Design Researcher

A globally recognised architecture and design practice is looking for a Design Researcher to join its Research and Innovation team. You would be joining a multidisciplinary international practice where research plays an important role in shaping design thinking, client strategy and the future of the built environment. Working alongside architects, designers, clients and subject matter experts, you would explore human behaviour, emerging technologies and how people experience spaces, translating research into meaningful design strategies and innovative solutions.

This is an opportunity for a curious, analytical and creative researcher who enjoys tackling complex questions and wants to see their work directly influence real-world architecture and design projects.

Job Description

• Plan and deliver design research across architecture, interiors and wider built-environment projects
• Work collaboratively with designers, engineers, clients, stakeholders and subject matter experts to investigate complex design challenges
• Conduct qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method research, including interviews, surveys, workshops, behavioural observation, behaviour mapping, contextual inquiry, environmental assessments, space syntax analysis and literature reviews
• Analyse and synthesise complex research findings into clear insights and actionable design recommendations
• Translate research into design strategies, planning decisions, prototypes, proof-of-concepts and client deliverables
• Facilitate visioning workshops, stakeholder engagement sessions, research activities and user testing
• Identify emerging technologies, behavioural trends, industry challenges and future opportunities that could influence the built environment
• Develop new research approaches, tools and frameworks that support evidence-based and human-centred design
• Contribute to publications, conference presentations and wider thought leadership initiatives
• Help develop research methodologies, tools and knowledge while embedding evidence-based design thinking across the wider practice
• Build relationships with academic institutions, industry organisations and external research partners
• Manage multiple research initiatives simultaneously, ensuring programmes and deliverables are achieved

Key Skills

• 5–10 years of professional design research experience, ideally within architecture, interior design or the wider built environment
• A professional degree focused on Design Research, Design and Environmental Analysis, Human-Centred Design, Environmental Psychology, Social Sciences or a related discipline
• A professional architecture, interior design or similar design qualification would also be advantageous
• Strong experience designing and conducting qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method research
• Excellent analytical ability with experience translating complex information into meaningful insights and practical recommendations
• A strong understanding of human-centred design and a genuine interest in improving people's experience of the built environment
• A naturally curious mindset with the ability to explore complex problems and develop creative research approaches
• Strong systems thinking, with the ability to connect people, place, organisational objectives and design
• Excellent written, verbal and visual communication skills with the ability to present research to different audiences
• Comfortable working within multidisciplinary teams and navigating ambiguity
• Experience facilitating workshops, stakeholder engagement and collaborative research activities
• Experience contributing to research publications, thought leadership, peer-reviewed research, grant-funded studies or conference presentations
• Familiarity with human-subject research protocols, ethical research practices and IRB processes would be advantageous
• Experience with research, survey and visualisation platforms such as User Testing, Qualtrics, Microsoft Forms, Power BI or Tableau would be beneficial
• Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch Up, Revit or other 3D modelling experience would be advantageous

This is an exceptional opportunity to join the Research and Innovation team of a leading global design practice, where your research would directly influence projects, clients and the wider direction of architectural design. You would have the opportunity to explore emerging ideas and technologies, collaborate across disciplines and contribute to research and thought leadership with genuine application to the future of the built environment.