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 (12months).
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.
Top Skills
What We Do
Universal Design Studio is an award-winning architecture and interior design practice based in London. Driven by a deeply held belief in the transformative power of well designed, finely crafted spaces, it creates boutique hotels and restaurants, retail environments, workspaces, galleries and cultural institutions all over the world.Underpinned by a rigorous research and development process and inspired by the creativity that comes from the close collaboration of a diverse group of designers and architects with their clients, the studio employs a bespoke approach for every project, resulting in better spaces, better experiences and better cities.Universal Design Studio was founded in 2001 by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby in response to the growing demand for their distinctive design aesthetic and clever use of material details in architectural and interior design contexts. The studio is co-directed by Jason Holley and Paul Gulati.
Through a process of research and experimentation, carefully chosen materials and crafted details are used to help create unique and beautiful spaces. Universal’s work ranges in scale, from the design of a bespoke door handle (the first touch point in a building) and the interior spaces through to large scale architecture and building façades. Universal collaborate closely with clients, consultants, contractors and makers in the pursuit of creating finely crafted spaces that enhance the experience of the end users. We offer a range of services from design strategy and research to full service architecture and interior design, working from the initial brief through to the finished project.
