Playground and Street Furniture Designer

Company Overview:

Dar, the founding member of the Sidara group, is an international multidisciplinary consulting organization specializing in engineering, architecture, planning, environment, project management, facilities management, and economics. Sidara operates in 60 countries with 20,500 professionals, Dar connects people, places, and communities through innovative solutions to the worlds most complex challenges. We deliver projects from inception through completion, embracing challenges to empower communities worldwide. Learn more at www.dar.com.

Job Purpose:

We are looking for a talented and imaginative Playground and Street Furniture Designer to help shape inspiring, inclusive, and functional public spaces. This role focuses on the design of engaging play environments and high-quality urban furniture that respond to context, encourage social interaction, and support the wellbeing of communities.

Our Vision and Values:

We aspire to be the chosen home of those with a gift for crafting solutions that empower people and an unwavering passion for learning and innovation. Our core values shape our culture and guide our decision-making. We are committed to:

• Responsibility
• Empowerment
• Connectivity
• Courage

Job Description:

Design Development

• Create bespoke and catalogue-based playground and street furniture designs for parks, plazas, streetscapes, and public spaces.
• Incorporate tailored future proof designs and smart technology where applicable
• Combine user experience, accessibility, durability, and aesthetics into design solutions.
• Experience with inclusive and sensory play design.
• Develop detailed design packages including concept sketches, 3D visuals, technical drawings, and specifications.

Project Delivery

• Work closely with placemaking, landscape architects and engineers, throughout project stages from concept to construction.
• Coordinate with manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors to ensure designs are feasible and aligned with budget and programme.
• Conduct site visits for surveys, design input, installation oversight, and post-installation reviews.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate in workshops, consultations, and co-design sessions with clients, communities, and local authorities.
• Present design ideas and respond to feedback from both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Sustainability & Safety

• Ensure all designs meet applicable standards and regulations (e.g. EN1176/1177, BS8300, DDA).
• Incorporate sustainable materials and low-maintenance design practices where possible.
• Degree or diploma in Industrial Design, Product Design, Landscape Architecture, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in designing play areas and/or urban furniture for public spaces.
• Proficiency in design and visualisation tools such as Rhino, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Revit (or similar).
• Familiarity with materials and fabrication processes (timber, metal, recycled plastics, composites).
• Strong understanding of child development/psychology, play theory, and public space use.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and teamwork skills.

While we carefully review all applications, only candidates meeting the specified requirements will be contacted for further consideration. We appreciate your understanding and thank all applicants for their interest.