Technical Designer & Maker

Create work that people remember.

Design and make large-scale public artworks, immersive installations and bespoke commissions.

Full-time · Gateshead, UK · competitive, dependent on experience

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Work directly with the founders of Studio Vertigo and Full Blown to turn ambitious ideas into practical, buildable designs for large-scale public artworks, immersive light installations, luxury retail commissions and architectural projects.

You will play a genuine role in shaping work from the first conversation through to the finished installation. This is not a desk-only position. You will help shape projects from initial concept and CAD development through prototyping, fabrication, testing and final installation.

No two weeks are the same. One might involve developing a touring artwork or producing CAD drawings; the next, building a prototype in the workshop or installing work in a city centre or public space.

The role.

You will:

  • Develop creative concepts into practical, buildable solutions and clear CAD drawings.

  • Prototype, test and refine designs.

  • Work hands-on with the fabrication team to build and assemble projects.

  • Design with fabrication, transport, installation, maintenance and repeated touring in mind.

  • Prepare work for transport and take part in installations and dismantles throughout the UK and occasionally overseas.

  • Help improve how our projects are designed, made and delivered.

About you.

We are looking for someone with around four to five years—or more—of relevant professional experience who is ready to take responsibility for substantial parts of a project within a small creative team

You will bring:

  • Confidence producing CAD drawings.

  • A practical understanding of materials, fabrication and assembly.

  • Hands-on making skills and the ability to move comfortably between design work and the workshop.

  • An organised, dependable approach to solving unfamiliar problems.

  • Excellent attention to detail and clear communication.

  • The ability to work independently and collaboratively.

  • A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel and stay away when projects require it.

Relevant backgrounds could include technical, product or industrial design, exhibition production, scenic construction or architectural fabrication. Your ability, experience and work matter more than the precise route you took.

About Studio Vertigo and Full Blown.

Studio Vertigo creates internationally exhibited public artworks and immersive light installations.

Our sister company, Full Blown, designs and fabricates bespoke sculptural, architectural and luxury retail commissions, collaborating with designers, architects and creative agencies to deliver ambitious projects from concept through to installation.

Together, the two businesses offer an unusually varied working environment where art, design, engineering and fabrication come together under one roof.

 

What we offer.

  • A competitive salary, dependent on experience.

  • Exceptionally varied work and creatively ambitious work, with direct involvement from the drawing board and workshop through to final installation.

  • A genuinely flexible approach to working hours and time off, coordinated around project deadlines, installations and the needs of the team.

  • Overtime paid or taken back as time off in lieu, by agreement.

  • Required travel and installation time treated as working time, with time outside contracted hours managed as overtime or time off in lieu.

  • Eligibility for a discretionary annual profit-related bonus after 12 months’ service.

  • Opportunities to travel throughout the UK and occasionally overseas.

  • A small, supportive team without layers of management, where good ideas are taken seriously and your contribution has a visible effect on the finished work.

How to apply

Please email lucy@studiovertigo.co.uk with Technical Designer & Maker in the subject line and include:

  • Your CV.

  • A portfolio or relevant project examples that make your own contribution clear.

  • A brief note explaining why you would like to join the team.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the application process.

More interested in a predominantly hands-on fabrication role? View the Artwork Fabricator / Multi-Skilled Maker vacancy.

Why work with us?

The two businesses offer an unusually varied working environment where art, design, engineering and fabrication come together. You will join a close-knit independent team, work directly with the founders and see your contribution become finished work experienced by audiences and clients around the world.

Both roles offer:

  • Exceptionally varied work across public art, light installations, sculpture, architecture, luxury retail and bespoke commissions.

  • Direct involvement from the drawing board or workshop through to final installation.

  • A genuinely flexible approach to working hours and time off, coordinated around project and team needs.

  • Overtime paid or taken back as time off in lieu.

  • Required travel and installation time treated as working time.

  • Eligibility for a discretionary annual profit-related bonus after 12 months’ service.

  • Opportunities to travel throughout the UK and occasionally overseas.

  • A supportive, collaborative and non-hierarchical working environment where ideas and individual contributions matter.

There are no layers of management between the idea and the people making it. Everyone contributes, solves problems together and takes responsibility for creating work of the highest quality.