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- Tasks: Lead and shape a new team in masterplanning within an established architectural studio.
- Company: Join a respected AJ100 architectural practice known for its collaborative design approach.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible work schedule with 4 days in the office and 1 day remote, plus a strong benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact by blending creativity with strategy in a supportive, design-first culture.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in masterplanning/urban design; ideally at Director level or ready to step up.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor a team and contribute to marketing and branding efforts.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
An AJ100 architectural practice is seeking to appoint a senior-level hire to lead and shape a new sector within the studio. This is a unique opportunity to create and grow a team in a space that doesn’t yet formally exist in the practice — an ambitious move backed by leadership, resources, and a design-first culture.
The studio EOT with over 80 architects and designers, known for its collaborative and highly respected design approach. They’re now looking to expand their presence in the commercial, hospitality, and residential sectors, with a growing focus on sustainability, retrofit, and working with well-known UK developers.
This role sits at Director level and is suited to someone who wants to build their own team, define their narrative, and make a lasting impact. It would fit a UK- or Europe-based architect with deep experience in urban design/regeneration or masterplanning, particularly someone who has hit a ceiling in their current practice and is ready to lead.
You’ll be client-facing, working with senior stakeholders and directors across the business, and expected to bring a clear design voice alongside strong commercial, networking, and leadership capabilities. This is a rare chance to blend creativity with strategy and to grow a new offer within an already established and successful studio.
Those who are actively engaged in the industry — speaking at events, involved in panels or design reviews, or helping shape wider design discourse — will be especially well aligned, as this demonstrates the initiative, drive, and presence needed to succeed in the role.
It’s a great opportunity for someone ready to step away from a rigid or corporate environment and take on a leadership role with genuine autonomy and vision.
Key Responsibilities- Shape and lead a new team within an established, employee-owned studio
- Build a clear sector offering and narrative, and confidently take it to market
- Inspire design thinking that is both creative and strategic
- Own your own P&L, driving business development and profitability
- Collaborate with the wider leadership and marketing teams to ensure alignment across communications and strategy
- Contribute to marketing content, social media, newsletters, and branding material
- Mentor and lead a team of architects and designers, with a focus on professional growth, delegation, and collaboration
- A minimum of 15+ years’ experience in masterplanning and urban design/regeneration within the UK
- Ideally already at Director level, or a strong Associate Director ready to step up
- Proven track record of winning work and maintaining a strong client network
- Demonstrable fee-earning responsibilities and commercial awareness, including figures around fees billed, project value, and revenue generated
- Experience managing a P&L and contributing to broader business planning
- Confident in pitching and presenting to clients and stakeholders at all levels
- Excellent communication and reporting skills
- Strategic and innovative mindset with the ability to contribute to overall design direction and delivery
- 4 days in the office, 1 day remote
- Strong design culture and benefits package
Director of Masterplanning - London employer: Curio Careers
Contact Detail:
Curio Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Masterplanning - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the architectural community, especially with professionals involved in masterplanning and urban design. Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to connect with potential collaborators and clients, showcasing your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn or industry forums about current trends in sustainability and urban regeneration. Sharing your insights can help establish you as a thought leader, making you more appealing to the hiring studio.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider creating a portfolio that not only highlights your past projects but also outlines your vision for the future of masterplanning. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to lead a new team effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to building a team and defining a sector offering during interviews. Think about how you would inspire creativity while ensuring commercial success, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Masterplanning - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in masterplanning and urban design. Focus on your leadership roles, successful projects, and any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for shaping a new sector within the studio. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven business development in previous roles.
Showcase Your Industry Engagement: Include details about your involvement in industry events, panels, or design reviews. This demonstrates your initiative and presence in the field, which is crucial for this role.
Highlight Your Strategic Mindset: In your application, emphasise your ability to blend creativity with strategy. Provide examples of how you've contributed to design direction and business planning, particularly in relation to P&L management and client relationships.
How to prepare for a job interview at Curio Careers
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Director of Masterplanning, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your mentoring style and how you've fostered collaboration.
✨Highlight Your Industry Engagement
This role values active engagement in the architectural community. Be ready to discuss any speaking engagements, panel participation, or contributions to design discourse that showcase your initiative and presence in the industry.
✨Prepare for Client-Facing Scenarios
Since you'll be working with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your design vision and commercial strategies clearly. Think of scenarios where you've successfully pitched ideas or navigated complex client relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Mindset
The role requires a blend of creativity and strategy. Prepare to discuss how you've contributed to business development and profitability in previous roles, including any experience managing P&L and driving successful projects.
