I am John, an architectural, technical and interior designer with extensive UK and international experience leading and contributing to complex projects across hospitality, workplace, high-end residential and luxury retail sectors. I translate brand strategy into spatial narratives, aligning identity, operational performance and commercial return. I also specialise in low-carbon, fabric-first construction and bring hands-on self-build experience to ensure coordinated, compliant and buildable architectural design.

John McCarthy

I am John, an architectural, technical and interior designer with extensive UK and international experience leading and contributing to complex projects across hospitality, workplace, high-end residential and luxury retail sectors. I translate brand strategy into spatial narratives, aligning identity, operational performance and commercial return. I also specialise in low-carbon, fabric-first construction and bring hands-on self-build experience to ensure coordinated, compliant and buildable architectural design.

Available to hire

I am John, an architectural, technical and interior designer with extensive UK and international experience leading and contributing to complex projects across hospitality, workplace, high-end residential and luxury retail sectors.

I translate brand strategy into spatial narratives, aligning identity, operational performance and commercial return. I also specialise in low-carbon, fabric-first construction and bring hands-on self-build experience to ensure coordinated, compliant and buildable architectural design.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Founder / Director at Number 39
January 1, 2010 - Present
Founder/Director established to continue commercial consultancy while developing specialist capability in fabric-first, natural fibre materials strategies, applied across selected residential and commercial design/build projects.
Principal Designer at Amouage (JHP)
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2013
Leading award-winning architectural and interior design, masterplanning and project management for a 1-hectare visitor centre, factory and offices, plus flagship and retail rollout across the Gulf states (2007–2013).
Senior Technical Designer at Peter Young Design (PYD)
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2018
Senior technical designer for The Phoenicia spa/health club extension, and contributing technical input for the major refurbishment of 136 bedrooms and suites and ballroom.
Senior Designer at JHP
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2010
Senior Designer delivering concept, detailing and delivery on multi-region retail and workplace projects; collaborated with clients to translate brand strategy into spatial solutions.
Head of Shop Design at Jane Norman
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005
Head of Shop Design overseeing boutique retail interior strategies and technical design.
Retail Design Manager at Zebra Projects
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2004
Retail design manager overseeing store fit-out design packages, detailing and liaison with contractors and clients.
Senior Designer at Portland Design
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003
Senior Designer delivering architecture/interiors across multiple sectors; participated in large-scale projects and client brief interpretation.
Designer at Creative Action
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003
Early-career designer contributing to concept and detailing across interior design projects.
Designer at Caulder Moore
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2003
Designer focusing on retail and interior projects within a multidisciplinary design practice.
Designer at Foley Cooke
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2002
Designer contributing to interior design and architectural detailing across projects.
Designer at The Formation
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2000
Designer involved in concept development and execution across interior architecture projects.
Designer at The Jones Design Co
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 1999
Designer contributing to architectural and interior design projects in early career.
Technical Designer at Space
January 1, 2025 - Present
Technical Designer contributing to technical development and construction documentation.

Education

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture at KIAD Kent Institute of Art & Design
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1997
Foundation Art & Design at Nene College, Northampton
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1991
BA (Hons) Three Dimensional Design: Wood, Metals & Plastics at Gwent College of Art & Design
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1993
Erasmus exchange: Interior Architecture, Furniture & Product Design at Academie Beeldende, Maastricht
January 1, 1996 - April 1, 1996

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Travel & Hospitality, Real Estate & Construction, Retail, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment