Digital Design Consultant (Freelance)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Design Consultant (Freelance)

Company: Charcoalblue

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Digital Design & Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-04

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a freelance Digital Design Consultant to join Charcoalblue's Experience Design and Strategy team, focusing on the development of software-based digital tools and solutions.

• The consultant will leverage object-oriented scripting languages, primarily C#, for real-time 3D development platforms like Unity, integrating with the company's expertise in the built environment and emerging technologies.

• Responsibilities include hands-on coding, creating new prototype tools, optimizing 3D models, and contributing to digital design projects like VR visualizations and interactive modeling.

• The role demands an innovative problem-solver with a foundational knowledge of programming, a holistic approach to developing solutions, and the ability to take initiative and drive work independently within a dynamic team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a freelance engagement, indicating a need for independent contractors who can manage their own time and deliverables. The focus on "software-based digital tools and solutions" and "real-time 3D development platforms" suggests a strong emphasis on practical application and technical implementation, aligning with operations-focused roles that bridge creative design and technical execution. The blend of built environment expertise with emerging technologies (VR/AR, Unity) points to a niche within operations that requires cross-disciplinary knowledge.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage in hands-on coding and development utilizing real-time 3D development tools, with a primary focus on Unity.

• Contribute to the full lifecycle of digital design projects, from initial concept through to final completion, leveraging existing tools and product frameworks.

• Develop novel prototype tools and products, which may include conceptualizing and building early-stage proofs of concept for research studies.

• Create, edit, and optimize 3D models, including performing rendering, visualization tasks, and managing the import/export of BIM and other industry-standard file formats.

• Provide expert input on design projects requiring digital design services, such as VR visualizations, interactive modeling, or the development of bespoke digital solutions.

• Collaborate effectively with all design disciplines within Charcoalblue Experience and other internal teams on various aspects of digital projects and strategic initiatives.

• Maintain, enhance, and improve existing internal digital design tools and products to ensure ongoing operational efficiency and effectiveness.

• Manage and coordinate with external companies and subcontractors, including programmers, developers, and graphic designers, for larger, collaborative projects.

• Conduct research and development into the application of technology across all relevant sectors, identifying innovative ways to integrate these advancements into Charcoalblue's work, particularly at the intersection of technology and theatricality.

• Actively pursue self-motivated research to continuously expand knowledge in digital technology, theatre, and the construction industry, fostering a proactive learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical execution (coding, 3D modeling) and strategic contribution (research, new product development, cross-disciplinary collaboration). The emphasis on maintaining and improving internal tools points to operational efficiency as a key driver. The requirement to work with external vendors and research new technologies underscores the need for strong project management and forward-thinking operational capabilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field such as Computer Programming, Game Design, Game Development, Architectural Technology, Audiovisual Design, Engineering, Computer Science, or Computational Architecture is advantageous.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of demonstrable experience in computer programming, computational architecture, game development, design research, technical design, or a related field.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in coding languages such as C#, Python, or JavaScript, with a strong understanding of object-oriented principles.

• Experience working with the cross-platform game engine – Unity.

• Experience working with 3D CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, 3DS Studio Max, Blender, or similar) for producing basic renders or animations.

• Experience in creating, editing, and optimizing 3D models.

• Foundational knowledge of programming and computational design principles.

• Ability to interpret design drawings or architectural plans.

• Experience working with collaborative working tools such as Miro, Asana, Figma, and G-Suite.

• Experience working with version control systems like GitHub, Unity Version Control, or similar. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with other real-time 3D development platforms, such as Unreal Engine.

• Experience working with front-end web frameworks such as React, for building interactive tools or web-based applications.

• Familiarity with browser-based visualization technologies, such as WebGL or Three.js.

• Experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) software and file formats.

• Experience working with agile working methodologies, with openness to other typical construction and design project workflows.

• A keen design eye for user interface (UI) design and presentation, with the ability to visually convey UX design ideas.

• An imaginative and innovative approach to problem-solving.

• Experience in projects related to the built environment (Architecture, events, placemaking).

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical programming skills and design application. The requirement for 3+ years of experience in specific fields like game development or computational architecture, alongside proficiency in Unity and C#, indicates a need for candidates with hands-on, practical operational experience. The inclusion of BIM and web frameworks as preferred skills suggests an expanding scope for digital operations within the company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio demonstrating captivating architectural renders and concepts for venues.

• Evidence of projects involving VR visualizations, interactive modeling, or bespoke digital solutions.

• Examples of created, edited, and optimized 3D models, showcasing rendering and visualization capabilities.

• Documentation of contributions to digital design projects from conception to completion.

• Case studies or examples of internal digital design tools and products developed or improved. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of workflow design and optimization for digital projects.

• Illustrate the process of creating new prototype tools and products, including proof-of-concept development.

• Demonstrate experience in managing the import/export of BIM and other industry-standard file formats.

• Provide insights into how collaborative working tools were utilized to streamline project execution and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are highly specific, focusing on visual output (renders, concepts) and tangible project contributions (tools, models, visualizations). This indicates that candidates will be evaluated not just on their technical skills but also on their ability to translate those skills into impactful, demonstrable results within a project context, a common expectation for operational roles involving creative technical output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for freelance Digital Design Consultants with 3-5 years of experience in London, a day rate of £350 - £550 is estimated. This range accounts for the specialized skills in Unity, C#, and 3D development, as well as the freelance nature of the engagement and the cost of living in London.

Benefits:

• Freelance engagement with potential for extension based on project needs.

• Opportunity to work on innovative projects at the intersection of technology, theatre, and the built environment.

• Collaborative and dynamic team environment within a growing company.

• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and R&D initiatives.

• Flexible working arrangement with the possibility of remote work.

Working Hours: This freelance engagement is anticipated to be approximately 2-3 days per week, with an initial 3-month term. The specific working hours will be flexible and agreed upon based on project requirements and consultant availability, accommodating remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated day rate is derived from research into freelance rates for similar technical and creative roles in the London market, considering the required experience level and specialized skill set. The benefits are framed around the nature of freelance work and the unique opportunities offered by Charcoalblue. The working hours reflect the part-time, project-based nature of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Design, Technology, and Experiential Spaces Consulting. Charcoalblue operates at the unique intersection of theatre design, architectural consulting, and digital technology development, offering innovative solutions for clients across various sectors.

Company Size: Charcoalblue is a growing practice, indicated by its need to build a freelance pool for specialized roles. This suggests an agile and dynamic operational structure, likely allowing for significant individual impact and direct collaboration with senior team members.

Founded: Charcoalblue has a history that supports its expertise in design and technology. (Founded date not provided, but implied established presence). This history likely underpins a culture of innovation and deep industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The "Digital Studio" team is a fast-growing part of the company, focusing on software-based digital tools and solutions.

• This team likely comprises a mix of designers, developers, and technical specialists who collaborate closely on innovative projects.

• The structure is expected to be agile and dynamic, fostering independent work and creative input. Methodology:

• A strong emphasis on innovation and pushing the boundaries of design.

• Integration of expertise from the built environment with emerging technologies.

• Development of internal tools to improve design workflows and operational efficiency.

• Collaboration with external partners and subcontractors for specialized project needs.

Company Website: https://charcoalblue.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as innovative, agile, and focused on blending traditional design expertise with cutting-edge technology. This implies an operational environment where experimentation, continuous learning, and cross-functional collaboration are highly valued. The growth of the Digital Studio team suggests a forward-looking approach to operational development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level (2-5 years experience) as a freelance consultant. While not a permanent position, it offers substantial professional development in a specialized and growing area of operations.

Reporting Structure: Freelancers will likely report to a Digital Studio lead or project manager. They are expected to be self-motivated and drive their work independently, with opportunities for direct collaboration with various design disciplines and project teams.

Operations Impact: The consultant's work directly impacts the development of client-facing digital tools and internal operational efficiencies. Contributions to VR/AR development, interactive applications, and custom plugins directly enhance the company's service offerings and competitive edge. There's potential for growth into a project lead for specific products, demonstrating a path for operational leadership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in Unity, C#, VR/AR development, and computational design.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead specific product development initiatives and gain project management experience within an operational context.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Work alongside theatre designers, architects, and other specialists, broadening understanding of diverse project requirements and operational challenges.

• Innovation & R&D: Contribute to research and development initiatives, staying at the forefront of technological advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a freelance role, growth is defined by project experience, skill acquisition, and potential for longer-term engagement or lead roles on specific operational projects rather than a traditional hierarchical promotion path. The emphasis on innovation and R&D suggests opportunities for professionals to influence the direction of operational tools and services.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is remote-friendly, Charcoalblue has a physical presence in London (17 Short Street, London, SE1 8). The company culture suggests a collaborative and innovative workspace, even if the consultant is working remotely.

Office Location(s): The primary office is in London, UK. Remote work is permitted within the UK.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Flexibility: The role is described as "Remote OK," allowing consultants to work from their own established workspace, provided they are based in the UK.

• Collaborative Tools: Expect to utilize digital collaboration platforms like Miro, Asana, Figma, and G-Suite for communication, project management, and design ideation.

• Technology Integration: Access to and utilization of cutting-edge digital design tools, 3D engines, and programming environments are central to the role.

Work Schedule: The engagement is part-time (2-3 days per week) with flexible hours, allowing for work-life balance and integration with other professional commitments. This schedule requires strong self-management and efficient task execution to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status for UK-based candidates, combined with the part-time nature of the role, indicates an operational environment that values flexibility and output over strict physical presence. The emphasis on digital collaboration tools is crucial for maintaining team cohesion and project momentum in a distributed or hybrid setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Complete the online form, submitting a resume and cover letter addressing specific prompts.

• Initial Interviews: Likely to be held virtually in September for short-listed candidates.

• Task/Challenge: A practical task may be set for those invited to interview, assessing technical skills and problem-solving abilities relevant to digital design and development.

• Portfolio Review: Expect a deep dive into your portfolio, focusing on the quality of renders, concepts, technical execution, and your ability to articulate project impact.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of cultural fit, collaborative approach, and overall suitability for the freelance consultant role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevant Projects: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating Unity development, C# scripting, 3D modeling, VR/AR applications, and any architectural visualization work.

• Showcase Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, the solutions you implemented (especially technical/coding aspects), and the positive impact or outcomes achieved. Quantify results where possible.

• Demonstrate Process: Include case studies or descriptions that walk through your design and development process, from conception to execution, highlighting your problem-solving approach and use of collaborative tools.

• Address Prompts: Ensure your cover letter directly addresses the application prompts regarding relevant experience, interest in Charcoalblue, creative vision impact, and collaborative working approach.

• Day Rate Clarity: Be prepared to clearly state your day rate, justified by your experience and the skills you bring to the role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Proficiency: Brush up on C# scripting for Unity, common Unity Editor functions, and 3D asset pipelines.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate challenges related to optimizing 3D assets, implementing interactive features, or integrating external data.

• Communication Skills: Be ready to explain complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, both verbally and visually.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes practical demonstration of skills through a portfolio and potentially a task. Candidates should tailor their application materials to directly address the specific requirements of digital design operations, showcasing their ability to deliver tangible technical solutions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unity: Essential for real-time 3D development, interactive applications, VR/AR experiences. Proficiency in using the Unity editor, scripting (C#), and asset pipelines is key.

• 3D CAD Software: Experience with packages such as AutoCAD, 3DS Studio Max, Blender, or similar for model creation, editing, and optimization.

• Version Control: GitHub, Unity Version Control, or similar for managing code and project assets collaboratively and systematically.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as a primary tool, the role implies the use of metrics to assess the performance of developed tools and projects. This could involve internal tracking or client-reported KPIs. CRM & Automation:

• Collaborative Platforms: Miro, Asana, Figma for project management, ideation, and design collaboration.

• Productivity Suites: G-Suite for general office productivity and document sharing.

Integration & Web Technologies:

• Web Frameworks: React for building interactive web-based applications.

• Visualization Technologies: WebGL, Three.js for browser-based visualization.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with BIM workflows and file formats for integration with architectural data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on real-time 3D development and related software. Proficiency in Unity and C# is paramount, with a strong emphasis on 3D modeling and asset management. The inclusion of web technologies and BIM suggests a broader operational scope for digital integration within architectural and experiential projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A core value, driving the exploration of new ideas and technologies to push design boundaries.

• Collaboration: Emphasized through working with diverse design disciplines, external partners, and utilizing collaborative tools.

• Agility & Initiative: Expected from freelancers to take initiative, drive work independently, and be comfortable with ambiguity in a dynamic team.

• Technical Excellence: A strong foundation in programming and digital design is crucial for developing effective tools and solutions.

• User-Centricity: Implied through the focus on creating digital tools and solutions that serve client needs and enhance user experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamlessly interfacing with various design disciplines (theatre, architecture, digital) and other teams within Charcoalblue.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and effective communication, both written and verbal, with colleagues, external collaborators, and project stakeholders.

• Feedback & Iteration: A culture that likely embraces iterative development, where feedback is exchanged and used to refine tools and projects.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraged through self-motivated research and the application of new technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values and collaboration style point to an environment that thrives on creativity, technical problem-solving, and effective teamwork, even in a freelance capacity. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to integrate into existing team workflows and contribute proactively to a culture of innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Working with cutting-edge technologies like Unity, VR/AR, and complex 3D pipelines can present technical hurdles.

• Ambiguity & Initiative: The expectation to take initiative and work independently in a dynamic environment requires strong self-management and problem-solving skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Bridging the gap between traditional design disciplines (theatre, architecture) and advanced digital development requires effective communication and understanding of different working methods.

• Project Scope Management: Balancing freelance availability (2-3 days/week) with project demands and deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Opportunity to deepen expertise in C#, Unity, and potentially other real-time 3D platforms or web technologies.

• Industry Exposure: Gain insights into how digital design and technology are applied in the theatre, live events, and built environment sectors.

• Project Leadership: Potential to evolve into leading specific product development efforts, enhancing project management and strategic planning skills.

• Networking: Build relationships with a diverse team of designers and technologists within Charcoalblue and their external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth, particularly in areas of technical mastery, independent project execution, and cross-domain collaboration. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing specialized operational skills and gaining exposure to diverse project types.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Approach: "Describe your process for developing a new interactive tool in Unity. What are the key considerations for performance optimization and user experience?" (Be ready to discuss C# scripting, asset management, and iterative design).

• Collaboration & Communication: "How do you ensure effective collaboration with designers and stakeholders who may have different technical backgrounds? Provide an example of a challenging cross-disciplinary project you worked on." (Focus on your communication style, use of collaborative tools, and ability to translate technical concepts).

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you need to integrate BIM data into a real-time VR experience. What are the potential challenges, and how would you approach them?" (Demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to devise practical solutions).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Interest in Charcoalblue: "What specifically about Charcoalblue's work at the intersection of technology and experiential design appeals to you?" (Research their projects and articulate your connection to their mission).

• Freelance Mindset: "How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects or with flexible deadlines?" (Highlight your organizational skills, self-motivation, and proactive approach).

• Innovation: "Can you share an example of a time you used technology in an innovative way to solve a design problem or improve a workflow?" (Showcase your creative thinking and application of new ideas).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a clear story: the problem, your role and solution (emphasizing technical execution), and the outcome/impact.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals (renders, videos, screenshots) to showcase your work effectively.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the specific technologies, programming languages, and software you used, and why you made those choices.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., performance improvements, user engagement).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both technical prowess and the ability to integrate into a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative operational environment. Emphasize practical application, problem-solving, and clear communication of technical concepts and project outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this freelance Digital Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the Charcoalblue teamtailor portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with Unity, C#, 3D modeling, VR/AR development, and any relevant computational design or game development projects. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Craft a Targeted Cover Letter: Directly address the application prompts, specifically detailing relevant experiences, your interest in Charcoalblue, how your creative vision has impacted projects, and your collaborative working approach. Clearly state your day rate.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your digital portfolio to showcase your strongest work relevant to the role. Ensure it includes examples of architectural renders, venue concepts, interactive applications, and technical demonstrations of your skills in Unity and 3D software. Be ready to walk through key projects.

• Research Charcoalblue: Understand their project portfolio, company values, and their approach to integrating technology with design. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit more effectively.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.