Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design strategy and narrative development for urban and architectural projects.
- Company: Join a globally recognised architecture and urbanism studio known for innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a creative environment that encourages exploration and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape impactful narratives and ideas that resonate across cities and cultures.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in architecture or urban design with strong storytelling skills required.
- Other info: Ideal for creative thinkers eager to define big ideas before the brief.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re hiring a Strategic Design & Narrative Lead to join a globally recognised architecture and urbanism studio. This role is ideal for a designer who thrives at the intersection of concept, culture, and communication—someone who sees storytelling as foundational to shaping the built environment.
You’ll work on large-scale urban, masterplanning, and architectural projects, contributing to the earliest stages of design—from positioning and narrative development to competition entries and client visioning.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead early-stage design strategy and narrative development across global projects
- Shape conceptual direction for competitions and key project pitches
- Develop clear, compelling narratives that tie together place, context, and purpose
- Collaborate closely with visualisation, urban design, and architecture teams
- Translate research, client aspirations, and cultural insights into strong design briefs
- Contribute to thought leadership and strategic framing across the studio’s portfolio
- 8+ years' experience in architecture, urban design, placemaking, or strategic design
- Proven experience working on high-profile competitions or masterplans
- Excellent storytelling and communication skills—both visual and written
- Strong grasp of contextual research, positioning, and place identity
- Experience guiding teams through early concept and narrative phases
- Confident presenting ideas to clients, collaborators, and internal stakeholders
- A creative thinker who brings depth and clarity to complex briefs
- Experience in framing RIBA Stage 0–2 work
- A background in communications, design writing, or editorial alongside design
- Familiarity with urban-scale and mixed-use projects in international contexts
This team is designed to be the experimental space of the practice, a place to explore, provoke, and imagine what’s next. Here we connect strategy and creativity to shape design narratives that resonate across cities, sectors, and disciplines. If you’re drawn to work that sits before the brief, where you can help define the big idea - this opportunity and role could be your next step.
If you’re passionate about shaping ideas, telling powerful stories, and guiding design from the ground up—we’d love to hear from you.
Strategic Design & Narrative Lead - Architecture & Urban Futures employer: MADE Careers
Contact Detail:
MADE Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Design & Narrative Lead - Architecture & Urban Futures
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in architecture and urban design. Understanding current movements and innovations will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the architecture and urbanism sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or workshops to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences, which can provide valuable insights into the role you're applying for.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare a portfolio that showcases your storytelling abilities through design. Highlight projects where you've successfully developed narratives and concepts, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the Strategic Design & Narrative Lead position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and recent projects. Understanding our mission and how we approach design will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your vision aligns with ours during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Design & Narrative Lead - Architecture & Urban Futures
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Strategic Design & Narrative Lead position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially focusing on storytelling and design strategy.
Craft a Compelling Narrative: Since storytelling is crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to weave narratives. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how you've shaped design concepts and communicated effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your 8+ years of experience in architecture or urban design. Include details about high-profile competitions or masterplans you've worked on, showcasing your leadership in early-stage design strategy.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Customise your CV and cover letter to align with the job requirements. Highlight your storytelling skills, contextual research abilities, and any experience with RIBA Stage 0-2 work, ensuring it resonates with the studio's vision.
How to prepare for a job interview at MADE Careers
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
As a Strategic Design & Narrative Lead, storytelling is key. Prepare examples of how you've developed compelling narratives in past projects, especially those that shaped the built environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires close collaboration with various teams. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked with visualisation, urban design, and architecture teams to create cohesive project outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Experience with Competitions
Given the focus on high-profile competitions, share specific instances where your contributions led to successful outcomes. Discuss your approach to shaping conceptual directions and how you tackled challenges.
✨Prepare for Thought Leadership Discussions
The studio values thought leadership. Think about how you've contributed to strategic framing in previous roles and be prepared to discuss your insights on current trends in architecture and urban design.
