Senior Historic Environment and Townscape Advisor in London

Overview

THE TEAM

Our expert Historic Environment and Townscape team comprises around 25 people across the business. The specialist team works with a wide range of clients, from charities (government bodies, the NHS, universities) to leading blue chip developers across all sectors, particularly private clients in the residential sector.

In Scotland, the Historic Environment and Townscape service is led by Catharine Kidd, Partner, within the Planning and Historic Environment team, covering Scotland and North of England. Catharine is supported by the wider team, based in London and including external specialist consultants. The expertise of the HEAT team provides for a wide range of opportunities to work across the UK on complex projects drawing on our extensive experience. There is a great deal of specialist work on complex sites with multiple heritage assets and complex planning applications, on Appeals and other areas where professional excellence matters.

The successful candidate will be supporting Catharine and other planning Partners in the work of the HEAT team in Scotland and North of England, primarily in planning-related work requiring specialist heritage, townscape and visual impact assessment, with the opportunity to interact with other professionals including those in the legal profession (planning and property lawyers) on related matters.

ROLE OVERVIEW

This opportunity is with a sector-leading team, providing advice on a wide range of high-profile projects where historic research, contextual analysis, design and visual impact are critical to the planning process. The role would suit an ambitious individual who specialises in historic environment planning matters, particularly those related to historic buildings, conservation areas and other sensitive heritage assets such as world heritage sites.

Recognising that many candidates with expertise in the historic environment and/or townscape do not have formal planning qualifications to degree level, the firm supports talented and engaged individuals in achieving their RTPI accreditation through mentoring, practical experience and study. We're open-minded about backgrounds and experience, whether you're a heritage or planning professional, or someone who has retrained in the field of historic environment or townscape and is ready to apply your expertise in a consultancy setting. What matters most is your curiosity, creativity, and commitment to excellence.

You’ll enjoy early responsibility, client-facing opportunities, and a clear path for progression within our partnership structure. We’ll support your development through mentoring, practical experience and CPD, including routes to professional accreditation (RTPI, IHBC, or equivalent).

Responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Providing all planning advice on built historic environment and townscape projects, including those involving sensitive land such as historic buildings, world heritage sites and conservation areas.
• Conducting research; assessing the character, function, and appearance of townscape; and producing townscape, heritage and visual impact assessments of new developments.
• Work closely with other professionals in the department to expand their own skill set across planning, heritage and urban design disciplines.
• Helping Partners to advise on all aspects of the development life cycle, particularly in relation to the planning process.
• Attendance at project design team meetings with clients, architects, landscape designers, and other disciplines.
• We offer continual professional development through regular CPD sessions and training.
• As a senior professional, we would anticipate that you would be the day-to-day contact for projects, interacting directly with clients and other professionals.
• Opportunities through our sector-led approach to build knowledge of other parts of the business and contribute to the way that we build relationships with clients and win new work.

Qualifications

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATION

• This consultancy sector attracts talent from a diverse background, and so we have an open mind about qualifications.
• 4-6 years' experience in a relevant discipline to this field of work.
• Membership in RTPI or equivalent RICS (development planning), or IHBC, or demonstrable relevant experience or conservation qualification.
• Experience obtained either providing all planning advice on heritage projects (and those involving sensitive land/historic buildings) and/or working with planners as a specialist.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent writing.
• A pragmatic problem-solving mind with a keen interest in the way planning and development shapes the historic environment and our quality of life.