London, UK
Technical planning analyst
at Cityscape Digital
Cityscape Digital has an opportunity for a technical planning analyst to join its firm in London.
Cityscape Digital are looking for a candidate with analytical and town planning experience to carry out 3D analysis of potential property development sites in London. This person may have a background in architecture, town planning, 3D modelling or even engineering but critical thinking is essential.
The role would focus on providing advice and computer model-based evidence related to property development within the strategic constraints imposed by the LVMF and other London planning policies.
The candidate would attend client meetings, carry out the 3D analysis and present findings in written and verbal form. This is a niche role and as such we do not expect any one candidate to arrive with all the required skills.
Training can be provided in most areas but a focused and analytical mind must come as standard. There is an opportunity to grow this area of the business and so the right candidate could progress to be a leadership role with team or line management.
Cityscape Digital is a renowned visualisation studio with expertise in planning analysis and have worked on numerous high profile schemes around London such as Battersea Power Station, One Blackfriars, TATE Modern, 122 Leadenhall Street, Elephant Park as well as emerging city schemes such as the Tulip and 1 Undershaft.
Our clients are development companies – Lendlease, British Land, Stanhope, Canary Wharf Group and we work alongside world-renowned architects such as AHMM, Foster + Partners, Allies + Morrison, Squire + Partners, MAKE and Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. We have provided key analysis, as part of the consultant team, on strategic analysis and verified views for planning applications across the UK in multiple locations.
The property development analysis work we produce involves providing advice on maximising development opportunity against planning constraints and risks, therefore the work and analysis that we do needs to be highly accurate and methodical.
There is a high level of risk and liability associated with the work, due to the scale and location of the projects, and this role will involve responsibility for ensuring the correct processes are followed and that any advice given is accurate and technically sound.
Some examples of the type of analysis work undertaken on our projects:
- LVMF site analysis – corridor and views – to understand restrictions and impacts
- St Pauls Heights – advising on impact and restrictions
- curvature of Earth and refraction of light impacts – mathematical and CAD approach
- safe volume calculations
- dynamic views
- ZVI/ZTV visibility analysis
It is understood that most candidates applying for this role may not know all or any of the above tasks. Training and advice will be provided to the successful candidate, but we are looking for someone with a passion for this type of technical analytical work and is therefore a pro-active and fast learner in this field. The kind of commitment we are expecting would involve reading up on new and existing material and staying in touch with the latest guidance to ensure we stay in line with the industry standards.
There may be times when R&D is required to develop and refine methodologies and respond to revised planning guidance, so we are looking for someone who is organised and thorough in their approach, but also who has the ability to roll out any changes made company-wide, with direct responsibility for ensuring these are followed and adhered to.
Roles and responsibilities
Roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- working closely with the director of planning, project managers and technical team in preparation of all technical analysis work
- briefing, overseeing and signing off all technical analysis work not completed by yourself
- active, hands-on production of more complex scenarios and workflow
- running live workshops and meetings with clients, consultants and architects
- producing, and directing production, of reports of findings
- ensuring all correct processes are followed for development analysis work
- troubleshooting analysis and advising on procedures, and becoming to go-to person for any of these queries
- presenting analysis findings to clients and consultant teams
- working alongside the head of process design on R&D for planning analysis work
- maintaining processes and procedures alongside planning policies and guidelines
Required experience:
- training or experience in architectural/engineering/planning/urban design/town planning
- three plus years in relevant field desirable
Essential skills:
- ability to read and understand architectural drawings and information
- ability to work with mathematical formula such as pythagoras, basic trig, similar triangles
- solid knowledge A CAD package (preferably Rhino)
- solid knowledge of a 3D package (preferably 3DS Max) – 3D modelling and rendering
- solid knowledge of Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, after effects primarily)
- good spoken and written English
- confidence to present and lead client/consultant meetings and live workshops – solo, with a PM and/or director of planning
Cityscape Digital
Cityscape Digital is a large leading visualisation studio located in the heart of Shoreditch, London’s coolest neighbourhood. We produce some of the highest quality visuals, interactive, VR and film in the industry. We work with the world’s top architects and property developers. Most of our work is in London, but we also work on projects worldwide.
You have to be a bit pushy to work at Cityscape Digital. Like any leading creative industries company operating at the top of its game, the work is often fast-paced and challenging. When deadlines are tight and we ought to be banging out a competent job, instead we still pursue brilliant visual ideas and exquisite craftsmanship.
This works best when artists are highly communicative and beat their own path to a beautiful finish. We’re not crazy about headphones for this reason. Cityscape Digital is an excellent environment for the proactive artist, we are famed for our family environment and high respect for artistry from any creative background.
Benefits:
- happy hour from 5pm on a Friday
- private health cover after 1 year of employment
- 20 days annual leave, increasing to 23 after 5 years service
- fruit, snacks, tea and coffee provided
- big summer and Christmas parties, as well as monthly group nights out
- dinner provided when working late to meet deadlines
How to apply
Applicants with relevant experience and strong portfolios of technical and analytical work will be shortlisted for interview. Applicants must be able to work in the UK.
If you are interested please submit a PDF portfolio and CV using the ‘apply’ link below. We are also happy to receive links to your best and most appropriate work, but if there is no PDF portfolio attached to your email we will not review your application.