What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Designer / Project Lead position at Depeña Studio?
Depeña Studio — Charlotte, NC
Hybrid possible for the right candidate.
Depeña Studio is seeking a highly organized and technically skilled Lead Designer / Project Lead to work directly with artist Ivan Depeña on the development and execution of large-scale public art projects.
This role bridges concept, design, engineering coordination, fabrication, and installation. The ideal candidate is both creatively capable and highly detail-oriented, with the ability to move complex projects forward while collaborating closely with the studio’s Production Manager and external consultants, fabricators, and installers.
- Develop and translate conceptual artwork into buildable systems and drawing packages
- Collaborate closely with the Production Manager on modeling, detailing, fabrication coordination, and installation planning
- Coordinate with engineers, fabricators, installers, and consultants
- Help lead projects from concept through installation
- Maintain design intent, technical clarity, and project organization across multiple active projects
- Attend site visits, fabrication reviews, and installations as required
- Identify issues early and help drive projects toward successful completion
- 5 years experience in architecture, public art, experiential design, fabrication, or related fields
- Advanced Rhino proficiency required
- Grasshopper experience strongly preferred
- Experience with complex geometry, fabrication workflows, consultant coordination, and construction documentation
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to balance creative thinking with execution realities
- Collaborative and comfortable working within an artist-led studio environment
- Proactive, organized, and solution-oriented
- Interested in both creative development and real-world implementation
- Capable of taking ownership and helping manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
Competitive salary based on experience.
Please submit to contact@depenastudio.com:
- Resume
- Portfolio
- Brief statement describing your experience moving projects from concept through execution.