London, UK
Design panel manager (architecture/urban design)
at Frame Projects
Frame Projects is looking for a design panel manager to join its team in London.
You could be an architect, landscape architect, urban designer or town planner – or you may have other built environment expertise – but you must be a confident writer with strong project management skills.
About Frame Projects
Frame Projects is a London-based, design-focused, project management consultancy. We are leading experts in design review – providing independent expert advice to clients, design teams and planning authorities.
We manage multi-disciplinary design review panels on behalf of local councils and development corporations, as well as working nationally providing design advice on High Speed Two. We also facilitate community review panels, bringing in the knowledge and expertise of local people so that new development meets their needs and aspirations.
We are a small team, based in a canal-side converted warehouse, between Angel and Old Street tube stations.
The role
Working as part of the Frame Projects team, you will take lead responsibility for the management of four or five design and/or community review panels. The role will give you an opportunity to work collaboratively with planning authorities and applicant teams to achieve the best possible design quality, by facilitating advice from professional experts and local people.
You will be responsible for writing reports of design and community review meetings to a very high standard of precision and accuracy. Your understanding of complex conversations about the quality of development proposals, and ability to distil these into clear and constructive reports will be a key part of the role. Project management capability and the ability to work with leading built environment professionals is equally essential. Setting a positive tone, and putting all those taking part at their ease, is also an important part of the job.
Outside the programme of design reviews, you will be involved in delivering training events, annual meetings and producing publications including newsletters, case studies and research reports.
Key skills/experience:
- a built environment qualification, or experience of architecture and urban design
- at least three years’ experience in practice, local government, or equivalent
- proficiency in writing about architecture and urban design
- a thorough understanding of the town planning process
- team working and collaboration skills
- ability to work proactively and to lead projects
- graphic design skills are an advantage – we use Affinity
How to apply
Please send us a CV (maximum four pages A4) and a supporting statement (maximum one page A4) outlining your reasons for applying and experience relevant via the apply for job button below.
We are happy to offer potential applicants a half hour call with a member of the Frame Projects team to discuss the role.
Vacancy type: permanent (full-time)
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 per year depending on experience
All applicants will be required to show they have the right to work in the UK.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We do not accept applications from employment agencies.
We offer a flexible approach to working, while also recognising the value of working together in person for team and individual development. Currently staff spend three days of the week in the office or at a review meeting, with the option to work from home up to two days a week. If you are interested in a part-time role, we would be happy to discuss this.
Selection process
The recruitment process will be led by an Associate at Frame Projects, who will assess all applications received against the selection criteria and agree a shortlist of up to five candidates to be invited to interview.
The first stage interview will be attended by two members of the Frame Projects team, and will be conducted online. The questions at this stage will be structured around the skills and experience required, alongside a short writing exercise to test competency and suitability for the role.
A second stage interview will be in person and held in central London, attended by the Director and an Associate at Frame Projects. This will include a 10-minute candidate presentation, about a project they have worked on, and how it was designed with quality of life for users and the wider community in mind. There will be a second writing exercise based on a typical design review meeting.
Timeline and interview dates
8 September – closing date
w/c 8 September – shortlisting
17 September – first stage interviews
25 September – second stage interviews
Please let us know as part of your application if you are available on the interview dates.