Freelance Designer

As we plan out some exciting new projects, Universal would like to hear from interior or architectural creatives to join our talented team.

About Universal Design Studio

Universal Design Studio was founded in 2001 by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby in Shoreditch, London. The studio is driven by a deeply held belief in the transformative power of well designed, finely crafted spaces with a process rooted in design-led strategy and research. The studio’s work foregrounds the experience of the people that inhabit our spaces, with an emphasis on adaptability and rigour.

Over the past two decades, Universal’s portfolio has grown to encompass hotels and restaurants, retail environments, workspaces, residential, master planning and public realm design. Alongside this, the studio has executed culturally significant projects for galleries and cultural institutions across the globe. Clients include Ace Hotel, Fortnum & Mason, At Six Stockholm, The Office Group, Rimowa, the Victoria & Albert Museum, IBM, Google and Frieze Art Fair amongst others.

The studio is co-directed by Jason Holley and Paul Gulati.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

We are keen to meet freelance architects and interior designers to work with us on our exciting upcoming projects.

You will have worked across at least one of our key sectors: workplace, hospitality, cultural & retail. We need you to have solid experience producing drawing packages, preferably in Vectorworks.

Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, so please don't hesitate to submit your application.

Benefits & other information

Hybrid working: Following the safe reopening of our studio, employees have the flexibility to work a mix of in the studio and at home, working a minimum of 3 days in the studio and up to 2 days from home. Wednesday being an anchor day, where everyone comes in to the studio.
Diversity & Inclusion: With the integrated support of our D&I employee resource group, Universal and Map are committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, disability or age.

Freelance engagement: **To work with Universal as a freelance Designer in the UK, we would require you to be employed via an FCSA approved umbrella company: www.fcsa.org.uk/members.
An umbrella company is a professional employment organisation that engages contractors with a view to carry out multiple assignments at a series of temporary workplaces. This accountancy firm for contractors, First Freelance, provides a clear understanding of what an umbrella company is and how the relationship works: www.firstfreelance.com/contractors/what-are-my-options/umbrella-company.

About Universal & Map

Universal Design Studio and Map Project Office are award-winning design studios based in London and New York with a global client list. Founded by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, the studios were conceived in 2001 and 2012 respectively to facilitate a growing call for creative solutions that involved the intersection of industrial design and the digital world, and the creation of spaces that could shape and support the evolving way we live, work and play. Both studios are part of The New Standard, a creative collective formed with Made Thought that redefines the contemporary design agency, uniting specialists from across disciplines to deliver simple solutions for a complex world.

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 .