Integrated technology designer - audiovisual

Thank you for your interest in Charcoalblue.

We are seeking an Integrated Technology (Experience and Workplace) Designer with an Audiovisual focus to join our talented team.

To apply please complete the online application form and submit a short CV (1-2 pages max.) and a cover letter addressing the below prompts:

• Why do you consider yourself to be a suitable person for the post and what you would like from the job?
• Which of your previous experience would you highlight as being particularly relevant? Please highlight any audiovisual and infrastructure design for performance/presentation buildings, experiential and event spaces, workplace and education.
• Describe your experience of designing, specifying and commissioning audiovisual infrastructure or performance/presentation/experience technology systems.
• Describe your experience and competency using CAD drawing tools for designing audiovisual systems.
• Please highlight the elements of the role requirement where you feel you have the least experience.
• Please highlight any experience you have leading teams on projects.
• What are your salary expectations in line with your experience?

Interviews will be conducted remotely (via Microsoft Teams). The time and date will be confirmed for shortlisted candidates.

Please note: applications that do not include a cover letter and responses to the above prompts will be deemed ineligible and will therefore not be considered.

Description of Role

We are seeking an Integrated Technology Designer (Experience and Workplace) with an AV focus to join our Consultancy team in the UK. You will be responsible for all aspects of design, documenting, and commissioning Audiovisual systems on our projects, working as part of our project teams which can include team leads, strategy and project management, theatre/room designers, stage engineering designers, experience designers and acousticians to deliver holistic, bespoke dedicated design solutions. It would be advantageous for you to have prior experience with performance and/or presentation technical systems and/or broadcast, conferencing and media technology, either as a practitioner and/or systems designer and/or experience creative technologies.

You will input into design and delivery of innovative, integrated creative technology solutions, including AV, digital media, show systems, and networked environments, across a diverse range of projects. Project portfolio include, but not limited to museums, culturally and/or historically significant entertainment/performance venues, event spaces, lecture theatres, themed experiences, streaming/broadcast systems and workplace activations and/or deployments.

You will report to one of our EMEA Leadership team, who you will meet regularly to ensure you are fully supported in your role. Since theatre consultancy and integrated technology design is a specialist field, we will provide role-specific inductions, tailored training and ongoing support to help you succeed. We actively foster a supportive and collaborative working environment which promotes independent work and ownership, alongside continuous support and communication with the wider Charcoalblue team. You will be working across a number of projects, varying in scale, typology and designs stages, and you will be encouraged to manage your own design, project work and deliverables. We encourage individuality of approach, creative thinking, and a proactive initiative involving your own discipline as well as the wider Charcoalblue team.

Due to our internal IT security protocols and core software compatibility requirements, our team operates exclusively on Windows OS. All applicants must be comfortable in using a Windows operating system as their primary daily workstation tool for this role.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Technical Delivery

• Input to and deliver the design of creative experience/entertainment/workplace technology systems across multiple projects, acting on occasion as lead designer for your area of specialism and taking responsibility for the quality, coordination and delivery of design information.
• Develop design principles, system strategies and technical solutions that respond to the client brief, operational requirements, architectural vision, performance needs and project budget.
• Produce and oversee the preparation of drawings, specifications, reports, schedules, calculations and other technical information, including Charcoalblue’s design and system information, or design information and/or standards provided by our clients.
• Input to and attend discussions with clients, users and project stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into coherent, deliverable design solutions.
• Communicate verbally, through reports and drawings the functionality, purpose and benefits of performance and presentation technology clearly and appropriately to different audiences, including creative designers, clients, technicians, architects, engineers and contractors.
• Work collaboratively with client, architectural and engineering teams to convey appropriate infrastructure, spatial requirements, support, power, data, containment, environmental conditions, access and other dependencies are incorporated into the wider design.
• Collaborate closely with Charcoalblue design, design and/or project managers colleagues across disciplines to deliver seamlessly coordinated design solutions on multi-disciplinary projects.
• Maintain trust through validated advisory oversight throughout the design and delivery process.
• Provide cost, operational, and technical advice aligned with project goals. Provide ROM cost projections and later develop BOM for technology systems throughout the project lifecycle, working with manufacturers, suppliers and distributors to test assumptions, validate budgets and undertake early market testing.
• Contribute to value engineering exercises, developing alternative solutions that reduce cost while protecting functionality, performance, quality and client value, and clearly communicating the implications of design changes.
• Review contractor submissions and ensure compliance with design.
• Attend site visits as required, including construction progress reviews, inspections, commissioning, witness testing and other technical activities, providing appropriate technical input and reporting.
• Support the development and implementation of consistent design standards, methodologies, drawing conventions, specifications and technical resources across the practice.

Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Consistently deliver technically robust work to a high professional standard, following Charcoalblue’s quality assurance processes and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, standards, guidance and industry good practice.
• Uphold and champion Charcoalblue’s quality standards across projects and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the continual development of Charcoalblue’s internal design and technical resources through collaboration, knowledge sharing and the development of house standards and styles.

Knowledge Sharing

• Contribute to the development of the audiovisual offer at Charcoalblue by innovation, collaboration and consistently high-quality design.
• Actively engage with Charcoalblue’s cultural values and demonstrate these values in relationships with colleagues, clients, consultants, contractors and other project partners.
• Continue to develop personal knowledge of performance, presentation and experiential systems, audiovisual and creative entertainment technology, technology breakthroughs, construction and related industries through self-directed research, continuous professional development and Charcoalblue’s Training & Development programme.

Client, Industry & Business Development

• Maintain relationships with clients and project partners, acting as a knowledgeable representative of Charcoalblue and its technical expertise.
• Contribute to the wider development of the practice by sharing sector knowledge, market intelligence, emerging technologies and lessons learned from projects.

General

• Collaborate positively and proactively with colleagues across Charcoalblue and with external design and project teams.
• Demonstrate sound professional judgement, taking ownership of responsibilities and escalating significant risks, issues or decisions appropriately.
• Undertake occasional travel, including international travel, as required by projects, clients and Charcoalblue activities.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive and may be subject to alteration over time.

Qualifications and Key Skills

We are open to receiving applications from candidates with a varied range of experience and education. If you meet most of the qualifications below, we encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Minimum three (3) years of experience working as a technical systems designer and/or as a consultant.
• Demonstratable experience working in experience or workplace markets (design or end user).
• High experience in computer drafting. We work predominantly in REVIT for building integration assets, therefore proficiency in REVIT is preferred, however previous experience in either Vectorworks, or AutoCAD will be required.
• Professional experience with the standard suite of Microsoft Office and GSuite products.
• Professional experience with Adobe Acrobat and / or Bluebeam Revu - we operate a paperless office and use the PDF format for all document issues.

Desirable

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly through verbal explanation, written communication, sketching, technical drawings and formal presentations.
• Ability to independently plan, manage and deliver workstreams against agreed scope, programme and budget, with management support for escalation of key issues.
• Higher-level knowledge of audiovisual systems, network infrastructure and good level knowledge of, infrastructure and systems integration. Understanding of broadcast, streaming, lecture room and presentation technologies. Basic knowledge of lighting systems.
• Relevant higher education qualification, technical training and/or professional industry qualifications such as AVIXA, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrable experience acting a designer across documentation, construction and commissioning phases on significant projects in the UK and/or EMEA.
• Practical understanding of stage lighting and/or audiovisual design, network architecture, infrastructure, systems integration and relevant Health & Safety, electrical and industry regulations.
• Experience developing and reviewing technical and contract documentation for stage lighting and/or audiovisual systems on new-build and refurbishment projects.
• Strong knowledge of the operation, technical requirements and construction of theatre, performing arts and live performance buildings, with experience and interest in live performance, broadcast, streaming and/or events.
• Experience of architectural lighting and/or audiovisual immersive environment installations, either temporary or permanent.
• Excellent graphic and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and consistently within established design and corporate standards.
• Experience working effectively within multidisciplinary and distributed global teams, including across different time zones and cultures.

Interpersonal & Leadership Skills

• Highly organised, reliable and able to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality and attention to detail.
• Confidence in taking ownership of designs and documentation – including coordination of inputs from colleagues.
• Confident in maintaining trust with team and stakeholders through consistent professionalism.
• Calm and effective under pressure, with sound professional judgement, a collaborative approach and the flexibility to adapt to changing project and business requirements.

What’s in it for you?

This is a permanent, full-time role with flexibility built in. You’ll be UK-based, working with flexible hours between 8am–8pm, Monday to Friday, and enjoy with the ability to work from home 2 days per week, balanced with studio collaboration, site visits, and project meetings. Working patterns will be agreed with your manager to support project commitments and collaboration across our global team.

Whilst most work takes place during standard business hours, some flexibility may occasionally be required to support colleagues, clients, and projects across different time zones. You'll be based in either London or Bristol, with opportunities for travel domestically and internationally for projects, team gatherings, and studio events.

Ability to request unlimited paid time off under our Take-What-You-Need (TWYN) leave policy, on top of your statutory annual leave entitlement.

Studio closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day, providing additional paid time off each year.

Annual company bonus scheme, subject to company performance.

Pension auto‑enrolment.

Monthly live event tickets allowance to experience the events, venues, and spaces that inspire our work and that we help bring to life.

Home working contribution towards internet and utilities.

Private Health Insurance after two years for you and your dependants.

Laptop and peripherals provided.

Company mobile phone scheme.

As you grow with Charcoalblue, so do your benefits – we’re in it for the long term.

Start Date

As soon as possible.

Salary

The salary range for this role is £50,000 - £60,000 per annum for a 40-hour week.

Please include your salary expectations in your application, taking into account your experience and qualifications.

We believe in fair and transparent pay. The salary offered will reflect your skills, experience, and potential contribution to the role. Alongside your salary, you'll enjoy a range of benefits and opportunities designed to support you both professionally and personally as part of the Charcoalblue team. Visit our careers page to find out more.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Overview

We are committed to becoming an increasingly inclusive organization. We continuously work to eliminate unfair and discriminatory practices within the company while encouraging full and equal contributions from our diverse community.

Our mission is to foster an inclusive ethos by creating a welcoming work environment across our global practice. We provide recruitment opportunities that are open to all and encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds to ensure our global team reflects the clients we collaborate with and the communities we serve.

If you require this application in a different format or need support during the application process, please contact Natalia Abril at natalia.abril@charcoalblue.com or via telephone at +44 (0)20 7928 0000. If you have any questions about accessibility or how the role may accommodate your personal circumstances, please reach out.

Charcoalblue strives to provide an environment free from discrimination and is committed to ensuring that all clients and customers can access the services and products we offer, across our three regions. We believe that all individuals – employees and clients alike – are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity.