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DVDL Design Decisions is hiring a freelance architect/researcher to join its team in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

DVDL is an agency of innovators and strategists working at the intersection of cultural analysis and human behaviour. We use our expertise to develop strategies, models, and concepts that bring the future of your community, city, corporation, or cultural institution into focus. We help our clients understand how to guide their work towards people, and the issues that they hold dear. In the past, you might have called us museum planners or place-makers. And yes, we do that work. But we think all organizations should, at their core, be about people first. That is why we keep our ears to the ground so that our clients can make sense of current trends as they develop, rather than playing the game of perpetual catch-up. Whether that is for a museum, architect, brand, neighbourhood, or public space: we help innovate.

We are a growing team of New York City-based and remote staff and freelance talent passionate about making inclusive, hybrid, interdisciplinary, flexible, and contextual programs for institutions and buildings that can connect to and grow with diverse audiences, opportunities, and challenges. Our clients range from museums, universities, art fairs, and libraries, to cities, parks, real estate developers, architects, and art collectors.

We are currently looking for a freelance architect/researcher based in the Netherlands to join our team of freelancers to work on several EU/NL projects.  Working in close collaboration with David van der Leer and our internal team, this role will provide work for a cultural building and the development of its activation plan in Rotterdam, with the possibility of working on future EU projects.  Work will include scanning and visualizing relevant data, conceptual and strategic research, space analysis and diagramming of sites, as well as research for comparable projects and future innovation in interdisciplinary fields. The position requires excellent concept development skills, a deep interest in culture for the future, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interact professionally and clearly with the rest of team, as well as clients and people in our network.

Tasks:

• conduct benchmark research on cultural institutions and public spaces
• conduct research on trends in cultural institutions, education, health, wellness, sports, food, funding, and similar topics
• in close collaboration with DVDLs team, develop statements on where the future is headed and provide recommendations for clients
• visualize concepts and trends through drawings, sketches, graphics, or collages
• collect, map, and analyze current trends – from the social, demographic, economic, and cultural to the technological and political
• review a set of building and site plans, drawings (sections, elevations), as well as photos of existing and past usage
• space analysis, and diagramming of visitor flows
• conduct building site visits in Rotterdam, and potentially other locations
• analyze building and site to assess where and how improvements can be made
• preparing detailed drawings showing both the appearance and interior structure of a building design
• develop different space program options in line with intended use and strategic vision.
• represent the agency with clients and potential clients together with the team and principal
• prepare presentations and reports

Qualifications

Required:

• based in the Netherlands
• architecture license is not required, position is potentially open to design students or junior architects with the right skills
• experience with design processes
• bachelor’s degree in architecture, urban design, urban planning, building construction technology or alternatively the social sciences
• two plus years’ experience in space planning and design management of buildings
• ability to effectively visualize concepts and trends through drawings, sketches, graphics, or collages
• demonstrated knowledge, skill and ability to manage computer-based facilities and space management systems
• basic knowledge of building codes; ability to inspect and determine the adaptability and cost of renovation of existing structures; knowledge of related regulations and statutes
• thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of space management
• strong organizational and time management skills including the ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• ability to provide study reports, technical documentation, papers and/or project plans for staff members
• independent, self-directed and resourceful in creative and operational capacities
• effective verbal and written communicator with colleagues
• highly collaborative and experience working with a diverse range of people
• demonstrates a high degree of professionalism, organizational skills, and flexibility
• proficiency using InDesign and Adobe professional

Preferred:

• experience working with museums, art spaces, exhibition design or cultural institutions
• affinity with placemaking, public space, and cultural institutions
• ability to prepare and deliver presentations to client groups
• ability to represent the agency externally in project meetings

Work hours and benefits

This is a part-time freelance position starting in March 2022.

At DVDL we think all organizations should, at their core, be about people first, including our own.  We embrace diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills and views. Cultivating a culture of inclusiveness isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also the smart thing. We know that having varied perspectives helps generate better ideas and insights for our changing and increasingly interrelated world.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter, and CV as a PDF via the apply for job button below with the subject line ‘freelance architect/researcher’.  Due to the volume of receipts, only qualified applicants will be contacted. Fee is commensurate with experience.

www.dvdl.co

• Applications have closed.