Workplace Designer

About Fora

Fora creates workspace environments that combine thoughtful design, hospitality, community and wellbeing. The company develops inspiring, design-led locations where people can work productively, creatively and comfortably. Starting from its first London workspace more than 20 years ago, Fora has expanded to over 60 sites across the UK and now supports more than 30,000 members. Its client portfolio includes brands such as Ocado, The British Fashion Council and Pangaia. With backing from The Office Group, Blackstone and Brockton Capital, Fora continues to grow with a focus on conscious design, sustainable construction and workplaces that help people work in ways that suit them best.

About the role

Fora is seeking a motivated Designer to join its Design & Development team. The role focuses on delivering high-quality, carefully resolved workplace interiors across a growing portfolio. You will work with senior designers and, when needed, take ownership of design packages yourself. The position plays an important part in client alterations, refurbishment work and space-planning projects that feed into sales activity, operational delivery and investor reporting. It is well suited to someone who enjoys balancing creativity with technical accuracy, client engagement and the practical realities of working in live, occupied buildings.

Client alterations and refurbishment work

• Take the lead on client alteration and refurbishment assignments, guiding them from the initial brief through to coordinated design deliverables.
• Meet both prospective and existing clients to understand their needs and turn them into practical, commercially sensible design responses.
• Prepare design intent presentations, test fits, space plans, FF&E layouts and coordinated drawing packs that can be used for pricing and implementation.
• Explain site and building limitations clearly, including fire strategy, M&E capacity, statutory compliance, programme implications and cost impacts.
• Find the right balance between client expectations and operational, technical and commercial realities in occupied buildings.
• Select finishes, fittings and materials that work within budget, support brand expectations and align with long-term asset strategy.
• Assist enterprise and priority clients in partnership with Sales to support commercial wins and successful project delivery.
• Visit sites to identify constraints and opportunities, building practical knowledge through engagement with contractors.
• Work closely with Project Managers so that proposals are technically sound, coordinated and suitable for accurate cost planning.
• Contribute to CapEx-funded refreshes, refurbishments and tenant-specific alterations across the wider portfolio.

FF&E responsibilities

• Partner with the FF&E Procurement team to shape furniture choices that reflect the design concept, client requirements and operational needs.
• Help develop Fora’s standard furniture and enhancement offer, supporting consistency, quality and commercial viability.

Inventory and space data

• Record layout changes and updates to occupiable area through the company’s inventory change process.
• Keep live inventory records and area schedules accurate and aligned with investor-ready standards.
• Support Sales and high-density planning by ensuring spatial data reflects current layouts and available space.

Requirements

• Proven experience across the full design process, ideally gained in UK workplace design, space planning or commercial interiors.
• Familiarity with the flexible workspace sector or similar commercial environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK building regulations, fire strategy and building control requirements.
• Understanding of shell and core, CAT A, CAT B, base build and fit-out stages.
• Solid grasp of construction methods and commercial M&E services.
• Ability to produce well-coordinated, high-quality design packages with confidence.
• Strong client-facing communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent ability in space planning and technical detailing.
• Proficiency with Revit, Vectorworks and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Comfortable using MS Word and Excel.
• Awareness of RICS measurement standards.
• A degree in Design, Architecture or a related subject, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Core working hours with flexibility to suit different lifestyles.
• Two weeks of work-from-anywhere time each year.
• 28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Your birthday off.
• Option to purchase additional annual leave.
• 5% matched pension contribution.
• Life assurance cover.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Health cash plan to help with everyday medical costs.
• Confidential mental wellbeing support, available in person or online.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Season Ticket Loan.
• 25% discount at Fora cafés.
• Two volunteer days per year.

Other information

This is a full-time, onsite position based in London, England, United Kingdom. No vacancy count, salary, or start date was provided.