape architects, masterplanners and urban designers.

We believe great places are created when people, nature and design intelligence work in balance. While technology is transforming design practice, we value the human insight, creativity and storytelling that shape enduring environments.

Our work spans large-scale landscape, public realm and urban regeneration projects in the UK and internationally.

Role scope

You will support project teams in a design-led, professional studio environment. Typical activities may include:

• Preparation of presentation materials across digital, 3D and graphic media
• Development of drawings and packages for planning, technical, tender and construction stages
• Conceptual sketching, illustrative design and visualisation support
• Contribution to design research, precedent studies, materials exploration and technical references
• Drafting, setting up and amending drawings in accordance with studio CAD/BIM standards
• Project file management, drawing issue coordination, printing and documentation control
• Participation in internal design discussions and project meetings
• Fieldwork, site surveys and research tasks where required

Design, digital and emerging technology skills

We are particularly interested in candidates who are curious about how digital innovation and AI-assisted workflows are shaping modern design practice.

You should demonstrate an interest in:

• Design exploration using emerging digital tools
• 3D Visualisation, graphic communication and workflow optimisation
• Data-informed design research and analysis
• Experimentation with new design technologies within a studio environment

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

What we are looking for

Education and professional development

• Relevant degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or related design discipline
• Post-graduate qualification is desirable
• Student member of the Landscape Institute (or equivalent) working toward professional accreditation is advantageous

Technical and planning awareness

• Basic understanding of the UK planning system and policy context
• Awareness of technical standards relevant to design and construction documentation
• Exposure to professional studio processes and project delivery stages

Communication and creative capability

• Strong written, verbal and visual communication skills
• Ability to develop hand sketches, digital drawings and presentation graphics
• Creative problem-solving mindset

Personal attributes

• Flexible and adaptable working style
• Curious and eager to learn
• Resilient and proactive
• Passionate about design quality
• Self-motivated and collaborative

How to apply

If you believe you are a good 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.