Freelance Design Manager

Are you a commercially astute Design Manager who excels at solving complex architectural and technical interfaces?

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).

What We’re Looking For

• 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.