Design Researcher I Hugo

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Researcher I (Hugo Team)

Company: Corgan

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Design Research & Innovation Operations

Date Posted: October 11, 2025

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the foundational research that informs architectural and interior design innovation, operating within Corgan's dedicated Hugo team.

• The Design Researcher will drive data-driven solutions and facilitate visioning workshops to explore emerging technologies and human behavior's impact on future design.

• This position requires a strong blend of research methodologies, creative problem-solving, and the ability to translate complex findings into actionable design insights for clients and internal teams.

• The role emphasizes contributing to the evolution of Corgan's design research practice and integrating innovation across various sectors, requiring a proactive and collaborative approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Design Researcher I" suggests an early-to-mid-career professional, aligning with the 5-10 years of experience requirement. The "Hugo Team" designation indicates a specialized innovation or R&D function within Corgan, implying a focus on forward-thinking and experimental research rather than day-to-day project execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including designers, engineers, and stakeholders, to conduct user studies, refine concepts, and ensure project feasibility.

• Support research initiatives by performing user interviews, creating and distributing surveys, compiling secondary research, analyzing and organizing user data, and maintaining comprehensive research archives.

• Conduct or assist in user testing sessions and on-site user observations, meticulously analyzing feedback to inform iterative solution development.

• Facilitate visioning workshops and critique sessions to support the overall strategic direction and conceptualization of design projects.

• Proactively explore new research subjects, draw insightful conclusions, and apply critical thinking to generate novel ideas for both external clients and internal design teams.

• Actively contribute to establishing and evolving Corgan's design research practice, promoting the integration of innovation methodologies across all company sectors.

• Address complex design challenges with creative, user-centered solutions that align with architectural and interior design principles.

• Effectively manage time and prioritize tasks across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring deadlines are met without compromising research quality.

• Continuously stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and relevant thought leadership to inform research strategies and project outcomes.

• Author and edit thought leadership articles for publication, contributing to Corgan's external profile and knowledge base.

• Provide direct support to the Hugo Director, assisting with ongoing research, website development, and studio projects by recommending creative approaches and advanced research methodologies.

• Develop efficient methods for gathering information and compellingly presenting research findings to clients and stakeholders.

• Leverage data-driven insights to develop innovative design solutions, prototypes, and proofs of concept that address identified user needs.

• Identify and cultivate opportunities for strategic partnerships with external experts and organizations to enhance research capabilities and project scope.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: direct research execution and contributing to the strategic development of the design research practice itself. This suggests the role requires not only strong research skills but also an understanding of process improvement and organizational development within a design context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A professional degree with a focus on Design Research, Design and Environmental Analysis, or Human-Centered Design is required.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of experience in design research is mandatory.

Required Skills:

• Design Research Methodologies: Proven ability to apply qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research techniques effectively within diverse research contexts.

• User-Centric Approach: Deep understanding and application of Human-Centered Design principles to uncover unmet needs and identify opportunity zones.

• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Capability to analyze and organize complex user data, drawing actionable insights to inform design decisions.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent ability to articulate design ideas and research findings clearly and persuasively to clients, team members, and stakeholders.

• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to address design challenges with creative and innovative solutions.

• Collaboration: Proven experience working effectively within cross-disciplinary teams and contributing to a collaborative environment.

• Adaptability: Receptiveness to feedback and the ability to provide constructive criticism, comfortable navigating ambiguous environments.

• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with User Experience Research, Design Strategy, and/or Evidence-Based Design principles.

Preferred Skills:

• Graphic Design for Data Visualization: Capability to create compelling visual representations of data to enhance understanding and impact.

• 3-D Modeling Software: Experience with design and implementation tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Revit, or other 3-D modeling programs.

• Usability & Survey Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like UserTesting, dscout, Qualtrics, Survey Monkey, Microsoft Forms, Power BI, Tableau, and other usability assessment tools.

• Academic Research: Experience with academic research methodologies and publication efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both a core design research degree and a desirable architecture/design degree, coupled with industry experience, indicates a need for someone who can bridge theoretical research with practical application in the built environment. The inclusion of specific software and platform skills as "plus" points suggests a willingness to train or develop in certain areas, but strong foundational research and communication skills are paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Case Studies: Showcase detailed examples of design research projects, clearly outlining the research problem, methodology, data analysis, key findings, and the impact of those findings on design solutions.

• Methodology Application: Demonstrate proficiency in selecting and applying appropriate research methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods) based on project objectives and context.

• Data Interpretation & Synthesis: Provide examples of how complex user data was analyzed, synthesized, and translated into actionable insights and design recommendations.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Illustrate instances where research led to novel solutions, creative approaches, or addressed complex design challenges within the built environment.

• Client Communication Examples: Include examples of how research findings were presented to clients or stakeholders, showcasing effective data visualization and storytelling techniques.

Process Documentation:

• Research Workflow Design: Ability to document and articulate the end-to-end research process, from initial problem definition and planning to data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• User Study Protocols: Examples of well-defined protocols for user interviews, surveys, and usability testing sessions, including ethical considerations and data privacy measures.

• Insight Synthesis Frameworks: Documentation of how research findings are synthesized and communicated to inform design teams and stakeholders, potentially including templates or frameworks used.

• Innovation Integration: Evidence of how research findings are integrated into broader innovation processes, contributing to the development of new concepts or service offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is critical. It should not just list projects but tell a story about the researcher's process, critical thinking, and impact. Emphasizing the "how" and "why" behind their research decisions, and demonstrating how their work directly influenced design outcomes, will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, including workshops, training programs, and potential for attending industry conferences relevant to design research and innovation.

• Career Growth: Clear pathways for advancement within the Hugo team and Corgan, with opportunities to lead research initiatives and contribute to strategic development.

• Collaborative Work Environment: Access to a supportive and intellectually stimulating team, fostering camaraderie and cross-functional collaboration.

• Work-Life Balance: A commitment to promoting a healthy work-life balance, allowing focus on both professional and personal pursuits.

• Standard Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package typically including health insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid time off, aligned with UK employment standards.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, approximately 40 hours per week. The role may require flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and user testing schedules outside of typical business hours, with potential for compensatory time off.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific salary ranges for London can vary significantly. The estimate provided is a benchmark. A candidate should research current market rates for "Design Researcher," "UX Researcher," and "Innovation Researcher" roles in London with 5-10 years of experience, considering the architectural/design industry context.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture & Design Services. Corgan operates within the global architecture and interior design sector, focusing on creating impactful and innovative built environments.

Company Size: Corgan is a large, established firm with a significant number of employees, indicating a structured environment with ample resources and diverse project opportunities. This size suggests a robust organizational framework and potential for specialized teams like Hugo.

Founded: Corgan was founded in 1938, signifying a long history of design excellence and a deep understanding of the industry. This longevity suggests stability, a strong client base, and a culture that values experience and continuous evolution.

Team Structure:

• Hugo Team: This is Corgan's dedicated Research and Innovation team, focused on exploring emerging technologies and human behavior to shape future architectural designs. It likely operates with a degree of autonomy while collaborating closely with core design and client-facing teams.

• Reporting: The Design Researcher will report to the Hugo Director, indicating a clear line of management and strategic guidance from a senior innovation leader.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates extensive collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, interior designers, engineers, and potentially client stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The team emphasizes creating data-driven solutions, integrating research findings directly into design concepts and client recommendations.

• Visioning & Ideation: A core function involves conducting visioning workshops and fostering innovative research to generate new ideas and explore future possibilities in architecture.

• User-Centric Innovation: The approach is rooted in understanding human behavior and user needs to drive innovation that adds tangible value to projects and clients.

Company Website: www.corgan.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Corgan's emphasis on "building each other" and fostering camaraderie, curiosity, and creativity suggests a culture that values personal growth and collaborative spirit. The mention of "freedom to explore — and the safety to fail" points to an environment that supports experimentation, crucial for an innovation team like Hugo.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level researcher within a specialized innovation team ("Design Researcher I"). It represents an opportunity to build a career in design research, focusing on the intersection of human behavior, technology, and the built environment. The 5-10 years of experience requirement suggests it's not for an absolute junior but for someone with a solid foundation looking to specialize.

Reporting Structure: The Design Researcher reports directly to the Hugo Director. This close reporting line offers significant mentorship opportunities and direct exposure to senior leadership within the innovation function. It implies a hands-on management style and active involvement in the researcher's development and project work.

Operations Impact: The research conducted by this role directly influences the future direction of architectural and interior design projects at Corgan. By investigating emerging trends and user behaviors, the Hugo team's insights can lead to more innovative, client-centric, and future-proof designs, ultimately impacting project success, client satisfaction, and Corgan's competitive edge.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of design research, such as evidence-based design, sustainable design research, or technology integration in architecture.

• Leadership: Progress to senior researcher roles, potentially leading research projects, managing junior researchers, and taking on more strategic responsibilities within the Hugo team.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain broader knowledge in architectural design, engineering, and client management through close collaboration, potentially leading to hybrid roles or transitions into design strategy or project leadership.

• Thought Leadership: Develop a strong personal brand and contribute significantly to Corgan's reputation through publications, presentations, and the development of new research methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "I" in "Design Researcher I" typically denotes an entry-level professional within a defined career ladder. However, given the 5-10 years of experience requirement, this role is more accurately described as early-to-mid-career, focused on specialization and contribution to a specialized team. The growth potential is significant, especially within an innovation-focused group.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corgan likely operates within a modern, collaborative office environment typical of leading architecture and design firms. This would include open-plan workspaces, dedicated project areas, meeting rooms, and possibly dedicated spaces for workshops or brainstorming sessions.

Office Location(s): The primary location is London, England. This strategic location offers access to a vibrant professional network, potential clients, and innovative research opportunities within a global city.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect an environment that encourages interaction, with shared workspaces and meeting areas designed to facilitate brainstorming and idea exchange among design teams.

• Research Tools & Technology: Access to necessary research tools, software (potentially including design and visualization software), and a supportive IT infrastructure to conduct research and analysis.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to engage with the Hugo team, other design disciplines, and potentially clients, fostering a dynamic and communicative atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The role is predominantly on-site, requiring presence in the London office.

• While standard working hours are expected, flexibility may be necessary to accommodate user testing schedules, client meetings, or project deadlines that fall outside of typical business hours. This aligns with the demands of research and innovation roles that often require adapting to participant availability or project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" designation for this research role is significant. It implies that in-person observation, user interviews, and direct collaboration with design teams are considered integral to the research process and the company culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the role's requirements and Corgan's needs.

• Technical/Skills Interview: An in-depth discussion focusing on your design research methodologies, experience with qualitative/quantitative research, data analysis capabilities, and problem-solving skills. Expect questions about past projects and how you approached specific research challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your process, insights, and impact. This is a critical stage for showcasing your research acumen.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with members of the Hugo team, the Hugo Director, and potentially other design leads to assess your collaborative style, communication skills, cultural fit, and ability to integrate into the team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss your strategic thinking, long-term vision, and overall fit with Corgan's values and goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest design research projects that best showcase your diverse skill set, particularly those involving the built environment or human-centered design principles.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your research objectives, the methodologies employed (and why), your key findings, the insights derived, and the tangible impact your research had on the design outcome.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your research process, demonstrating critical thinking, adaptability, and how you navigated challenges.

• Showcase Data & Insights: Clearly present how you analyzed data and translated it into actionable insights. Use data visualization techniques effectively but ensure clarity and conciseness.

• Tailor to Corgan: If possible, subtly tailor your presentation to align with Corgan's design philosophy and the Hugo team's focus on innovation and future-oriented research.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making, challenges faced, and how you would approach similar problems in the future.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Deep Dive: Be prepared for potential case study exercises that might involve a hypothetical design problem requiring you to outline a research approach, identify key user needs, or suggest innovative solutions based on limited information.

• Methodology Justification: Practice articulating why you would choose specific research methods for different scenarios.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to discuss how you would communicate complex research findings to both technical (designers, engineers) and non-technical (clients) audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a portfolio requirement and the "delay" in review if it's not uploaded indicates its paramount importance. Candidates should treat portfolio preparation as a core part of their application strategy.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research & Analysis Platforms: Experience with qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research tools is essential. This includes:

  • Survey Tools: Qualtrics, Survey Monkey, Microsoft Forms.
  • Usability Testing Platforms: UserTesting, dscout.
  • Data Analysis: Familiarity with or ability to learn tools for analyzing qualitative and quantitative data.

• Design & Visualization Software (Plus):

  • Adobe Creative Suite: For creating presentations, reports, and potentially data visualizations.
  • 3-D Modeling Programs: SketchUp, Revit (or similar) – understanding their output and how research can inform them.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Power BI, Tableau (or similar) – for presenting research findings in an impactful and understandable manner.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly listed, understanding how research findings can feed into CRM strategies or inform automated customer journeys might be beneficial, though not a primary requirement for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "plus" items like Adobe Creative Suite, 3-D modeling, and specific analytics/usability platforms suggest that while not strictly mandatory, proficiency in these areas would significantly strengthen an application and indicate a more well-rounded candidate ready to integrate research into the broader design and client communication workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity-First Mindset: A fundamental value driving exploration, asking questions, and seeking deeper understanding of user behaviors and emerging trends, directly fueling innovation.

• Camaraderie & Collaboration: Emphasis on building strong relationships within the team and across disciplines, fostering a supportive environment where ideas are shared freely and collective success is prioritized.

• Passion for Design & Innovation: A deep-seated enthusiasm for creating great design and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in architecture and interior design through research.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly seek better methods, refine processes, and expand expertise, both individually and as a team, contributing to the evolving nature of Corgan's research practice.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest standards of professional ethics in all interactions with colleagues, clients, and research participants.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: A proactive approach to working with diverse teams (designers, engineers, clients), ensuring research insights are understood and integrated effectively into project lifecycles.

• Open Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages constructive dialogue, where feedback is welcomed and provided openly to improve research approaches and design outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the dissemination of research findings, methodologies, and learnings across the organization, contributing to a culture of shared expertise and collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Corgan's stated values of "camaraderie and collaboration" alongside "curiosity and creativity" strongly suggest a team environment that is both intellectually stimulating and socially supportive. The "safety to fail" aspect reinforces a culture that encourages experimentation and learning.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Research and Design: Effectively translating complex research findings into tangible, implementable design solutions that meet client needs and architectural constraints.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Thriving in an innovation-focused environment where research questions may be broad, and clear paths forward are not always immediately apparent.

• Integrating Innovation: Championing and integrating new research methodologies and innovative practices into established design workflows across a large organization.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously monitoring and synthesizing information on emerging technologies and evolving human behaviors to maintain the Hugo team's cutting-edge position.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Research Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, user experience design, evidence-based design, or computational design research.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend relevant conferences, workshops, and engage with academic institutions to stay at the forefront of research and innovation.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from the Hugo Director and senior team members, providing insights into research strategy, client engagement, and career progression within the design and innovation space.

• Cross-functional Learning: Gaining exposure to architectural and interior design processes, client management, and project delivery through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic nature of innovation research. The growth opportunities are framed around developing specialized skills and gaining broader industry exposure, which are crucial for career advancement in this field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Design: "Describe a complex design problem you faced. How would you approach researching it, detailing your methodology, potential data sources, and how you'd ensure the insights are actionable for designers?"

• Collaboration & Communication: "How do you ensure research findings are effectively communicated and understood by non-researchers, such as architects or clients? Provide an example of a challenging communication scenario and how you handled it."

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a scenario where user research reveals conflicting needs or desires. How would you synthesize this information and present potential trade-offs to stakeholders?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Corgan's Work: "What aspects of Corgan's portfolio or design philosophy resonate with your research interests, and how do you see your role contributing to it?"

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal collaborative environment and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic, especially within a cross-disciplinary team."

• Innovation Impact: "How do you measure the success or impact of design research on a project or within an organization?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation like a compelling story for each case study: the challenge, your approach, the journey of discovery, the insights, and the resolution/impact.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals, clear charts, and concise text on your slides. Ensure your data visualizations are easy to interpret and support your narrative effectively.

• Focus on 'Why': Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your methodological choices, your interpretation of data, and the strategic decisions you made throughout the research process.

• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify or clearly articulate the impact of your research on the final design or client outcomes. Use specific examples.

• Engage the Audience: Make it interactive. Pause for questions, solicit feedback, and demonstrate your ability to discuss your work thoughtfully and openly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just research skills but also the ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and translate complex information into practical, impactful design recommendations. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Researcher position:

• Submit your application directly through Corgan's careers website as specified.

• Portfolio Customization: Select 2-3 of your most relevant design research projects. Ensure they clearly demonstrate your skills in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research, with a focus on user-centered design and the built environment. Prepare detailed case studies that outline your process, findings, and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5-10 years of design research experience, relevant degrees, and proficiency with research methodologies and tools. Use keywords from the job description such as "Human-Centered Design," "User Experience Research," and "Evidence-Based Design."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, problem-solving approaches, and collaborative style. Prepare to present your portfolio with a focus on storytelling and demonstrating actionable insights. Research Corgan's recent projects and design philosophy.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Corgan's work, values, and the specific focus of the Hugo team. Understand their approach to innovation and design research to better articulate your fit and contributions.

⚠️ 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.

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