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David Bonnett Associates is hiring an inclusive design and access consultant to join its team in London.

David Bonnett Associates (DBA) is an award-winning inclusive access consultancy and multi-disciplinary practice. DBA provides advice on inclusive design to clients and architects working on projects ranging from small grade-listed galleries and landscape schemes to large-scale masterplans, transport interchanges and residential developments.

Since the practice was established in 1994 by Dr David Bonnett, the demand for access has grown, driven partly by legislation and partly by changing social expectations. As recognised experts in the field, DBA contribute to a range of national forums including the Design Council and the British Standards Institute.

DBA employs a dozen staff providing advice for a range of projects including 3 Stirling Prize winners – Bloomberg new European Headquarters in the City of London, Burntwood School in Wandsworth and Damien Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery in Lambeth, alongside historic gems such as the Royal Festival Hall, The British Museum, the Palace of Westminster Parliamentary complex, Government buildings in Whitehall and Buckingham Palace.

Employee ownership trust

David Bonnett was keen to pass on his practice to the staff who had contributed to its success. To this end, in 2024, he sold his shares to a newly formed employee-owned business. 100 per cent of the shares of the business will be held in an employee ownership trust (EOT) on behalf of everyone at the practice, where every colleague at DBA is a co-owner.

About the role

David Bonnett Associates is looking to appoint an inclusive design and access consultant working on a full time basis.

The ideal candidate will have excellent knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework relating to inclusive design and a good working knowledge of local and national standards and planning policy. Most of our projects are based in the London area, so familiarity with applicable local standards would be beneficial.

The candidate would also need to be able to contribute effectively to client and design team discussions, prepare high quality access reports and statements, advise on design options and recommend effective solutions to technical and policy issues. Further responsibilities include: attending client meetings, conducting site visits and access audits, reviewing and commenting on architectural drawings, providing ‘ad-hoc’ advice, proof reading and presenting or contributing to the presentation of CPDs.

Required competencies:

• knowledge and experience of access and inclusive design
• commitment to the creation of an accessible and inclusive society
• understanding of the social model of disability
• knowledge of the legislative and regulatory framework relating to inclusive design including the requirements of the Equality Act 2010
• ability to read and interpret architectural drawings
• ability to liaise with clients and to contribute effectively to client and design team discussions
• ability to present clear and well-reasoned access reports and access statements for planning and building control
• ability to work independently or as part of a team when required
• ability to multitask and work on multiple projects at the same time
• IT skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat and InDesign

Preferred competencies:

• NRAC Consultant level/RICS Inclusive Environment Consultant
• degree/qualification in a relevant field (e.g. inclusive design, architecture, construction)
• experience of attending consultation events including access group liaison
• experience with Adobe Creative suite (InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator)

Why work for us:

• salary commensurate with experience
• a collaborative team working within an accessible office in the heart of East London
• facilities include on-site café, courtyards, showers, and cycle storage
• the office is also dog-friendly
• lunch is provided daily from the on-site café
• company pension scheme
• employee ownership trust bonuses
• 25 days of holiday – rising to 30 with years of service
• cycle to work scheme and eye care vouchers
• RIBA and ARB membership
• NRAC and AA (fees) paid for
• training and development
• access to CPD and internal presentations
• studio outings and social events
• flexible home-working policy and WFH allowance
• quarterly events

To apply, please digitally submit the following via the apply for job button below:

• a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, suitability for the position and salary expectations
• a copy of your CV
• a portfolio of recent work (max 10 MB) – interviewees will be asked to share examples of their past work

Please note we will only contact prospective interviewees.

By submitting your application to us, you are providing David Bonnett Associates with your full consent to process, manage and retain your personal information for the purpose of considering you for potential employment.

Application deadline: we are looking to fill the role as soon as possible, so please apply at the earliest opportunity.

David Bonnett Associates is an equal opportunities employer. At DBA, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion and accessibility. By fostering a safe and inclusive culture, we empower our employees to be their authentic selves, resulting in a happier workforce. We ensure that individuals with access requirements are offered reasonable accommodations during the application process and within the workplace.

If you require any assistance or access accommodations, please let us know in your application.

www.davidbonnett.co.uk