Senior Technical Designer

Shape London is a leading creator of award-winning bespoke kitchens and interior joinery, delivering projects that blend exceptional craftsmanship with technical innovation. With projects ranging from £50,000 to £1,000,000, we integrate design, manufacture, and installation from our Abbey Wood workshop, where our state-of-the-art facilities meet traditional expertise. We are seeking a Senior Technical Designer to transform creative concepts into precise, buildable solutions. This is a hands-on role requiring advanced proficiency in SolidWorks (mandatory) and ideally SWOOD, to produce detailed fabrication drawings and CNC-ready models. As part of our collaborative team, you will work closely with designers, project managers, and master craftsmen to ensure every bespoke element is both technically rigorous and manufactured to Shape London's award-winning standards.

Tasks

• Transform initial design intent into detailed technical drawings and 3D CAD models using SolidWorks and SWOOD.
• Produce comprehensive fabrication drawings, cut lists, and CNC files for our workshop, ensuring accuracy for flawless manufacturing and installation.
• Review and troubleshoot technical details of designs - resolving joinery construction challenges, material interfaces, and hardware integrations with creativity and precision.
• Collaborate with project managers and master craftsmen on the workshop floor to prototype and refine technical solutions, maintaining Shape London's standard of excellence from concept to completion
• Coordinate with architects, interior designers and contractors to integrate our bespoke joinery seamlessly into overall project plans, addressing any site-specific or service integration requirements.
• Oversee quality control on technical outputs - performing detailed checks on drawings and occasionally visiting project sites or our installation teams to ensure the final product matches the technical design intent.

Requirements

• SolidWorks proficiency - mandatory. You have advanced 3D modelling skills and can produce fully detailed part and assembly drawings. Experience with SWOOD is highly desirable, as it will be a core part of our workflow for bespoke cabinetry design.
• Technical joinery knowledge. Minimum 5-7 years' experience in technical design for bespoke interiors/joinery or furniture fabrication. Deep understanding of cabinet construction, materials, hardware, and fabrication techniques is expected.
• Attention to detail and accuracy. A track record of delivering complex technical drawing packs with zero errors - from correct dimensions and tolerances to ensuring designs meet structural and safety requirements.
• Collaborative mindset. Ability to work closely with a multi-disciplinary team - you'll interface with creative designers, CNC programmers, carpenters, and site installers. Strong communication skills are a must for explaining designs and coordinating changes.
• Problem-solving and innovation. Aptitude for finding creative technical solutions to realise challenging design features. You stay up-to-date with new materials, fittings, and manufacturing methods, and enjoy pushing the boundaries of what can be built.
• Familiarity with production management or CNC software (e.g.SWOOD CAM, AlphaCAM, Magi-Cut) and other CAD tools is a plus, but not required. What matters most is your mastery of SolidWorks/SWOOD and your ability to bring bespoke designs to life through technical excellence.

Benefits

• Impactful projects: Work on one-of-a-kind luxury interior projects that garner attention in the industry. Every project is a fresh challenge to create something unique.
• Collaborative culture: Join a tight-knit team where technical designers, creatives, and craftsmen work side-by-side. We foster open communication and value contributions that improve our products or processes.
• Professional growth: As a senior member of the technical team, you'll have the opportunity to lead by example, mentor junior designers, and further hone your expertise in advanced CAD/CAM.
• Modern workshop & tools: Our design office is co-located with a state-of-the-art production workshop in Abbey Wood, equipped with CNC machines and traditional tools - giving you immediate feedback on your designs in production.
• Flexible working: The role is primarily based on-site at our Abbey Wood workshop to facilitate close collaboration with the manufacturing team. However, we support hybrid working arrangements - with some ability to work from home.
• Competitive compensation: A salary commensurate with your experience and skill level (negotiable) - we believe in rewarding talent. Additional benefits include omitted specific benefits, if any .
• Company bonus scheme: Annual performance-related bonus linked to both company results and individual contribution, recognising the value you bring to our projects and team.
• Additional holiday entitlement: Earn an extra day of annual leave for every full year of service with Shape London, rewarding long-term commitment and loyalty.

If you are passionate about marrying design innovation with technical precision and want to craft interiors that inspire, we'd love to hear from you. Apply with your CV and portfolio of technical work_._ Join Shape London in pushing the boundaries of luxury joinery through exceptional technical design.