Freelance Facade Designer
Freelance Façade Designer / Senior Architect (Revit)
Location: Remote / Hybrid (Europe preferred)
Project: New School Development – Zurich, Switzerland
Contract: Freelance
Duration: Until End of 2026
We are seeking an experienced Façade Designer, Building Envelope Specialist, or Senior Architect with strong façade package experience to support the technical development of a major education project in Zurich.
Working alongside a commercial Design & Build team, you will take an existing Stage 2 façade concept and help develop the package through technical design, coordination, and system selection.
Key Responsibilities
* Review and assess the current façade design, elevations, sections, visualisations, and material proposals.
* Identify areas requiring further technical development, coordination, or clarification.
* Evaluate façade and cladding systems, recommending suitable solutions aligned with the architectural vision, programme, and budget.
* Develop façade grids, panelisation strategies, module sizes, and typical bay arrangements.
* Rationalise façade layouts while maintaining the architectural intent.
* Develop key façade details and interfaces, including corners, entrances, parapets, window surrounds, roof interfaces, and material transitions.
* Advise on buildability, durability, maintenance, and long-term performance.
* Support material, colour, texture, and finish selection.
* Provide technical input relating to thermal performance, weatherproofing, airtightness, moisture control, fire performance, acoustics, solar control, and façade robustness.
* Coordinate façade design with architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, fire consultants, and sustainability specialists.
* Attend design workshops and technical coordination meetings.
* Review and mark up drawings, sketches, and technical information as required.
Required Experience
* Proven experience delivering façade, cladding, or building envelope packages on large-scale projects.
* Strong understanding of façade systems, panelisation, detailing, and technical coordination.
* Experience developing projects through RIBA Stages 2–4.
* Excellent Revit and BIM capability.
* Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary design teams.
* Strong knowledge of construction detailing, buildability, and technical design development.
* Ability to work independently and provide clear technical recommendations.
Desirable Experience
* Education, university, public sector, commercial, mixed-use, or large residential projects.
* Experience working within Design & Build environments.
* Knowledge of European façade standards and high-performance building envelopes.
* Previous experience on international projects.
Deliverables
* Technical review of the existing façade design.
* Assessment and recommendation of façade system options.
* Refined façade modules and panelisation principles.
* Typical façade sections, sketches, and detail development.
* Material, colour, and finish recommendations.
* Identification of key technical risks, decisions, and coordination requirements.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a high-profile international project and play a key role in shaping the technical delivery of a landmark education development