Head of Architecture & Design – UK & Ireland

Overview

As Head of Architecture & Design, UK & Ireland, you will set the strategic direction for the practice, grow the business, and lead multi-disciplinary teams across studios. You’ll ensure design quality, client satisfaction, and alignment with broader business goals while advancing digital, sustainability, and innovation initiatives. You will drive major pursuits, nurture key client relationships, and shape talent strategy to build a high-performing, design-led organization. This role offers scope to influence market leadership and deliver impactful infrastructure and development projects.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working options
• competitive pay
• comprehensive benefits
• career growth and training programs
• inclusive employer
• global scale and opportunities

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the strategic vision for the Architecture & Design practice across the UK & Ireland
• Lead, inspire, and develop architecture, master planning, landscape and interior design teams across multiple studios
• Align architectural & design strategy with wider business and growth objectives
• Champion design excellence, technical quality, collaboration, and innovation
• Represent the Architecture & Design discipline within regional and global leadership forums
• Drive market positioning and growth across priority sectors (Transport, Defence, Healthcare, Commercial, Education, Mixed‑Use)
• Lead major pursuits, bids, and proposal strategies with Work Winning team
• Develop and maintain senior‑level client relationships as a trusted advisor
• Identify and pursue new market opportunities, partnerships, and frameworks
• Provide oversight on major commissions ensuring quality, risk management, compliance, and design integrity
• Serve as Design Authority or Technical Reviewer on complex projects
• Promote integrated, multi‑disciplinary working with engineering, digital, planning, and advisory teams
• Accountable for practice‑wide financial performance, revenue forecasting, utilization, and profitability
• Oversee resource planning, project staffing, and capacity management
• Implement QA/QC processes and best practice delivery tools
• Lead talent strategy including recruitment, retention, succession planning, and early careers development
• Foster a diverse, inclusive studio culture
• Promote professional accreditation, CPD, and career progression pathways
• Champion digital and AI design tools (Revit, BIM, parametric design, digital twins)
• Embed sustainability principles aligned to ESG and net‑zero goals
• Encourage research, thought leadership, and new ways of working

Key requirements

• Chartered Architect (ARB / RIBA Part III), Masterplanner/Urban Designer (MRTPI) or Landscape professional (CMLI)
• Significant experience leading architectural, masterplan or urban design teams at senior/director level
• Proven track record delivering major projects and managing large multi‑disciplinary teams
• Strong commercial acumen with P&L responsibility
• Proven business development and client relationship management experience
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic leadership skills
• Experience with BIM and digital design workflows

• leadership
• communication
• negotiation
• BIM
• Revit
• digital design workflows

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