Freelance interior architect/architect

Popcorn Group

Job Description

Freelance Interior Architect / Architect – London

Popcorn Group is seeking a freelance professional to support their multidisciplinary design and project teams. Unlike traditional architectural firms, Popcorn Group (led by filmmaker Charlotte Colbert) is a creative powerhouse that operates at the intersection of film, theatre, and experiential content.

In this role, you will be a design “chameleon,” bridging the gap between architectural spatial planning and immersive interior storytelling. You will support projects from their conceptual “spark” through early technical stages, working in a fast-paced environment that values creative provocation as much as technical coordination.

Role Overview & Responsibilities

  • Design Support: Assist in developing architectural and interior concepts, translating them into mood boards, material palettes, and visual references.

  • Spatial Planning: Conduct precedent research and assist with early-stage spatial layouts and feasibility.

  • Project Liaison: Act as a vital link between internal creative teams, external consultants, contractors, and specialized suppliers.

  • Coordination & Admin: assist with design documentation, cross-check project invoices, and manage basic administrative workstreams.


Job Data Table

Category Details
Company Popcorn Group
Location London (Savoy Court / Clerkenwell)
Contract Type Freelance
Salary / Rate £25,000 – £30,000 (Pro-rata / Day rate equiv.)
Experience Level Graduate / Early-career / Student
Sector Focus Experiential, Theatre, Film, & Architecture
Start Date ASAP

Skills & Competency Table

Skill Competency Level
Concept Design Advanced
Visual Presentation Advanced (Mood boards/Palettes)
Project Coordination Intermediate
CAD Drafting Intermediate (AutoCAD – Desirable)
Spatial Planning Intermediate
Administration Intermediate

Freelance Pay & Rate Analysis

Component Amount Notes
Annual Equivalent £25k – £30k Typical for early-career/graduate freelance support
Estimated Day Rate £110 – £145 Based on 2026 London junior freelance benchmarks
Total Value High Portfolio Impact Exposure to BIFA-winning/West End level projects

Job Summary

This is not a “standard” architecture job. Working for Popcorn Group means supporting designs for experiential spaces, theatre transfers (like Fleabag), and film-related architecture. It is a perfect fit for a proactive, detail-oriented graduate or early-career professional who wants to apply architectural skills to the world of high-end entertainment and provocative storytelling.


FAQs

Is this a permanent role? No, it is a freelance contract with a start date as soon as possible.

What level of experience is needed? The role is open to Architecture/Interior Architecture students, graduates, or early-career professionals.

What software should I know? While not essential, CAD drafting (AutoCAD) and the ability to produce drawing packages are highly desirable bonus skills.

What kind of projects does Popcorn Group do? They produce film, TV, and theatre content, often involving innovative physical spaces, immersive sets, and award-winning writing awards.

Where is the studio located? Popcorn Group is based in London, with a registered office near the Strand and deep ties to the creative hub of Clerkenwell.


Expert Analysis

Popcorn Group’s requirement for an “Architect” within a film/theatre production context suggests they are looking for Set Design support or Experiential spatial planning. Candidates with a background in “narrative architecture” or those who have worked on pop-up/pavilion projects will likely have an advantage. The inclusion of “cross-checking invoices” suggests this is a “Junior Project Manager” hybrid role common in boutique creative studios.


Location & Logistics Guide

The group operates out of central London (Savoy Court/Clerkenwell). This location is the heart of the UK’s theatre and film industries, providing the freelancer with a high-density network of creative professionals and high-end suppliers.

Company Website: www.popcorngroup.co.uk


Career Path

A freelancer at Popcorn Group builds a unique “niche” portfolio. You could transition from here into Production Design for film/TV, Experiential Design for luxury brands, or move back into traditional architecture with a highly unique specialization in narrative-led spaces.

To apply for this job please visit www.dezeenjobs.com.