The Design Commission for Wales is seeking a high calibre individual for the role of Design Advisor, to join its small team based in Cardiff and serving the whole of Wales.
Title: Design AdvisorEmployed by: Design Commission for Wales (DCFW LTD)
Responsible to: Chief Executive
Closing date for Applications: By 17:00hrs Tuesday 15th September 2026
Interviews to be held: 22nd/23rd September 2026Design Commission for Wales, 4th Floor, Cambrian Buildings, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff, CF10 5FL
The Role
The Design Advisor plays a key role in the work of the Design Commission for Wales – leading on design review, delivering training, responding to consultations, preparing written material and helping to deliver events. The successful candidate will have a passion for good design and placemaking and the contribution they can make to quality of life and public value in Wales. This role focuses on ensuring that good design and placemaking is understood, recognised, promoted and implemented.
As Design Advisor you will be a credible professional with experience in the built environment, ideally in urban design, architecture and/or planning. You will be able to effectively communicate and advocate the importance of good design for the built environment across sectors and disciplines and among decision makers. You will have the confidence and communication skills to lead training and engagement programmes for local authorities, private and third sector and other multi-disciplinary audiences throughout Wales. In the role of Design Advisor you will support DCFW’s current ambitious range of initiatives as well as develop and implement your own creative and targeted ideas for stimulating design quality across the built environment sectors in Wales.
Over the next couple of years, we have a particular focus on supporting design quality in affordable housing developments and promoting well-designed smaller/infill site development in existing towns and settlements. The presents a fantastic opportunity to be involved at an early stage in these initiatives. Skills and experience in these areas will be particularly relevant.
Design Advisors play an important role in the small staff team and must have excellent organisation, communication and team working skills. DCFW serves the whole of Wales and the Design Advisor will be expected to travel throughout Wales (and elsewhere as necessary), including overnight stays, as required to execute the responsibilities of the role.
The closing date for applications is 1700hrs 15th September 2026. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held 22nd/23rd September 2026 at DCFW’s office in Cardiff.
What we offer
- Full-time, 37 hours per week
- The opportunity to work on projects with a real impact across Wales
- A collaborative environment with people who care about design and placemaking
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Design Advisor in Cardiff employer: Design Commission for Wales
The Design Commission for Wales is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a national public body dedicated to championing high standards of design across Wales. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the built environment, this role provides not only competitive remuneration but also a supportive environment that values innovation and creativity. Located in Cardiff, the position allows for hybrid working arrangements, ensuring a balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.
Contact Details:
Design Commission for Wales Recruitment Team
