Architect |Design Officer|

Be First is a pioneering urban regeneration company that accelerates growth and capitalises on the borough's position as London's best investment and development opportunity.

We are a property developer, including commercial agency, construction and planning consultancy, and undertake statutory planning and building control services. We utilise council and commercial investment resources to acquire sites, secure planning permission and build out new residential and commercial developments.

This is an important position within Be First's Consultancy Team, reporting to and working closely with Design Consultancy and Statutory Planning Development Management. You will play a central role in delivering design advice on third-party planning applications.

Key Responsibilities:
Advocate the Consultancy Team's design and quality ambitions to ensure excellent design standards and outcomes across LBBD.
Hold responsibility for Design Officer services for all third-party major planning applications, providing written design advice contributing to Officer Reports and Planning Committee Reports.
Coordinate with Be First's Sustainability Associate and Heritage Officer to include their feedback on major third-party planning applications.
Attend Quality Review Panels (QRPs), Pre-Application and Cabinet meetings to offer design and sustainability commentary.
Contribute to the running of the LBBD QRP organised by Frame Projects.
Lead the Peer Review process with the wider Be First Design Consultancy Team for medium third-party planning applications.
Run a fortnightly Design Surgery for minor third-party planning applications.
Work closely with the project lead to develop urban design, masterplanning and architectural designs that include site option appraisals and feasibility studies.
Contribute to the development of design-led planning policies, design codes and design guidance.
Produce graphics, branding, presentations and visual material.
Update and manage project trackers for annual reviews to inform lessons learned and assess project performance.
The ideal candidate should have experience in urban design, residential architecture, and sustainability. They should be able to demonstrate a clear passion for public sector-led housing delivery and placemaking.

Requirements:
Part 2 architectural designer or newly qualified architect preferably with experience of urban design.
Strong design skills and ability to visualise, illustrate, and present ideas.
Excellent attention to detail and proficiency in Autocad, Sketchup, and Adobe Creative Suite.
Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
Excellent communication skills with proven ability to advise on architectural design issues at a senior level.
Estimated salary: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum, depending on experience.