Associate Director – Architect

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.

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.

BDP is a leading, global, multidisciplinary design practice united by a shared purpose: to design a world that is 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.

• 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.

• 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…