Design Executive - Architectural

Design Executive with proven experience delivering complex cut-and-carve refurbishment and redevelopment projects. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong track record of coordinating multidisciplinary design teams through technically challenging schemes involving significant structural alterations, retention, and integration of existing buildings.

Will be responsible for coordinating the design team and contractor designers to produce complete comprehensive construction drawings, details and specifications in due time, giving consideration to quality, buildability, cost, health, safety and environmental constraints.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• To understand and support Client’s aims and objectives in accordance with CWCL objectives.
• Oversee design delivery across the refurbishment portfolio, explain rationale for early design decisions and impart knowledge to project teams to ensure smooth transition from development to delivery.
• Work closely with CWG development team and all external stakeholders including LBTH, London Fire Brigade and the Insurance team.
• Discharge responsibilities for Health and Safety as set out in the Canary Wharf Group Health Safety and Welfare manual also the Canary Wharf Group Construction Health and Safety Plan both in respect of the package and integration of the overall project.
• To identify with the overall design concept.
• To manage design process – design stages, workshops, deliverables and explore alternative options.
• Compare and benchmark design against other Canary Wharf Group and external projects.
• Ensure lessons learned from other projects are understood and taken into account.
• Interrogate the quality and compliance of consultant design drops throughout the various RIBA stages.
• Lead on fire protection measures to ensure solutions are legally compliant specifically in relation to existing building conditions.
• Ensure design consultants comply with their BIM deliverables.
• Lead scoping, programming, and procuring all surveys required by the design team to meet their delivery programmes for refurbishment projects.
• To assist with setting-up and implementing project systems and procedures. Assist other team members in dealing with queries and providing information on design matters such as:

Project Definition

• Identify and define design criteria.
• Assist in development of project brief and outline specification.
• Assist with defining design scopes and interfaces.
• Assist with negotiation of fees and agreements.
• Assist with development of design programme.
• Agree consultants’ deliverables and issue dates.
• Obtain consultants’ quality plans.

Design Stages

• Monitor design team progress against programme.
• Chair and record design team meetings.
• Chair design team workshops.
• Review design against brief and buildability requirements.
• Check information for coordination and completeness.
• Identify need for samples and mock-ups.
• Manage design changes.
• Obtain design risk assessments.
• Identify need for samples and mock-ups.

Construction Procurement

• Assist in development of procurement strategy.
• Assist in defining package scopes and key interfaces.
• Assist with preparation of trade contract documentation.
• Review design capabilities of tenderers.
• Assist in evaluation of tenders.
• Assist in contractual negotiations - Construction Phase.
• Verify contractor design and submittal programmes.
• Monitor information flow to and from trade contractors.
• Assist with review of contractor design proposals, method statements and technical submittals.
• Assist with processing of technical queries and requests for information raised by contractors.
• Assist with coordination of interfaces between packages.
• Assist with inspection of works to check compliance with design intent.
• Assist with processing of interim valuations.
• Assist with agreement of contractual variations.
• Manage collating of information control.

Handover and Completion

• Assist with final inspections.
• Assist with obtaining and recording as-built information.
• Assist with agreement of final accounts and design fee payments.
• Obtain feedback from client and professional team.
• Produce or update lessons learned reports for use on future projects.
• Assemble and handover documentation for building control.
• To carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Project Executive.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience in the design and delivery of complex cut-and-carve developments, including major structural interventions, refurbishment, and building retention projects.

• Proven abilities in architectural design and is likely to have design experience within fast-track construction.
• A background in architecture together with experience in dealing with Architects and other Design Consultants is preferable.
• To be fully familiar with the integration of all design disciplines in order to assist with coordination of interfaces between packages, and assist with processing of technical queries and requests for information raised by contractors.
• The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate self-management initiative, and the ability to think analytically.
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) and organisation skills are essential.
• Intermediate IT skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office Packages, particularly Word, Excel, Power Point; good numeric skills are essential.
• Experienced in Document management software – experience of Asite software is highly desirable.
• Excellent inter-personal skills, the ability to build relationships and influence decision-making is essential.
• The ideal candidate will be fully conversant in CDM regulations, as they apply to fast-track high rise construction.
• It is essential that the post holder be competent in assessing and commenting on the adequacy of Method Statements and Risk Assessments.
• Commitment to continuing professional development within Architectural Design discipline is essential.

HEALTH SAFETY AND WELFARE RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff are required to fulfil their legal duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts and omissions, and to follow all guidance and instructions given in this respect.

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE (ESG) RESPONSIBILITIES

Recognising the centrality of ESG principles within our organisation, we have developed a comprehensive ESG Strategy. It is imperative that all staff members understand and adopt this strategy into their respective roles. This includes adhering to environmental regulations, minimising waste, supporting nature within our urban environment, and facilitating positive change for those in need within our community and utilising our volunteering.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

In line with the latest ISO 9001 requirements and our dedication to quality management, all staff are mandated to comply with system requirements as detailed within the Company Quality Manual & Policies. Additionally, it's vital to ensure the effective implementation of all Procedures, Plans, and Forms within our Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) to meet the ISO 9001: Quality Management Standard.

COMPANY VALUES

• Commit to Excellence - Act with integrity and deliver high performance; Put our customers at the heart of what we do; Resolve issues by providing high quality solutions.
• Foster Collaboration - Find opportunities to collaborate with others across the business to achieve shared goals; Encourage inclusive networks and treat others with respect and fairness; Use knowledge to work effectively with suppliers / contractors to meet shared goals.
• Encourage Engagement - Confident in making decisions appropriate to the role; Learn from mistakes and listen to constructive feedback to improve performance; Prioritise safety and actively support community, wellbeing and sustainability programmes.
• Take Ownership - Take pride in delivering high quality service which exceeds expectations; Committed to opportunities for self-development; Take responsibility for my own performance and look for ways to improve.
• Embrace Innovation - Embrace change and innovation; Proactively suggest ways to improve our business and encourage others to share ideas; See new challenges as opportunities to deliver effective change.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Diversity and Inclusion - We recognise the importance of embracing diverse experience, skills and perspectives at all levels and operating in an inclusive working environment, in order for everyone to reach their full potential.
• Flexible Working - As an inclusive employer, we recognise the positive impact flexible working can have on an individual, their wellbeing, engagement and productivity.
• Learning and Development - At Canary Wharf Group, our employees receive a wide range of support to help improve their skills and achieve their career goals.
• Other Benefits - We are committed to building a safe, happy and healthy community for our employees and we offer a comprehensive range of benefits, all designed with our employees and their wellbeing in mind.

If you are interested in joining our highly professional and skilled team for our next exciting phase of development, please complete the form on this page to apply online. Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to appoint at any point.