At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative design processes and mentor a collaborative team on exciting urban projects.
- Company: BDP, an award-winning design practice with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, profit share, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal development.
- Why this job: Shape vibrant cities and make a real impact through innovative design.
- Qualifications: Professional degree in architecture or urban design with extensive design practice experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
BDP has a dedicated Cities and Places team within its London Studio. This studio brings together the expertise of urban designers, landscape architects and urban planners to deliver imaginative masterplans, regeneration and placemaking projects. Cities and Places is an integral part of BDP’s multi‑disciplinary offer, with a strong external profile and reputation, working with public and private sector clients.
About the role
- Leading the design process with accountability to the relevant Director for effective delivery of the creative aspect of each project to meet the Client brief and deliver a high level of design on all projects.
- Participate in client meetings and confirm understanding of the Client’s project goals/requirements and communicate that to team members.
- Management of creative skills within the team to engender collaboration and mentoring to all design staff.
- Manage programme development and feasibility studies.
- Oversee the design process from initial concept and space planning through to detail design.
- Overview all external providers for visuals, imagery and all aspects of the creative process.
- Lead the design team members to achieve high standards.
- Oversee the production and delivery of detailed scale drawings for design and construction of developed project.
- Provide project team co‑ordination for finish plans, specifications and material selections required for construction.
About us
BDP is a multi-disciplinary award-winning design practice, established in the UK in 1961 and now a worldwide practice with more than 1,200 professional staff in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia and North America. BDP’s work covers all major development sectors, from Cities & Places to Retail, Education, Housing, Healthcare, Mixed‑Use, Transport, Workplace and Leisure. We also have particular strengths in masterplanning and sustainability and are leading users of BIM in the design industry. Our Cities & Places Team works across all sectors in the early stages of large-scale projects and masterplans establishing visions, design principles and development parameters with local authorities and private developers, with a specific focus on urban regeneration and sustainable mixed‑use development.
About you
You are an experienced and creative practitioner, with a professional degree in architecture or urban design and extensive experience working in design practice. Your creative approach to masterplanning and placemaking, combined with an understanding of socio‑economics and excellent hand drawing and associated technical skills are required for this role. You are passionate about cities and able to communicate exciting design ideas through a range of graphic styles and mediums. You like to take initiative whilst working in a team, and you are not worried about completing tasks under tight timescales, whilst monitoring goals. As an enthusiastic team player, you will enjoy working and mentoring in a collaborative environment and demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels and backgrounds, including other professionals from other disciplines, clients and the wider community.
Benefits
In return, BDP can offer you a wide range of learning opportunities to encourage personal and professional career development. From sponsorship to profession‑led CPD events, we also offer annual appraisals and a mentoring scheme supported by our internal online learning platform. We are committed to being an employer of choice and offer a competitive remuneration and benefits package that includes an employee profit share scheme, tax‑efficient smart benefits, private medical insurance, life insurance, long term sickness insurance, interest‑free season ticket loans, health screening, the opportunity to buy/swap holidays and enhanced maternity and paternity provision. We offer regular international and studio‑based social, sporting and charitable events, including monthly socials, a hiking club, wellbeing webinars and toolbox talks.
Inclusive Culture
BDP is actively fostering an inclusive organisation where people can be themselves and everyone has a sense of belonging. We want our teams to be diverse at every level, reflecting the communities we design for. As designers, we will create spaces for all that promote equity, wellbeing and participation within the built environment. We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different skills, professional and life experiences to join us and help us to achieve our aspirations. We also welcome applications from candidates who wish to work flexibly. BDP operates a hybrid working policy, usually three days in the office and two days working from home.
Application Notes
No agency or third‑party applications please.
Creative Lead employer: Building Design Partnership Limited
BDP is an award-winning design practice located in London, renowned for its collaborative and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and innovation. As a Creative Lead, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a competitive remuneration package, and a supportive environment that values diversity and teamwork. With a strong focus on urban regeneration and sustainable development, BDP offers a unique chance to contribute to meaningful projects while enjoying a balanced work-life through hybrid working arrangements.
Contact Details:
Building Design Partnership Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Creative Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Showcase your best work that aligns with the creative lead role. Make sure it highlights your design process and how you’ve tackled client briefs in the past.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people from BDP or similar firms. Don’t be shy—reach out on LinkedIn and start conversations about your passion for urban design and placemaking.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to design leadership and project management. Think about examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and deliver high-quality designs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at BDP.
We think you need these skills to ace Creative Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Side:When you're putting together your application, make sure to showcase your creative flair! Use visuals or examples of your past work to demonstrate how you approach design challenges. We want to see your unique style and how it aligns with our vision at BDP.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in urban design and masterplanning. Mention specific projects that relate to the role and how your skills can contribute to our Cities and Places team.
Be Clear and Concise:While we love creativity, clarity is key! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use bullet points for your achievements and keep your language professional yet approachable. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there, which can help you craft a standout application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Building Design Partnership Limited
✨Know Your Creative Process
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your creative process. Be ready to discuss how you approach design challenges, from initial concepts to detailed drawings. This will show that you understand the importance of creativity in the role and can articulate your ideas clearly.
✨Familiarise Yourself with BDP's Projects
Research BDP’s recent projects, especially those related to urban regeneration and placemaking. Being able to reference specific projects during your interview will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its work, as well as your understanding of their design philosophy.
✨Prepare for Client Interaction Scenarios
Since the role involves participating in client meetings, think about how you would handle various client scenarios. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated project goals or resolved conflicts in past experiences. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to manage client relationships.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
As a Creative Lead, collaboration is key. Be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring and leading design teams. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a collaborative environment and helped team members grow, which aligns with BDP's inclusive culture.
