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