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.
The Studio Assistant / Front of House supports the smooth day-to-day running of the studio, acting as a welcoming first point of contact for clients, visitors and the team. This is a varied, hands-on role covering studio administration, meetings, travel, events, facilities and general support. We’re looking for someone organised, proactive, approachable and happy to get stuck in wherever needed.
This is a part-time month fixed term studio services position working across Map Project Office, Universal Design and Made Thought. Working days: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday
Key Responsibilities
- Welcome clients, visitors and team members
- Manage inbox, phone, guest-lists and meeting set-ups
- Handle postage, supplies and general studio requests
- Travel & Bookings: Assist with flights, hotels, trains, taxis and restaurant bookings
- Support studio appearance and upkeep, including cleaner coordination
- Assist with maintenance, AV and basic
- Support studio events, activities and logistics
- Schedule weekly studio communications
- Support wider studio initiatives and activities
- Administration: Assist with expenses and CC accounts reporting
- Manage studio storage, including project collections and returns
- Coordinate storage unit changes when required
- Provide flexible, proactive support across the studio
- Take on ad hoc requests and practical day-to-day tasks as needed
Essential Skills & Experience
- Positive, proactive and solutions-focused
- Friendly, approachable and responsive
- Highly organised with good attention to detail
- Comfortable managing a varied workload and changing priorities
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong communication and practical problem-solving skills
- An interest in creativity, culture and people
About Universal Design Studio
Universal Design Studio (part of WPP) is an architecture and interior design practice based in London and New York. 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—deepening connections, inspiring participation, and unlocking creative potential in every interaction. Our curiosity drives us to challenge boundaries and ignite emergence, seeking a more vibrant, and sustainable future.
Our services include architecture, interior design and creative strategy and we work with leading global brands and organisations to create physical spaces across multiple sectors and regions.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.
Skills Required
- Positive, proactive, and solutions-focused attitude
- Friendly, approachable, and responsive manner
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Ability to manage varied workloads and changing priorities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong communication and practical problem-solving skills
- Interest in creativity, culture, and people
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.
