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Associate Director – Architect

Hybrid in the UK·Full-time·Added 4 days ago (last checked 23 Oct)

BDP

34 open roles

Our summary

Work mode
Hybrid, the UK
Contract
Full-time
Experience
Senior level
Commute
Season ticket loan

Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

• Proven experience delivering high-quality housing and housing-led mixed-use projects.

• A strong track record of winning work, developing client relationships and contributing to business development.

• The ability to anticipate market trends, identify emerging opportunities and develop a robust pipeline of future projects.

• Experience leading and developing established teams, encouraging collaboration, sharing expertise and nurturing talent.

• Strong design leadership, technical knowledge, project delivery and commercial management skills.

• The ability to collaborate with senior leadership to support the growth and success of the housing team.

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

In return, BDP can offer you a wide range of learning opportunities to encourage personal and professional career development. From sponsorship to profession led CPD events, we also offer annual appraisals and a mentoring scheme that is supported by our internal online learning platform.

We are committed to being an employer of choice and offer a competitive remuneration and benefits package that includes an employee profit share scheme, tax efficient smart benefits, private medical insurance, life insurance, long term sickness insurance, interest free season ticket loans, health screening, opportunity to buy/swap holidays and enhanced maternity and paternity provision, plus many more.

We offer regular international, and studio based social, sporting and charitable events. Some recent events include month-end socials, a hiking club, wellbeing webinars and toolbox talks. Our variety of employee forums gives everyone the platform to have a voice and be heard which drives cultural changes and helps to create an engaged, inclusive organisation.

To find out on more detail about what BDP can offer you, please visit: https://www.bdp.com/en/careers-at-bdp/why-join-bdp/.

The role

Looking for a fresh challenge in 2027? Join an established, global multidisciplinary design practice with a strong local presence and the opportunity to shape the future of our housing team across the South West and Wales, supported by our wider global housing expertise.

You are an accomplished architect with a strong track record in housing and housing-led mixed-use projects. You combine design excellence and technical expertise with commercial awareness, strategic thinking and the ability to lead successful project teams.

What you'll do

You will lead and develop our established, experienced housing team, building on its strengths and creating opportunities for growth. With a proven ability to win work, build lasting client relationships and identify emerging opportunities, you will play a key role in strengthening our housing portfolio and securing a sustainable pipeline of future projects.

Commercially astute and forward-thinking, you understand the housing market and anticipate emerging trends, client needs and opportunities for growth. You bring people together to deliver outstanding projects, champion innovative and sustainable design, and support the development of colleagues.

Working closely with the Studio Lead and Directors in the South West and Wales, you will contribute to the wider success of the practice through your sector expertise, client relationships and commitment to design excellence.

• Invest in Our People: Lead and inspire the housing team, develop talent, delegate effectively and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

• Invest in Our Ideas: Champion design and technical excellence, uphold professional standards and build trusted relationships with clients and key decision-makers.

• Design with Impact: Drive innovative, high-quality design solutions that balance creativity, functionality and sustainability. Inspire fresh thinking and bring the right expertise together to deliver exceptional outcomes.

• Grow Strategically: Take ownership of complex challenges, make confident decisions and translate the practice's strategic ambitions into meaningful action, identifying opportunities to grow our housing portfolio.

• Be Sustainable: Embed sustainable thinking into design and delivery, champion responsible practice and promote positive social and environmental impact.

• Attract the Best Clients: Build lasting client relationships, win new work and strengthen the practice's reputation through collaboration, sector expertise and exemplary leadership.

Location

Location: Bristol or Cardiff

Hiring process

To apply please click on the 'Apply' button below. You will then need to complete the online application form and attach a CV and cover letter (<400 words) that outlines how your skills and experience fulfil the requirements of this position.

About BDP

Industry
Architecture and design

In their own words

About the company & team

About us

BDP is a leading, global, multidisciplinary design practice united by a shared purpose: to design a world that's built for good. For more than 60 years, we've been solving problems, creating innovative spaces, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. From the start, we've been pioneers in the world of design, and our legacy is built on the meaningful, people-centred places we've brought to life.

We are a diverse, international practice of architects, engineers, designers, and urbanists. We work closely with our clients, users, and communities to craft spaces for living, working, learning, and enjoying life across the globe. With studios spanning the UK, Ireland, Europe, Asia, and North America, our reach is as broad as our expertise. And since joining forces with Japan's Nippon Koei in 2016, our ability to deliver integrated, impactful design has only grown stronger.

Our work is rooted in creativity, quality, and collaboration. We believe that great design removes barriers and opens new possibilities, all while meeting the demands of a constantly evolving world. Whether we're designing homes, workplaces, or public spaces, we always put people at the heart of our thinking, ensuring that the environments we create are not just functional, but also inclusive, beautiful, and socially and environmentally responsible.

We're proud of the places we've shaped and the lives we've touched, and we are committed to continuing our mission of designing a better, more connected world-one that leaves every place better than we found it.

Additional information

BDP is actively fostering an inclusive organisation where people can be themselves and everyone has a sense of belonging. We want our teams to be diverse at every level, reflecting the communities we design for. As designers, we will create spaces for all that promote equity, wellbeing and participation within the built environment. We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different skills, professional and life experiences, to join us and help us to achieve our aspirations. We also welcome applications from candidates who wish to work flexibly. BDP also operates a hybrid working policy which is usually three days in the office and two days working from home.

No agency or third-party applications please.

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