Lead Designer / Project Lead

Depeña Studio Employer Charlotte, NC, US (remote possible)Location:

Full-timeType Thu, May 14 '26Posted on:

Depeña Studio — Charlotte, NC Hybrid possible for the right candidate.

Depeña Studio is seeking a highly organized and technically skilled Lead Designer / Project Lead to work directly with artist Ivan Depeña on the development and execution of large-scale public art projects.

This role bridges concept, design, engineering coordination, fabrication, and installation. The ideal candidate is both creatively capable and highly detail-oriented, with the ability to move complex projects forward while collaborating closely with the studio’s Production Manager and external consultants, fabricators, and installers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and translate conceptual artwork into buildable systems and drawing packages
• Collaborate closely with the Production Manager on modeling, detailing, fabrication coordination, and installation planning
• Coordinate with engineers, fabricators, installers, and consultants
• Help lead projects from concept through installation
• Maintain design intent, technical clarity, and project organization across multiple active projects
• Attend site visits, fabrication reviews, and installations as required
• Identify issues early and help drive projects toward successful completion

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in architecture, public art, experiential design, fabrication, or related fields
• Advanced Rhino proficiency required
• Grasshopper experience strongly preferred
• Experience with complex geometry, fabrication workflows, consultant coordination, and construction documentation
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to balance creative thinking with execution realities

Ideal Candidate

• Collaborative and comfortable working within an artist-led studio environment
• Proactive, organized, and solution-oriented
• Interested in both creative development and real-world implementation
• Capable of taking ownership and helping manage multiple complex projects simultaneously

Compensation Competitive salary based on experience.

Please submit to [email protected]

• Resume
• Portfolio
• Brief statement describing your experience moving projects from concept through execution.

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