Company: Kia Designs
Location: London Bridge, London
Duration: 6-Month Tenure
Status: Part of a hand-selected 3-person cohort
About the Residency
Kia Designs is offering a career-launching residency for visionary designers looking to bridge the gap between academic theory and high-end residential practice. Based in our award-winning studio in the heart of London Bridge, this is not a “coffee-making” internship. This is a high-touch, collaborative residency where you will work at the intersection of history and innovation.
As one of only three residents, you will be part of a curated peer group of future design leaders. You will move from the sketchpad to the job site, participating in client presentations and seeing your ideas come to life in some of London’s most prestigious homes.
The Three Pillars of Your Residency
Our 6-month program is structured around three core areas of professional development:
- Pillar I: The Technical Foundation (Studio DNA) Go beyond “pretty pictures.” You will master the production of buildable construction sets, detailed joinery, and electrical layouts that are ready for contractor use on-site.
- Pillar II: Materiality & Sourcing (The Couture Side) Swap Pinterest for the physical world. You will visit showrooms from Chelsea Harbour to Clerkenwell, learning to manage lead times, fire ratings, and bespoke specifications for high-end artisans.
- Pillar III: The Narrative & Delivery Assist in high-stakes client pitches and learn the art of defending design choices. You will follow projects through to the “snagging” and styling phase to see how drawings translate into reality.
Key Responsibilities
- Design Development: Brainstorm and solve complex site problems alongside your cohort and senior designers.
- Technical Drawing: Create accurate CAD layouts (AutoCAD/Vectorworks/Revit) for construction and joinery.
- Client Interaction: Sit in on presentations and contribute to design selections.
- Sourcing: Research and specify materials, furniture, and finishes from luxury suppliers.
- Site Support: Attend site visits to assist with project management and final styling.
What We’re Looking For
- A Visionary Mindset: We want designers who are ready to make an impact, not just observe.
- Software Proficiency: Experience in CAD software is required (AutoCAD, Vectorworks, or Revit).
- Collaborative Spirit: You should thrive in a small, tight-knit group and be willing to share ideas and take feedback.
- Professionalism: A commitment to deadlines, a “get stuck in” attitude, and a passion for luxury residential design.
- Educational Background: Ideally a degree in Interior Design or a related field (or currently finishing your final year).
Why Join Kia Designs?
- Mentorship: Direct access to Kia Stanford and senior members of an award-winning team.
- Peer Network: Build a lifelong professional network with your fellow residents.
- Real-World Impact: Your work will be used on live projects, giving you a portfolio of realized designs rather than just concepts.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply via the Kia Designs Residency Portal. Be prepared to provide:
- Your primary CAD software and years of experience.
- An updated Resume/CV (PDF, DOC, or DOCX).
- A portfolio that demonstrates your technical and creative potential.
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