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David Bonnett Associates is seeking a studio manager to join its team in London.

About the practice

David Bonnett Associates (DBA) is an award-winning, independent inclusive design and access consultancy and multidisciplinary practice based in East London. Established in 1994 by Dr David Bonnett, DBA provides specialist advice on inclusive design and accessibility to clients, architects and design teams. Our work spans a wide range of sectors and scales, from listed buildings, galleries and cultural institutions to major masterplans, transport interchanges, commercial developments and residential schemes.

DBA is recognised as a leading consultancy in its field, contributing to national forums and standards development, including the Design Council and British Standards Institution. Our team of approximately 15 staff has contributed to some of the UK’s most significant architectural projects, including three RIBA Stirling Prize-winning schemes: Bloomberg’s European Headquarters, Burntwood School and Damien Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery. Our portfolio also includes the Royal Festival Hall, British Museum, Palace of Westminster, government buildings in Whitehall and Buckingham Palace.

Employee ownership

In March 2024, DBA transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), becoming a 100 per cent employee-owned practice. Employee ownership allows us to retain our established leadership structure while giving employees a shared interest in the long-term success of the business. It encourages collaboration, open communication and collective responsibility, with employees sharing in the achievements and rewards of the practice.

The role

DBA is seeking a highly organised, proactive and personable Studio Manager to join our London team.

This is an important and varied role at the heart of the practice, providing essential operational, administrative and communications support to the Directors, senior team and wider studio. The successful candidate will play a central role in coordinating people, activities and priorities, ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the practice.

The position encompasses studio management, business administration, HR coordination, marketing and business development support. Working closely with the Directors and senior team, the successful candidate will help manage competing priorities, maintain effective communication and ensure key tasks are followed through.

We are looking for a dependable, collaborative team player who takes pride in supporting others, demonstrates initiative and takes ownership of responsibilities. This hands-on role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the continued success of our employee-owned practice.

Key responsibilities

Practice management and director support:

• provide day-to-day administrative and operational support to the Directors and senior team, helping to coordinate priorities and ensure the smooth running of the practice
• manage diaries, company calendars, meeting arrangements and the scheduling of key activities
• prepare agendas, meeting documentation, minutes and action trackers, ensuring agreed actions are followed up
• coordinate management and Board meetings, including the preparation and circulation of relevant documentation
• assist with the preparation and maintenance of company policies, procedures, business records and operational documentation
• support financial administration, including company expenditure, expenses and receipts, liaising with accountants and external advisers as required
• maintain company insurance records and coordinate policy renewals, documentation and related enquiries
• coordinate company accreditations and certifications, including SSIP, Disability Confident and London Living Wage Employer accreditation
• maintain professional memberships, company registrations and associated renewals
• monitor administrative deadlines and business priorities, proactively following up on outstanding tasks and supporting improvements to internal processes

Studio operations and facilities:

• oversee the day-to-day running of the studio, maintaining a welcoming, organised, accessible and professional working environment
• act as a central point of contact for studio administration, facilities and general operational enquiries
• manage office supplies, stationery, kitchen provisions and equipment purchasing
• liaise with suppliers, property managers, cleaning teams and maintenance contractors
• coordinate IT equipment, software and systems with external IT providers, ensuring staff have the necessary resources and support
• coordinate office health and safety arrangements, maintaining relevant records, procedures and compliance documentation
• organise meeting rooms and facilities for internal meetings, client visits and external events
• arrange staff travel, accommodation and associated bookings
• manage shared company email accounts, telephone enquiries and incoming correspondence, directing information to the appropriate colleagues
• provide practical day-to-day support to colleagues, helping to maintain an efficient and well-organised studio

People, HR and team coordination:

• support the directors and senior team with HR administration and the coordination of people-related matters
• act as an initial point of contact for routine employee enquiries, referring sensitive or complex matters to the appropriate Director or external HR adviser
• maintain accurate staff records, including holidays, sickness absence, timesheets and other employment administration
• coordinate recruitment, interviews, employment documentation, onboarding and staff inductions, including arrangements for freelance consultants
• assist with staff reviews, annual appraisals, training and professional development, maintaining relevant CPD and training records
• support resource planning administration, including workload schedules, staff availability and allocation records
• organise staff meetings, CPD sessions, social events and other practice-wide activities
• support employee engagement and internal communications, including the administration of Employee Ownership Trust activities and employee forums
• help foster a positive, inclusive and collaborative working environment, supporting effective communication across the practice

Marketing, communications and business development:

• support the directors and senior team with marketing, communications, business development and new business opportunities
• coordinate the preparation and updating of marketing materials, presentations, project portfolios, company credentials and practice information
• assist with the preparation, formatting and coordination of fee proposals, bids, tenders and pre-qualification submissions
• maintain and update the practice’s project management system, client databases and business development records
• coordinate updates to the company website, LinkedIn and other communications channels, helping to promote projects, achievements, awards and events
• prepare and maintain project case studies, staff profiles and other promotional content in collaboration with colleagues
• assist with client communications, meeting arrangements and relationship management activities
• monitor business development opportunities, submission deadlines and follow-up actions
• support the organisation of industry events, networking activities and other opportunities to promote the practice
• work collaboratively with the wider team to ensure marketing and business development information is accurate, consistent and up to date

About you

We are looking for someone who is organised, approachable and motivated, with a genuine interest in supporting a small, collaborative professional practice.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple activities and competing priorities
• strong written and verbal communication skills, with excellent attention to detail
• a proactive and practical approach, with the confidence to take initiative and follow tasks through to completion
• a collaborative, team-focused attitude and a willingness to support colleagues across all areas of the practice
• a friendly, professional and approachable manner, with strong interpersonal skills
• the ability to work closely with Directors and senior colleagues while managing responsibilities independently
• sound judgement, discretion and the ability to handle confidential business and employee information appropriately
• flexibility and adaptability, with a willingness to assist wherever support is needed
• confidence using Microsoft Office, Teams and other digital administration and communication systems
• an interest in architecture, design, accessibility or the built environment

Previous experience in studio management, office coordination, practice administration or a similar role within a professional services environment would be advantageous. Experience supporting marketing, business development/HR administration and accounts would also be beneficial.

What we offer

DBA offers the opportunity to work within a collaborative, employee-owned practice in an accessible studio in the heart of East London. Our studio provides access to an on-site café, courtyards, showers and cycle storage.

Our benefits include:

• competitive salary, dependent on experience
• participation in the Employee Ownership Trust bonus scheme, subject to eligibility
• complimentary daily lunch from the on-site café
• company pension scheme
• annual leave starting at 25 days, increasing to 30 days with length of service
• cycle-to-work scheme and eyecare vouchers
• Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential wellbeing support
• training, professional development and CPD opportunities
• flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working in accordance with the practice’s policy
• regular studio outings, social events and team activities

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience, suitability for the role and salary expectations. A portfolio of relevant work may also be submitted, where appropriate (maximum file size 10 MB). Application deadline: 12 November 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. For further information about the practice and our work, please visit www.davidbonnett.co.uk.

Equal opportunities

David Bonnett Associates is an equal opportunities employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. If you require any adjustments or assistance with your application or interview, please let us know.

Personal information submitted as part of an application will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection legislation.

www.davidbonnett.co.uk