London, UK
Head of sustainable design
at David Chipperfield Architects
David Chipperfield Architects is seeking a head of sustainable design to join its team in London.
Job description
David Chipperfield Architects’ (DCA) London office is looking to appoint a head of sustainable design. The practice is seeking an experienced candidate who will integrate sustainability into every aspect of the design process, across a diverse international body of work, which includes cultural, residential, commercial and educational buildings. Head of sustainable design is a new role, which the successful candidate will have scope to define and develop. The individual will work closely with practice leadership, design teams and the practice’s sustainability working group.
Key responsibilities
Projects:
- identify clear sustainability ambitions for each project with the design team and support the fulfilment and assessment of these
- facilitate communication within and outside the project teams to promote these ambitions throughout the development of the projects
- advise on sustainable construction systems and material choices, including supply chain assessment
- enable in-house analysis of thermal performance, daylight/sunlight, embodied carbon etc.
- coordinate progress towards the achievement of the office’s sustainability commitments
- enable the collection of sustainability data and assist with third-party certification systems such as Passivhaus, BREEAM, LEED
- enable in-house analysis of whole life cycle, studies on building physics and daylight/sunlight analysis
- propose, select and appoint relevant external expertise where necessary
- lead post-occupancy studies
Practice:
- evolve and implement the practice’s vision and strategy for sustainable design in a wider sense incorporating both environmental and social sustainability
- be a thought leader, support DCA’s expertise and help enhance their sustainability and regenerative design capabilities as an integral part of excellent design
- identify and incorporate relevant software into the design workflow such as Whole Life Cycle Assessment software
- lead development of environmental design standards and ISO 14001 certification
- lead the sharing of guidance and knowledge across the practice, develop training plans and upskilling for staff, sharing information on new guidance and standards relevant to the work and CPD requirements
- lead and coordinate relevant training to elevate skills and understanding across the practice
- monitor and update teams of policy changes, new research and relevant regulations
- advocate the principles and benefits of sustainable design to clients and collaborators
- engage in industry-wide initiatives and networks, such as Architects Declare, RIBA, Leti, BRE
- use the practice’s reputation and resources to promote sustainable design across the industry
- support the decarbonising efforts of the practice’s business operations (carbon footprint)
- carry out research projects in areas that are relevant to the practice projects (possibly in collaboration with external consultants/ universities, etc.), resulting in reports to be published internally or externally, shared with the wider industry
Skills, knowledge and expertise:
- minimum five years’ experience of sustainable design in the construction industry
- background in both sustainability and architecture to align with our ambition for relevant and integrated research and design
- bachelors or masters degree in sustainability, architecture, urbanism, or related field
- extensive knowledge of sustainable design strategies including passive design, material selection and technologies
- ability to work independently and on multiple projects simultaneously
- strong written and verbal communications skills for internal communications and for representing the office externally
- intellectual curiosity, eagerness to engage with others and willingness to contribute
- experience of leading, teaching and mentoring others
Benefits
You will have the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting international and UK based architectural projects. We have a diverse and international team, who are passionate about architecture, and you will learn great skills as well as make friends and be part of building exciting projects across the world. We offer a full suite of employment benefits including private health insurance, cycle to work scheme, a cash health plan, employer contributed pension, an employee assistance plan, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and visa assistance for candidates who need to relocate to London. We have a core hours policy to allow staff to flex their start/end times each day and up to 30 days a year can be worked from abroad.
About David Chipperfield
David Chipperfield Architects is an international architecture studio founded in London in 1985. The practice has developed a strong reputation for expertise in design and for the quality of its work. The practice works across the private and public sectors, with a diverse portfolio that includes celebrated cultural, residential, educational, commercial and civic projects. Offices in London, Berlin, Milan and Shanghai, contribute to the wide range of projects and typologies. Together, the four offices drive common architectural ambitions and share a commitment to the collaborative aspect of creating architecture.
Please submit your CV and cover letter using the ‘apply’ link below.
Salary: Undisclosed