Freelance retail design
I am a senior retail and spatial designer based in Manchester, working with design agencies, shopfitters and brand teams.
My work covers store planning, technical drawing, design development and rollout, from early feasibility and site surveys through to site delivery.
I spent seven years designing and delivering stores for JD Sports and most recently worked on global retail rollout at Clarks. I now work independently through RC Studio.
I work primarily in AutoCAD and SketchUp, remotely or on site across the UK and Europe.
Adapting an established retail concept to new locations while maintaining the design standards of the wider programme.
Planning retail environments around circulation, product, fixtures and the practical constraints of each site.
Developing an approved design into coordinated information for review, pricing and delivery.
Structural engineering, building-services design and statutory approvals remain with the appointed consultants.
Design and development of retail fixtures, counters, display systems and furniture as part of the wider store environment.
Scale-accurate SketchUp models used alongside the drawing process to develop and review the design.
Design development and coordination of customer-facing elements within the retail environment.
Design support as projects move from drawings into procurement, construction and handover.
We agree the project stage, required information, deadlines and who is involved.
I review the brief, available site and survey information, existing drawings, brand standards and decisions already made.
I develop the spatial design and coordinated information in AutoCAD and SketchUp.
Drawings are issued for review and updated as the project develops. Site support can continue through construction, snagging and handover.
At feasibility, concept, design development, rollout or delivery stage, either for a defined package of work or as additional capacity within an existing programme.
Yes. Much of my work has been within established brand standards, CAD templates, drawing systems and approval processes, often joining programmes that were already running.
AutoCAD and SketchUp are my main design tools. I also use Affinity Studio, Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator for presentation and graphic material.
Yes. I carry out retail site surveys to record existing conditions, photographs and key dimensions, and to check the site against available drawings before design development.
Where a full measured or laser survey is required, I work from the specialist's survey data as the base for design.
Yes. Technical drawing and detailing are a core part of my work, mainly in AutoCAD.
Yes. Most design work can be carried out remotely. Site visits or time in a client's studio can be agreed where useful.
A short description of the project, its current stage, location, programme and the drawings or outputs you need is enough to start.
Need support on a retail project?
Send a short outline of the project and I will reply with my availability.
Email RC Studio