Urban Design Assistant

We are looking for a designer, who is a team player, and willing to progress within our growing Urban Design Team.  Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate aptitude and drive towards project ownership and delivery. They will have professional, post qualification (Part 2/Part 3) experience in an urban design and masterplanning practice, or an architectural practice, working on the delivery of larger-scale UK residential-led masterplanning projects.  They will have project experience in developing masterplan layouts, contributing to feasibility studies, preparing Planning Applications, writing reports and developing presentations.

The role will include running smaller projects and working within a project team on larger urban design projects. The successful candidate will have excellent written, verbal and graphic communication skills, and be proficient in the use of Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, CAD and hand-drawing. Good knowledge of urban design best practice and UK planning policy is essential.

Excellent communication skills and the confidence to deal directly with clients is a must, as well as being comfortable with working in an open-plan multi-team studio.

Essential

• Some experience of working in an Architectural or urban design and masterplanning practice
• Excellent verbal and graphic communication skills
• Good knowledge of urban design best practice and UK planning policy
• Proficient in the use of Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch Up & AutoCAD
• Confidence and ability to contribute to larger projects and lead on aspects of smaller projects
• Experience in preparing planning applications
• Understanding of and able to contribute to feasibility studies
• Adept in report writing
• Ability to design and develop engaging presentations
• Strong hand-drawing skills

Person Specification

• Passionate about design and the creative process
• Self-motivated and effective in collaborative team environments
• Ability to plan, manage and prioritise workload & communicate requirements effectively
• Confident, enthusiastic and positive attitude with the ability to build relationships externally and across the Practice
• Strong communication skills
• Collaborative approach, consistent to share information, knowledge and resources
• Regularly encouraging opportunities for others to develop (particularly when leading projects or aspects of projects)

• Contribute to and confidently lead key aspects of urban design and masterplanning projects
• Strong design skills and ability to effectively communicate ideas appropriate to the type of project and client
• Ability to quickly develop project ownership related to project delivery and next steps: e.g. overall project narrative, outputs required, presentations, consultation exercises
• Able to manage day to day activities on a project: e.g. setting work, managing and overseeing workload of design assistants and monitoring progress
• Mentor and advise urban design assistants as appropriate
• Establish and document project requirements clearly
• Prepare background planning and site analysis and development of feasibility studies
• Prepare reports, presentations and interim and final reports, as required
• Ability to convincingly lead and present at internal, client, consultation and formal meetings and events
• Administer project related information in line with standards and procedures of the Practice
• Update Associate on project progress & key issues

• Encourage and expect a collaborative approach from the team and identify and addresses issues in a proactive manner as they arise
• Work closely with the Associates in the team to ensure all team members are allocated to appropriate project/work in accordance with their skill level, ability and aspirations, enabling individuals to develop their skills and talents
• Co-ordinate design work as necessary with other consultants
• Ensure effective dialogue & task delivery across the team

• Advocate of practice values
• Support Associate/Director on bids/fee proposals and resourcing
• Develop and maintain good relationships with clients, consultants and others
• Contribute and participate in practice-wide training & development
• Represent and promote the practice at external urban design events
• Engage in wider practice activities

BPTW staff have access to a range of benefits, including but not limited to:

• 24/7 Access to an Employee Assistance Programme & GP Helpline
• Cashback on Healthcare costs
• Free financial advice
• Insurance cover (Life Assurance; Critical Illness; Income protection)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Support for ongoing professional development
• Annual salary reviews
• Regular design reviews, CPDs and social events
• Daily breakfast cereals and freshly ground coffee

Please submit a copy of your CV, along with a cover letter and a portfolio of selected works to people@bptw.co.uk with the title ‘Urban Design Assistant’.

Your cover letter should explain why you want to work with BPTW and how you meet the essential criteria. You can also include details on any other experience or knowledge you feel is relevant to the role.

Please note we are currently unable to support applications that require current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Please clearly state your right to work in the UK on your application.