Retrofit Designer

At Ridge, we are passionate about delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-quality solutions for our clients. As a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy, we work at the forefront of the UK’s decarbonisation and retrofit programmes, supporting social housing providers to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance residents’ quality of life. Due to continued growth in our retrofit services portfolio, we are seeking an experienced and qualified Retrofit Designer to join our dedicated Retrofit Team.

The Role

As a Retrofit Designer, you will play a critical role in developing compliant and deliverable designs for domestic retrofit projects under PAS2035:2023 and subsequent revisions. You will work collaboratively with Retrofit Coordinators, Assessors, clients, and installation contractors to ensure that designs meet both the performance objectives and compliance regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop retrofit design solutions in line with PAS2035:2023 requirements and client specifications, considering feasibility, resident comfort, and building performance outcomes.
• Interpret and analyse Retrofit Assessment data, including Condition Reports, ventilation appraisals, and Improvement Option Evaluations (IOE) to inform design decisions.
• Produce detailed design documentation covering proposed measures, specifications, ventilation strategies (Approved Document F compliance), airtightness strategies, and materials compatibility, with clear sequencing and installation guidance.
• Identify building constraints, risks, heritage considerations, and performance limitations, proposing appropriate mitigation measures.
• Undertake U-value calculations, thermal bridging analysis, and condensation risk assessments to support robust design outputs.
• Liaise with the Retrofit Coordinator to finalise Medium-Term Plans (MTP) and ensure designs are deliverable, practical, and aligned with programme budgets.
• Prepare and issue design risk assessments and relevant health and safety information to comply with CDM 2015 and PAS2035 design responsibilities.
• Participate in design reviews, toolbox talks, and site inspections where required to ensure design intent is maintained through to delivery.
• Maintain knowledge of technical standards, DESNZ guidance, and updates in retrofit best practice to continuously improve design quality.

About You

Essential

• Fully qualified architect / technologist required – ARB / MCIAT accreditation is a must.
• Competent in Microsoft Excel, Word, PDF, Revit/CAD and good level of IT knowledge/adaptability to using software’s and project management platforms such as AirTable.
• Professional technical background in building design, architecture, building surveying, or building services engineering with direct experience of domestic retrofit projects.
• Proven understanding of PAS2035:2023 requirements and the fabric-first Whole House Retrofit approach.
• Strong technical knowledge of detailing, materiality, insulation systems, ventilation design, thermal bridging, moisture management and all relevant regulatory & guidance standards.
• Proven understanding of UK planning / listed building approval processes.
• Ability to interpret and integrate Retrofit Assessment data into practical, effective designs.
• Experience in producing high-quality technical design documentation, specifications, and drawings.
• Excellent communication skills to engage with clients, coordinators, assessors, contractors, and residents where required.

Desirable

• Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management
• Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings.
• Experience in social housing retrofit programmes.
• Familiarity with Trustmark requirements and Retrofit Academy standards.
• Proficiency in using design and retrofit modelling software.