Freelance Technical Consultant Role – Workshop Design

We are seeking an experienced freelance consultant or consultants to scope out the fabrication requirements for ‘Pangaea Wickside’, London’s first purpose-built centre for sculpture. 8,000 sq ft of custom-designed, ‘light industrial’ communal making spaces with technician support – part school, part factory, part civic platform.

The base build is almost complete and we’re currently working on RIBA Work Stage 1, Concept Design. This is a freelance contract role with flexible working arrangements based on project milestones and deliverables for RIBA Work Stage 3 (spatial design for costing) and Stage 4 (detailed design, technical specification, buildability and compliance). Currently Stage 3 is scheduled November – December, Stage 4 Spring 2026.

The role involves working closely with the Pangaea Sculptor’s Centre, Alison Brookes Architects (ABA) and specialist consultants to develop a comprehensive plan for the workshop facilities, including equipment specification, spatial planning, and operational workflows.

The workshop facilities include; foundry, metal workshop, wood workshop, mould making workshop, bio/future materials lab, general making/assemble, spray room and 3D printing. We are looking for just the right person or combination of people to cover these aspects of making. Therefore we welcome applications from people who can perform the consultancy role for all workshop facilities or specific ones.

Stage 3 Spatial Coordination Key Responsibilities:
• Engage with the Pangaea Sculptor’s Centre to understand the technical and operational needs, and work done to date.
• Review and optimise Concept Design layouts for inclusive access, efficient material handling, storage, deliveries and waste – considering environmental impact, energy use and lifecycle planning.
• Specify appropriate machinery and equipment, and devise a best value draft procurement strategy combining new and second-hand supply approaches, machinery maintenance and warranties strategies.
• Conduct risk assessments and draft health and safety protocols for HSE and legal compliance, appropriate to the level required at this stage.
• Develop our outline budget for purchasing and operational/maintenance costs.
• Help define capacity workflow and use options/restrictions, potential staffing requirements for flexibility and future development and equipment upgrades.
• Coordinate with acoustic, mechanical, electrical, HVAC and structural engineers to ensure feasibility of equipment installation and integration.

Stage 4 Technical Design Key Responsibilities:
• Review technical drawings for workshop layouts, services integration, and MEP systems related to machinery.
• Contribute to finalise fabrication-specific systems such as extraction, ventilation, compressed air, dust control.
• Create workshop data sheets, equipment specifications and schedules.
• Finalise procurement strategy for fit-out elements and specialist equipment.
• Health and safety, COSHH planning and machine guarding.
• Refine capacity workflow and use options/restrictions, potential staffing requirements for flexibility and future development and equipment upgrades.
• Prepare plans for integration and installation of specialist workshop equipment, positioning, testing, and commissioning in preparation for site, Stage 5 (Manufacturing and Construction).

Ideal candidate:
• Inspired by Pangaea Wickside’s mission to train, mentor and employ artists’, engage communities and advocate for sculpture fabrication and placemaking.
• Adaptable and resourceful, seeking creative, innovative, and budget-conscious solutions.
• Proven experience in workshop or fabrication facility planning.
• Strong understanding of fabrication equipment, spatial requirements, procurement, installation and commissioning.
• Good knowledge of health and safety, sustainability, and operational best practices.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Available for an immediate start.

Desirable
• Those seeking a longer-term position as part of Pangaea’s workshop team once the sculpture centre opens.

To apply:
Please submit the following information to lizmiddleton@pangaeasculptorscentre.com by 5 November 2025;
• CV
• brief description of relevant experience
• which facilities you could cover; foundry, metal workshop, wood workshop, mould making workshop, bio/future materials lab, spray room and/or 3D printing
• your preferred day rate and estimated time required to perform the role.