Job Description
About the team
Looking for a meaningful role where you can work collaboratively to address the range of challenges affecting London?
Come and play your part in shaping the future of London, working as part of the brilliant team of professionals who lead on implementing best practice in architecture and urbanism, and work with the Mayor’s Good Growth by Design programme to enhance the design of the built environment.
About the role
This is a key role in the new Design Unit, within Planning and Regeneration, which will drive excellence in design across, and beyond, the GLA Group. You’ll contribute to our wider remit to support the development and delivery of the London Plan across spatial scales.
You’ll provide expert advice on, and support the development of research, strategies, programmes and policies to promote world class architecture, sustainable and inclusive design in London’s buildings, public spaces and urban fabric in line with Mayoral priorities.
You’ll do this through a variety of methods, including design review, procurement to support the development of projects and initiatives through the wider Good Growth by Design programme.
This role provides a unique opportunity for a talented individual with an ability to combine strategic thinking with practical capabilities.
What your day will look like
As part of the Design Unit:
You’ll provide advice and ensure best practice, working collaboratively with Development Management, the Place Unit, and other teams within the GLA and the wider GLA Group, to promote world class architecture, sustainable and inclusive design in London’s buildings, public spaces and urban fabric.
- You’ll work in line with Mayoral priorities and through a variety of methods including design review and the Good Growth by Design programme.
- You’ll lead on test strategies to build capacity within the built environment sector, like managing and evaluating the Town Architect Pilot in collaboration with the Place Unit and Boroughs; and steering the development of the practice support programme which is being delivered in partnership with the London School of Architecture and Crown Estate.
- You’ll manage the London Review Panel - the Mayor’s design review service - to scrutinise development against best practice and The Mayor’s Good Growth agenda.
- You’ll lead on the operation of the A+U Framework, work successfully with a range of internal and external stakeholders including boroughs, housing associations and public organisations within London and beyond.
- You’ll work closely with our cohort of Mayor’s Design Advocates, deploying their expertise to develop City Hall’s thinking through research and evidence gathering; bolster London’s design review capacity; and advocate for Good Growth across the sector.
- You’ll present reports to senior management, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor directly, so you will need excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Skills, knowledge and experience
- To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:
- Qualification in town planning, architecture, urban design or relevant professional experience as a senior planner within a similar organisation or business environment
- Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of national, regional and London strategic planning, development and placeshaping issues and trends
- Good understanding of public procurement principles and practice.
- Evidence of using analytical skills to support the scoping and delivery of design research projects.
- Well-developed IT skills and experience of using project management, financial management and design software packages.
