Freelance Façade Designer

Location: Remote / Hybrid

Contract: Freelance

Duration: Until End of 2026

We are seeking an experienced Façade Designer, Building Envelope Specialist, or Senior Architect with strong façade package experience to support the technical development of a major education project in Zurich.

Working alongside a commercial Design & Build team, you will take an existing Stage 2 façade concept and help develop the package through technical design, coordination, and system selection.

• Review and assess the current façade design, elevations, sections, visualisations, and material proposals.
• Identify areas requiring further technical development, coordination, or clarification.
• Evaluate façade and cladding systems, recommending suitable solutions aligned with the architectural vision, programme, and budget.
• Develop façade grids, panelisation strategies, module sizes, and typical bay arrangements.
• Rationalise façade layouts while maintaining the architectural intent.
• Develop key façade details and interfaces, including corners, entrances, parapets, window surrounds, roof interfaces, and material transitions.
• Advise on buildability, durability, maintenance, and long-term performance.
• Support material, colour, texture, and finish selection.
• Provide technical input relating to thermal performance, weatherproofing, air tightness, moisture control, fire performance, acoustics, solar control, and façade robustness.
• Coordinate façade design with architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, fire consultants, and sustainability specialists.
• Attend design workshops and technical coordination meetings.
• Review and mark up drawings, sketches, and technical information as required.

• Strong understanding of façade systems, panelisation, detailing, and technical coordination.
• Experience developing projects through RIBA Stages 2–4.
• Excellent Revit and BIM capability.
• Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary design teams.
• Strong knowledge of construction detailing, buildability, and technical design development.
• Ability to work independently and provide clear technical recommendations.
• Education, university, public sector, commercial, mixed-use, or large residential projects.
• Experience working within Design & Build environments.
• Knowledge of European façade standards and high-performance building envelopes.
• Previous experience on international projects.
• Technical review of the existing façade design.
• Assessment and recommendation of façade system options.
• Refined façade modules and panelisation principles.
• Material, colour, and finish recommendations.
• Identification of key technical risks, decisions, and coordination requirements.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a high-profile international project and play a key role in shaping the technical delivery of a landmark education development.