Culdesac | [Creative Residencies]

The CuldeSac Creative Residencies programme was created to open space for non-standard creative profiles—people whose work moves between architecture, theory, experimentation, technology, culture and making. Rather than hiring for narrowly defined roles, we are interested in building intellectual density within the studio:

(1) | bringing new perspectives into our projects | (2) | enriching our internal culture | (3) | and expanding how we think about space, experience and design.

These residencies are not internships and not academic fellowships. They are professional, paid positions, embedded within the studio, with real responsibility, real output and real visibility.

[The Residency Format]

(Duration) | 6 to 12 months | (Location) | Valencia (Spain), with hybrid options | (Format) Full-time or part-time (depending on profile) | (Contract) | Paid creative residency / professional collaboration | (Start date) | Flexible

Each resident will: | (1) | Work alongside our architectural and creative teams on real projects | (2) | Develop a research or experimental line connected to their expertise | (3) | Contribute both to project work and to the studio’s cultural development | (4) | Share knowledge, processes and outcomes with the team

Residencies may lead to future collaborations, extensions or integration into the studio, but this is not a predefined outcome.

[Who We Are Looking For]

We welcome applications from architects, designers, researchers, technologists and hybrid creatives working across (but not limited to) the following areas:

(1) | Design Researcher / Design Theorist | [Architecture · Design · Visual Culture] | Profiles focused on research, theory and critical thinking, capable of translating cultural, social and technological research into strong conceptual frameworks for projects. | | (2) | Experience Designer (Spatial / Brand Experience) | [Beyond UX. Beyond form.] | Designers interested in how space is lived: sequences, emotions, sensory layers and narratives that turn architecture into experience. | | (3) | Experimental Lighting Designer / Light Researcher | [Light as atmosphere and language] | Profiles exploring light as an emotional, narrative and spatial tool—beyond purely technical lighting design. | | (4) | Material & Process Researcher | [Material intelligence] | Designers or researchers focused on materials, fabrication, sustainability and emerging processes, acting as a bridge between concept, design and making. | | (5) | Spatial Technologist / Creative Technologist | [Design × Technology] | Hybrid profiles working between space, data, interaction and media—developing responsive, reactive and hybrid physical-digital environments. | | (6) | Narrative & Content Designer (Architecture & Culture) | [Architecture as discourse] | Profiles able to transform projects, ideas and processes into clear narratives, conceptual texts and cultural content. | | (7) | Prototyping & Making Specialist | [Thinking through making] | Hands-on creatives focused on mock-ups, 1:1 tests, installations and physical experimentation as a design method. | | (8) | Futures & Trends Strategist (Design + Business) | [Anticipating what’s next] | Strategic thinkers researching cultural, technological and consumer trends and translating them into future spatial opportunities.

[What We Value]

Across all profiles, we look for: | (1) | Strong conceptual positions | (2) | Curiosity and intellectual rigour | (3) | Ability to work collaboratively | (4) | Willingness to share knowledge and process | (5) | Comfort operating between research and real-world constraints

Backgrounds may include architecture, design, art, engineering, academia, technology or hybrid practices. There is no “typical” candidate.

[What We Offer]

(1) | Integration into a high-level creative studio | (2) | Access to international projects and clients | (3) | Space and time for experimentation and research | (4) | Direct dialogue with creative and strategic leadership | (5) | Visibility through publications, content, exhibitions or talks | (6) | A professional, paid framework that respects your expertise

[How to Apply]

(1) | CV or short bio | (2) | Portfolio or documentation of relevant work (built, written, experimental, research-based or hybrid) | (3) | A brief statement (max. 500 words) explaining: | (3.1) | Who you are | (3.2) | What you would like to explore during a residency at CuldeSac