Support the Development Design team in assessing new land opportunities and progressing allocated development schemes from initial feasibility through planning submission and determination. You will produce coordinated, high-quality design information that responds to site constraints, maximises development potential and balances planning, operational, technical and commercial requirements.
Working with the in-house Land, Planning, Development Design and Technical teams, alongside external consultants, you will develop design solutions across a national portfolio. You will adapt established design principles to each site, supporting high-quality placemaking and creating attractive, practical environments that promote wellbeing.
Key responsibilities
Develop and refine feasibility-stage site layouts for new land opportunities, applying the design brief while responding to site constraints and opportunities.
Review surveys, technical information, planning policy and site context to identify issues early and develop practical, deliverable solutions.
Produce and maintain coordinated Revit models and planning drawing packages, including site layouts, floor plans, elevations, sections and supporting diagrams.
Manage the architectural design workstream for allocated schemes from launch through planning determination, under the direction of the Head of Development Design.
Coordinate architectural information for planning applications with the Planning team, responding to validation requirements, design feedback and consultee comments.
Prepare planning-stage design amendments in line with change-control procedures. Clearly communicate effects on the agreed design and accommodation brief, compliance, viability or programme.
Produce high-quality 3D visualisations and presentation material for planning submissions, design reviews and public consultation as required.
Further responsibilities
Coordinate with landscape architects, drainage and civil engineers, highways consultants, ecologists, arboricultural consultants and other stakeholders to optimise building layouts and site planning.
Contribute constructively to design reviews, identify challenges early, test options and present clear recommendations to support timely decisions.
Manage your workload across multiple projects, meet agreed milestones and maintain accurate models, drawings, design records and version information.
Visit sites to understand their surroundings, record observations and incorporate information that may not be evident from surveys or desktop assessments.
Consider design-related health and safety risks within your remit and provide appropriate information in accordance with company procedures and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.
Support the handover of planning-approved schemes to the Technical and Construction teams, providing architectural clarification as required.
About you
You are passionate about high-quality development design and understand how standardised designs and integrated in-house delivery support consistency, planning success and positive experiences for building users.
You take a proactive, pragmatic approach: assessing opportunities alongside constraints, testing reasonable options and presenting clear recommendations. You work confidently on allocated tasks, collaborate across disciplines and respond positively to feedback.
Knowledge and experience
Practical experience in an architectural or development design role within the UK built environment sector.
Good knowledge of planning applications and the architectural information needed to support them.
Understanding of planning policy, local character, placemaking and successful planning outcomes.
Experience preparing site layouts for residential, healthcare, commercial or mixed-use developments. Experience of volume-led development is desirable.
Awareness of development constraints, including Biodiversity Net Gain, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), Lead Local Flood Authority requirements, highways, access, drainage, landscape, ecology and arboriculture.
Sound understanding of construction, materials, Building Regulations and design-related health and safety appropriate to the role.
Knowledge and experience continued
Commercial awareness and an appreciation of development viability, programme and operational requirements.
Strong visual, written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to explain proposals and recommendations clearly.
Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
A collaborative, constructive approach and willingness to consider feedback and influence design outcomes across disciplines.
Qualifications and technical skills
HNC, HND, degree or equivalent qualification in Architectural Technology, Architecture or a related construction design discipline.
Proficiency in Revit is essential, including experience producing coordinated architectural models and drawing packages.
Working knowledge of AutoCAD and experience with 3D visualisation, rendering and presentation software. SketchUp experience is desirable.
Strong visual representation skills and a clear, accurate approach to technical and planning drawings.
Membership of, or progress towards membership of, CIAT or another relevant professional body is desirable.
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally for site and local authority visits, subject to reasonable adjustments.
Working relationships
Internally, you will work with the Land, Planning, Development Design, Technical, Engineering, Commercial and Construction teams.
External contacts include local planning authorities; planning, architectural and design consultants; landscape, ecology and arboricultural consultants; highways, transport, drainage and civil engineering consultants; surveyors and specialist advisers; and local stakeholders and community representatives.