At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a new Urban Design division, shaping innovative projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic planning consultancy with a focus on design excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a strong team and expand client relationships.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of urban design, influencing sustainable and attractive developments.
- Qualifications: Degree in Urban Design or related field, with significant industry experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Blue Diamond Recruitment is proud to be exclusively partnering with our client in the search for a highly experienced Urban Designer to establish and lead a brand-new Urban Design division. This is a career defining opportunity to create a market leading design service within a growing planning consultancy. Working closely with the existing planning team, the successful individual will help shape strategic land promotions, residential masterplans and placemaking strategies for land promoters, house builders and developers. The role requires a blend of design excellence, strategic thinking and commercial leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Division Development
- Lead the establishment and growth of the Urban Design division.
- Recruit, mentor and develop future team members.
- Build strong relationships with clients and professional contacts.
- Raise the profile of the Urban Design service through networking, thought leadership and industry engagement.
- Technical Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the preparation of:
- Site appraisals and development capacity studies.
- Vision documents and development frameworks.
- Strategic masterplans.
- Residential led masterplanning.
- Concept layouts and illustrative schemes.
- Design Codes.
- Parameter plans.
- Development principles and placemaking strategies.
- Design and Access Statements.
- Input into Local Plan promotion and planning applications.
- Provide strategic design advice to maximise development potential while creating sustainable, attractive and deliverable places.
- Client & Commercial Responsibilities
- Develop trusted relationships with land promoters, developers and house builders.
- Support bid submissions and fee proposals.
- Manage project programmes, budgets and profitability.
- Identify opportunities to expand the company’s client base and service offering.
Candidate Profile
- Essential
- Degree in Urban Design, Architecture, Planning or related discipline.
- Significant experience within a similar environment.
- Strong portfolio of residential and mixed-use masterplanning projects.
- Excellent understanding of the UK planning system, design policy and placemaking principles.
- Experience managing projects and multi-disciplinary consultant teams.
- Strong commercial awareness and client relationship skills.
- Ability to lead and grow a team.
- Desirable
- Experience working with strategic land promoters and major house builders.
- Existing industry network capable of generating new opportunities.
Head of Design employer: Blue Diamond Recruitment
At Blue Diamond Recruitment, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. As the Head of Design, you will not only lead the establishment of a new Urban Design division but also benefit from extensive professional development opportunities and a collaborative environment that values creativity and strategic thinking. Located in a vibrant area with access to a network of industry professionals, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive and growth-oriented workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Blue Diamond Recruitment who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Blue Diamond Recruitment!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Blue Diamond Recruitment. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Diamond Recruitment
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Blue Diamond Recruitment.
