Commercial Office Refurbishment | £60M Project | City of London
About the Project
A major £60M commercial office refurbishment across two prime City of London buildings. The scope includes full-floor fit-outs, MEP coordination, specialist systems integration, and delivery to multiple occupiers across a 24-month programme. The design is at RIBA Stage 3/4 with early contractor involvement; the successful candidate will own design delivery through to practical completion.
The Role
You will lead the design function across both buildings, accountable for:
* Design integrity and specification management through coordination with consultants
* Programme delivery design freeze milestones, consent sequences, clash resolution
* Cost management quotation review, value-engineering, variation orders
* Stakeholder management client presentations, occupier requests, expectations
* Site liaison RFI resolution, site-issued instructions, design coordination on-site
You'll work directly with the Project Manager and Site Manager, and lead a design team of 2–3.
Essential Requirements
8+ years in commercial fit-out or refurbishment; 3+ years as Design Manager on £20M+ projects
Fluent in Building Regulations, MEP coordination, and specialist systems (HVAC, lighting, AV, data)
Revit proficiency (BIM coordination); AutoCAD for drawing amendments
Proven track record delivering design on time and within budget
Desirable
RIBA-registered architect or technologist (Part 3)
Experience on high-spec London office projects (Canary Wharf, Bishopsgate types)
Knowledge of fit-out sustainability standards (BREEAM, WELL, Fitwell)
What We're Looking For
Technical confidence to spot clashes, challenge quotes, explain decisions to clients
Pace and pragmatism in a fast-track environment; clear decision-making under pressure
Ownership you lead the design team and drive progress
Ability to translate between architects' intent and site reality
The Offer
* Salary: £80,000–£75,000 per annum
* Contract: Permanent
* Location: City of London
* Reporting to: Project Manager
Start date: ASAP
Salary description
£80000.00 - £90000.00 per year