Project Director (12-month FTC) - Universal Design Studio

AKQA; City of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A design studio in London is seeking a highly motivated Project Director for a maternity cover role. You will manage design projects, lead teams, and ensure successful delivery while maintaining client relationships. The ideal candidate has strong project leadership skills and experience in architectural design processes. This position offers a fixed-term contract with the opportunity for involvement in exciting UK and international projects.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing architecture, interior, and/or spatial design projects.
• Ability to track and drive project profitability.
• Confident communicator who presents complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end project planning, defining scope and managing timelines.
• Collaborate with design leads to ensure project goals are met.
• Act as the primary contact for clients, managing relationships and communications.

Skills

Project leadership skills

Understanding of architectural process

Financial and budget management

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Job description

Universal Design Studio is an architecture and interiors practice based in London and New York, dedicated to creating spaces that inspire and endure. Founded in 2001 by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, the studio has built an international reputation for delivering thoughtful, finely crafted environments grounded in design-led strategy and research.

We design from the inside out, crafting spaces that elevate everyday experiences. Through the ideas, objects, and spaces we create, we seek to cultivate intelligence, find beauty, and drive transformation, all while deepening connections, inspiring participation, and unlocking creative potential in every interaction.

We are looking for a highly motivated Project Director to join and support our Design Operations team at Universal Design Studio.

You will play a pivotal role in overseeing and managing the successful delivery of design projects from inception to completion. This is a fixed-term maternity cover role, offering the opportunity to work on exciting projects in the UK and internationally while contributing to the continued success of the studio.

As Project Director, you will work closely with our Design Teams, collaborating with Creative Directors and Design Directors to ensure clarity of scope, resources, and budgets while delivering the highest level of service to our clients. You will guide and support project teams, foster collaboration across the studio, and champion processes that allow our designers the space to focus on creativity.

We are seeking someone with deep experience in architectural and/or spatial design processes, with proven ability to manage complex projects at scale. The right candidate will be both a strong project leader and a collaborative partner, with the ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on project management.

The position is based in London, UK. Rights to work in the UK are mandatory. This is a maternity cover role for a fixed-term contract (12 months).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end project planning, including defining scope, allocating resources, and managing timelines.
• Collaborate with design leads and internal stakeholders to ensure project goals and deliverables are met.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the Design Operations team, supporting professional development and implementing new processes to drive efficiency.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, managing relationships, expectations, and communications throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee project budgets and financial performance, working closely with the Director of Design Operations and Finance team.
• Monitor risks and proactively develop mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Ensure quality assurance across all deliverables, aligning outcomes with both client expectations and studio standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation and provide regular updates and reports to both clients and internal teams.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Excellent project leadership skills with proven experience managing architecture, interior, and/or spatial design projects.
• Strong understanding of the architectural process (e.g., RIBA Work Stages) and design project lifecycles.
• Skilled in financial and budget management, with the ability to track and drive project profitability.
• Confident communicator with the ability to manage client relationships and present complex information clearly.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams, fostering collaboration, and nurturing talent.
• Ability to balance big-picture strategy with attention to detail and operational excellence.

Good to Have

• Technical experience on complex interior design or architectural refurbishment projects.
• Knowledge of different procurement routes in the construction industry.

We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.