Design Architect (Sustainability)

The Sustainability Design Architect will be responsible for leading the architectural design of property development projects while embedding sustainability principles at the core of all design decisions. This role combines creative design skills, technical expertise, and an in-depth knowledge of sustainable building practices. The Sustainability Design Architect will focus on enhancing energy efficiency, improving building fabric performance, integrating renewable technologies, and reducing water consumption, while ensuring all designs comply with planning regulations and support successful planning applications.

A. Key Responsibilities:

Design and Concept Development:

• Lead Architectural Design: Develop innovative design concepts for property development projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives, budget constraints, and project timelines.
• Design Documentation: Prepare detailed architectural drawings, including site plans, elevations, sections, and 3D models, to support the planning and development process.

Sustainability Integration

• Energy Efficiency: Incorporate passive design strategies, building fabric improvements, and energy-efficient systems.
• Renewable Technologies: Specify and recommend renewable energy solutions such as solar PV, heat pumps, and energy recovery systems.
• Water Conservation: Integrate water-efficient systems, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling into project designs.

Planning Application Leadership:

• Lead the Planning Application Process: Take ownership of the planning application process for property development projects, coordinating with local authorities, clients, and consultants to ensure timely and successful submissions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all designs comply with local zoning regulations, planning policies, building codes, and environmental standards.
• Prepare Planning Documents: Compile all necessary planning documentation, including Design and Access Statements (DAS), site analyses, and environmental assessments, ensuring thoroughness and accuracy.
• Planning Consultation: Engage with planning authorities, stakeholders, and neighbors during consultations, addressing any concerns or requests for revisions to meet planning guidelines.
• Coordinate Planning Revisions: Revise designs based on feedback from planning authorities, consultants, and stakeholders to meet the requirements for planning approval.

Client and Stakeholder Interaction:

• Client Consultation: Work closely with clients to understand their vision and translate it into viable architectural designs that meet planning and regulatory standards.
• Presentation and Reporting: Present designs and planning application progress to clients, ensuring clear communication of project milestones and regulatory considerations.

Team Collaboration:

• Coordinate with Development Teams: Collaborate with internal teams, including acquisition, design, and project management teams, to ensure all property development projects are aligned with planning outcomes.
• Consultant Management: Manage external consultants such as planning advisors, surveyors, and environmental specialists to gather all necessary data for the planning process.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in architectural design, with demonstrated expertise in sustainable building design and planning application processes.
• Licensing: Licensed architect 
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM platforms; experience with energy modelling and environmental assessment tools preferred.
• Strong knowledge of building physics, passive design, and sustainable construction techniques.
• Familiarity with renewable energy systems and water conservation technologies.
• Experience in preparing planning and sustainability documentation, including Energy Statements, DAS, and environmental reports.
• Strong knowledge of planning laws, building codes, and sustainability regulations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage with clients, planning authorities, and stakeholders effectively.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in preparing planning documents and design drawings, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Key Competencies:

• Design Vision: Ability to balance creative architectural design with sustainability and regulatory requirements.
• Leadership in Planning: Proven ability to lead and manage the entire planning application process for property development projects.
• Design Vision: Strong creative and conceptual design skills, with the ability to balance aesthetics with regulatory and technical constraints.
• Collaboration: Team-oriented, with the ability to work closely with internal and external stakeholders to achieve planning approval and project success.
• Problem-Solving: Capable of navigating complex planning issues and proposing solutions to secure planning permissions.
• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and planning submissions simultaneously, meeting deadlines and project milestones.