Strategic Designer-Built Environment Research

Bringing together people, planet, and technology, PLP Architecture drives innovation in architecture and urban design from our London hub, extending our impact through studios in Amsterdam, Tokyo, and Singapore. Our experience in design, research, and strategy is underpinned by our commitment to creating meaningful change in our cities and supported by our in-house research collaborative PLP Labs.

We are seeking a strategic, design-led built environment designer to join our studio and work as a thinking team member on projects across product, workplace, architecture, and urban design.

This role is for someone who enjoys working at the front end of projects — helping to frame problems, position ideas, research trends, and develop concepts across different scales.

Design is used here as a strategic tool, whether the outcome is a product, a workplace model, a building, or a broader spatial framework.

• Work with senior designers and strategists to frame project challenges and early-stage briefs
• Support project positioning, helping shape narratives and strategic direction
• Carry out trend and precedent research and translate insights into design ideas
• Contribute to product and concept ideation across different project types
• Explore ideas across scales — from products and interiors to buildings and districts
• Communicate thinking clearly through diagrams, drawings, and presentations
• Take ownership of defined ideas or work streams and help drive them to clarity
• Think strategically and spatially, and are comfortable working across scales
• Enthusiasm for ambiguity and early-stage problem-solving
• Curious, analytical, and are interested in future trends and behaviours

• Background in architecture, urban design or a related built-environment field
• Typically, 3–6 years of relevant experience
• Strong interest in built-environment strategy and early-stage design
• Ability to combine research, critical thinking, and visual communication
• Proficiency in Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite
• Experience at early concept or strategy stages
• Exposure to a wide range of project types (workplace, urban, product, etc.)
• Familiarity with computational design tools (e.g. Grasshopper or similar)
• Sees themselves as a thinking team member, not just a task deliverer
• Takes ownership and responsibility for ideas
• Collaborative, curious, and confident in discussion
• Comfortable challenging assumptions constructively

• Be part of an internationally respected studio that represents 37 nationalities and speaks 45 languages
• Great studio environment with a very friendly atmosphere to work in
• Large, international, established practice of 100+ team members
• Modern office space
• Excellent transport links in the heart of London.
• Excellent benefits package including Private Healthcare, Healthcare Cash Plan & Pension Scheme