At a Glance
- Tasks: Help create accessible and welcoming environments through inclusive design principles.
- Company: Join Foster + Partners, a leader in innovative architecture and design.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, wellbeing support, and social events on our London campus.
- Other info: Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by collaborating on projects that enhance user experiences for everyone.
- Qualifications: Experience in accessibility and inclusive design; strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
As an Inclusive Design Advisor at Foster + Partners, you will play a key role in helping to create environments that are accessible, equitable and welcoming for everyone. Working as part of our Inclusive Design Team, you will collaborate with architects, engineers, clients and user groups across projects around the world to embed inclusive design principles throughout the design process. Using research, consultation and accessibility guidance, you will help translate inclusive design thinking into practical solutions that remove barriers, enhance user experiences, and ensure great design works for all.
This role is ideal if you want to:
- Support project teams in applying inclusive design principles, legislation and best practice.
- Contribute to inclusive design reviews, guidance and project documentation.
- Engage with user groups and lived experience experts to inform design decisions.
- Support the development of inclusive design standards, research and learning resources.
- Share knowledge and help build awareness of inclusive design across the practice.
What you will bring to the team:
- Experience of accessibility and inclusive design through consultancy, design, policy, research, advocacy or a related field.
- Good understanding of access and inclusion legislation and guidance, and the ability to identify and apply appropriate documentation in different design situations.
- Confidently articulates design decisions and constructively challenges to support accessibility and inclusion.
- Ability to communicate technical ideas clearly and accessibly to a wide range of audiences.
- Proficient in relevant design tools, including Adobe Creative Suite. Familiarity with Bluebeam and Revit would be beneficial but is not essential.
- Architectural experience would be beneficial but is not essential.
- We welcome applications from candidates with experience in accessibility and inclusive design gained through consultancy, design, policy, research, user engagement or related fields.
- Lived experience of disability and/or barriers within the built environment is valued but not essential.
- Experience with NRAC, IAAP or similar qualifications would be beneficial but is not required.
What we offer:
We offer a benefits package designed to help you thrive professionally and personally. This includes private medical insurance for you and your family; life assurance; personal travel insurance; access to a range of wellbeing support, comprising virtual GP services, mental health support and lifestyle coaching; as well as discount programmes for various retailers. On our London campus, we have subsidised catering facilities and host regular social events, and sports activities, for everyone to enjoy. To support you in building a meaningful career, the practice offers opportunities to develop both your technical and non-technical skills through continuous learning, professional development support, and knowledge sharing and insights from experienced colleagues.
If our designs spark your curiosity and you would like to contribute to solving complex challenges with local and global impact, we invite you to join our team. You’ll be challenged and inspired, collaborating on extraordinary projects in an environment designed to cultivate excellence.
Department Safety by Design Employment Type Permanent - Full Time Workplace type Onsite
Inclusive Design Advisor in London employer: Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and excellence in fire safety engineering. Located in London, the company fosters a collaborative work culture with a strong emphasis on professional development, offering extensive benefits such as private medical insurance, wellbeing support, and opportunities for continuous learning. Join a diverse team dedicated to shaping impactful designs while enjoying a vibrant workplace filled with social events and activities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inclusive Design Advisor in London
✨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 Foster + Partners 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 Inclusive Design Advisor in London
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 Foster + Partners!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Foster + Partners. 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 Foster + Partners
✨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 Foster + Partners.
