Job Description

About Populous

For more than 40 years Populous has had a singular focus - to draw people together around the things that they love, to be the leading design firm that specialises in places, spaces and events where people gather. Our success is defined by designing projects that are seen as the benchmark. We are committed to future innovation, anticipating and shaping the future of our industries.
Our team is made up of highly talented people with a range of skills, all integral to successfully bringing to life the places and experiences we design. As our company has grown, our expertise has expanded to encompass a wide variety of disciplines - including architecture, audiovisual consultancy, brand activation, design & build, events, food & beverage strategy, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design and wayfinding.
This varied expertise enables us to transform neighbourhoods, revitalise cities, build relationships and create buildings, places and spaces that draw people together, from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to The Co-op Live Arena.
As we continue to bring to life award-winning venues and experiences our EMEA Practice is looking for a Full Stack Developer - AI Team (Global Digital) based in our Putney studio.

About the Role

This role sits within our AI Team. As a Full Stack Developer, you'll build high-impact applications that integrate AI/ML models, data pipelines, and intuitive user interfaces. You'll collaborate across disciplines to create scalable, cloud-native software that enables better design, decision-making, and outcomes for real-world environments.

Key responsibilities include:

Application Development + Design, develop, and maintain modern web applications and RESTful APIs
+ Build and integrate AI/ML features into both frontend and backend systems
+ Develop AI-powered capabilities such as intelligent search, generative design tools, or data-driven recommendations
+ Work with APIs and tools from platforms like OpenAI, Hugging Face, or custom in-house models
+ Translate real-world challenges into intuitive, AI-enhanced user experiences
+ Create reusable software components, including libraries, SDKs, and modules for internal and external use
+ Write scalable, maintainable, and well-documented code
Architecture & Technical Planning + Contribute to software architecture and technical design discussions
+ Ensure applications meet industry standards for accessibility, performance, and security
DevOps & Cloud Engineering + Deploy and manage applications on cloud platforms like AWS or Azure
+ Leverage serverless tools (e.g., AWS Lambda, Azure Functions) to build scalable backend services
+ Set up lightweight, robust CI/CD workflows and automated deployment processes
+ Write practical tests to improve reliability and support rapid development
Collaboration & Agile Delivery + Collaborate within agile, cross-functional teams, including designers, developers, and domain experts
+ Participate in code reviews, version control workflows, and team-wide discussions on product direction

Key requirements include:

We're seeking a full stack developer who is excited by the intersection of architecture, design, and emerging technology. You don't need experience in our industry -- just a builder's mindset, a love of learning, and the ability to work across disciplines.
Core Technical Skills + Several years of hands-on full stack development experience in a commercial environment
+ Strong proficiency in HTML5, CSS3, ES6/TypeScript, and responsive design principles
+ Solid experience with React (or similar modern frontend frameworks) and component-driven UI architecture
+ Backend development expertise in Python (FastAPI, Flask), .NET Core, or Node.js
+ Comfortable designing and consuming RESTful APIs
+ Familiarity with both relational (PostgreSQL, SQL Server) and NoSQL databases
+ Experience with Git and version control workflows
+ Strong foundation in object-oriented design, modular architecture, and reusable software components
AI/ML Integration Experience + Experience integrating AI/ML APIs and tools (e.g., OpenAI, Hugging Face, LangChain), or a strong interest in learning how to apply AI in real-world tools
+ Exposure to building intelligent features such as generative design aids, semantic search, or context-aware interfaces
+ Familiarity with model orchestration, prompt engineering, or LLM-driven workflows is a plus
Development Approach & Collaboration + Comfortable with iterative development, informal code reviews, and writing pragmatic tests that support quality
+ Familiarity with serverless architectures (e.g., AWS Lambda, Azure Functions) and cloud-native workflows
+ Experience using third-party APIs, SDKs, and external data integrations
+ Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical ideas to non-technical collaborators
+ Effective working independently and within agile, cross-functional teams
Mindset & Domain Interest + Curious and research-oriented, with a track record of learning and adapting to new tools or technologies
+ Interest in the built environment and human-centered design -- whether that's stadiums, civic infrastructure, or the future of how people experience public space
+ Experience working with spatial data, architectural workflows, or 3D/visual computing is a bonus, but not required
Preferred (but Not Required) + Experience with containerization and lightweight DevOps (e.g., Docker, GitHub Actions, CI/CD pipelines)
+ Familiarity with microservices or distributed system patterns
+ Additional language experience in C# or multi-language environments
+ Knowledge of event-driven architecture, data pipelines, or vector databases
+ Experience in the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) industry or in tools used for planning, modeling, or design collaboration
+ Comfortable collaborating across disciplines, time zones, and cultures in a hybrid or remote setting

About the Studio

Our Putney studio, which is also our EMEA Headquarters, is located on the banks of the River Thames, a short walk from Putney High Street and with excellent travel connections. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive and competitive benefits programme, as well as the opportunity to attend events at several Populous-designed venues.

Why Join the Team?

Work alongside passionate, creative individuals who lead their industry, transform ideas into reality and celebrate the beauty of human connection Enjoy various benefits, such as hybrid working and gym membership discounts Enjoy the opportunity to attend events at Populous-designed venues Connect and learn at regular social and knowledge sharing events including an annual conference and a weekend abroad Christmas party

How to Apply

Populous is an equal opportunity employer. If you're ready to utilise your skills to support our growing practice, click "Apply" to begin the application process. In your application, please include your CV and a one-page letter of motivation (cover letter), salary expectations, and availability.
Want to learn more about us?
Find us here: Populous
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