Sphere Solutions
Freelance Design Manager
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Are you a commercially astute Design Manager who excels at solving complex architectural and technical interfaces?
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We are seeking a sharp, proactive Freelance Design Manager to take design ownership of an exciting development combining a major refurbishment of an existing structure alongside a high-spec new build extension.
This role requires someone who can seamlessly bridge the gap between pre-construction and on-site delivery, coordinating multidisciplinary consultant teams, managing statutory approvals, and ensuring the design package meets both buildability and budgetary requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Design Coordination: Lead and manage the design process across both the existing refurbishment framework and the new build structure, ensuring seamless integration between the two.
- Consultant Management: Act as the main point of contact for external architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, and specialist sub-contractor design teams.
- Buildability & Value Engineering: Review design proposals for technical buildability, identifying potential interface risks early and driving value engineering solutions without compromising quality.
- Statutory Approvals: Oversee Planning Conditions, Building Regulations, and Fire Safety compliance (including Golden Thread requirements where applicable).
- RFI & Submittal Management: Manage technical queries (RFIs), design changes, and submittals on site, keeping the construction team supplied with accurate, coordinated information.
- BIM / Information Management: Ensure all design models and documentation are up to date and shared effectively across common data environments (CDE).
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What We’re Looking For
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- Proven Experience: Track record working as a Design Manager for a main contractor or developer, specifically with experience managing mixed new build and refurbishment schemes.
- Technical Interface Knowledge: Strong understanding of structural interfaces, temporary works, underpinning/retained facades, and integrating modern building systems into existing frameworks.
- Qualifications: Degree in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.
- Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with CDE platforms (e.g., Viewpoint, Aconex, Procore) and BIM tools (Navisworks, Revit viewer).
- Contractual Awareness: Familiarity with JCT or NEC contracts and how design risk is allocated.
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