Description
ISP School Designer Role Profile
Purpose of Role
The purpose of this role is to design and develop innovative, functional, and inspiring learning environments that enhance teaching and learning, promote student well-being, and reflect the school’s educational vision. The School Designer ensures that all spaces support academic, social, and cultural development while meeting safety, accessibility, and sustainability standards.
The role holder collaborates with educators, administrators, architects, and contractors to translate pedagogical needs into creative design solutions, contributing to the continuous improvement and growth of the school community.
ISP Principles
Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
ISP School Designer Key Responsibilities
Design, develop, and implement innovative learning environments and school spaces aligned with the institution’s educational philosophy.
Collaborate with academic leaders, teachers, and administrators to ensure that the design supports curriculum delivery and student well-being.
Create functional, safe, and inspiring classrooms, labs, and common areas that foster creativity, collaboration, and active learning.
Integrate sustainable and inclusive design principles into all projects.
Conduct research on best practices in school architecture, interior design, and learning space innovation.
Develop design proposals, layouts, and visual presentations for review and approval.
Ensure compliance with local regulations, safety standards, and accessibility requirements.
Coordinate with contractors, architects, and suppliers during planning and implementation phases.
Manage timelines, budgets, and resources for school design projects.
Gather feedback from stakeholders (students, teachers, parents) to continuously improve learning spaces.
Support the institution’s strategic growth by contributing to the design of new campuses or the renovation of existing facilities.
Report progress regularly to senior leadership and align design projects with institutional goals.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
Skills
- Strong design and project management skills.
- Creativity and innovation in educational space design.
- Proficiency in design and planning software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Suite).
- Knowledge of sustainable, inclusive, and child-centered design principles.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong collaboration and teamwork abilities with educators, architects, and contractors.
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving to balance functionality, safety, and aesthetics.
- Time management, organization, and ability to work under deadlines.
- Attention to detail and ability to translate educational needs into design solutions.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Professional certification or license in design or architecture is an advantage.
- Knowledge of educational environments, pedagogical models, and how design impacts learning.
- Familiarity with health, safety, accessibility, and building regulations.
- Continuous professional development in sustainable and innovative design practices.
Experience
- Proven experience in school, educational, or institutional design projects.
- Track record of designing learning spaces that integrate functionality, safety, and creativity.
- Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams (educators, engineers, contractors).
- Experience managing budgets, timelines, and project deliverables.
- International or cross-cultural design project experience (desirable if working with global schools).
- Portfolio showcasing relevant educational or institutional design projects.
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.
ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.
