We are looking for a Studio Manager to join our team…
Charlotte Rowe Design Ltd, trading as Charlotte Rowe Garden Design, is an award-winning design Studio based in West London and operated by its principals, Charlotte Rowe MSGD and Tomoko Kawauchi MSGD. The company offers garden design services, planting design and plant sourcing, styling and project administration to private clients in London and the surrounding area as well as the rest of the UK and overseas. See www.charlotterowe.com for further details.
Over the 18 years since the studio was established, we have been commissioned to design over 300 gardens in the UK and overseas. We are high-profile in the landscape design profession and our work has been recognized in a wide range of design publications, on TV and in a range of garden design books. @charlotterowegardens has over 50,000 followers on Instagram. As well as working directly for private clients, we also work closely with interior designers and architects with our main focus, the residential sector. Currently the Studio has 20 active residential client projects.
Charlotte Rowe designed and created one of the principal show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2014, No Man’s Land marking the centenary of WW1 for which she won a coveted Gold Medal.
The company is run by Charlotte Rowe supported by Tomoko Kawauchi, the design director who leads the design team including two full time project designers and a number of freelancers. The studio also regularly welcomes design interns into the team.
The role of Studio Manager is a central pivotal role and although we are not looking for a candidate with any design skills or experience, it is important that they enjoy an energetic, creative environment and have some interest in design. The role is full-time and studio-based and is extremely broad in its scope. It encompasses both administrative and creative duties and one of its key roles is to ensure the smooth running of the Studio. The Studio Manager is normally the first point of contact within the Studio for clients, prospective clients, journalists and other design professionals such as architects and interior designers. The position would either suit someone who has some experience in design or the creative industries or alternatively it may also appeal to someone wishing to move over from a different industry/profession and who is looking for a change of career.
General administration
Checking all email and taking telephone calls and ensuring messages are passed through to the appropriate person. This includes screening any new business approaches before referring them to Charlotte Rowe or Tomoko Kawauchi.
Filing and keeping all client files up to date. This includes both on-line and paper.
Overall responsibility for running the Xero accounting system
Keeping project timelines up to date and preparing the project management plan for the weekly team meeting and diary management.
Keeping the furniture, samples and styling library up to date
Keeping the on-line image library in order
Ensuring all office equipment including stationery is ordered
Overall responsibility for reviewing office systems and facilities management.
Overseeing any interns or work experience personnel
Organising company events including an annual two-day team trip to visit gardens and annual CRGD Party.
Marketing and PR
Keeping the web site and Pinterest boards up to date and supporting Charlotte Rowe with Instagram as necessary
Working with the SGD (Society of Garden Designers) and House & Garden The List to ensure the CRGD presence is maintained and maximised
Working closely with Charlotte Rowe and Tomoko Kawauchi, generation of PR stories for Charlotte Rowe Garden Design and for Charlotte Rowe and Tomoko Kawauchi as the spokespeople as well as dealing with incoming media enquiries.
Identifying speaking opportunities for Charlotte Rowe and Tomoko Kawauchi
Help with photographic shoots in completed gardens
Assisting Charlotte Rowe and the team with award entries/submissions.
Scanning images from magazines and books and putting in PR files/folders
Keeping image library up to date and where necessary putting them into folders and on-line
Project administration/client work
Helping with project administration of client gardens, working with the project designers. This will depend on work loads and may develop as time goes by.
Liaising with the landscape contractors and other sub-contractors on all aspects of the project and interface with the client
Sourcing plants for planting plans for client gardens including being responsible for all logistics with the supplier nurseries.
Sourcing styling elements for client gardens such as containers, furniture and sculpture including being responsible for all logistics.
Liaising with lighting designers on lighting elements
Dealing with other issues including planning permissions and structural issues
Ensuring invoices and orders are issued and followed up
Skills and Experience - candidates should have the following:
· Good organisational skills
· Excellent written and oral communication skills
· Project management and the ability to manage projects working closely with the design team
· Competence in all Microsoft 365 including Word, Powerpoint, Excel and Outlook
· Good understanding of social marketing including Twitter and Instagram.
· Eligibility to work in the UK
Skills useful though not required:
· Some plant knowledge or interest in plants
· Additional software skills such as Photoshop and InDesign
You should be:
· Confident, positive and outward looking
· A multi- tasker who is flexible and adventurous.
· A good team player who can build effective working relationships within the studio, and with architects and contractors, as well as with our clients
· A self-starter with the ability to use own initiative and meet key deadlines
Start date: April 2023
Salary: By negotiation depending on experience.