Director of Masterplanning
LONDON,
UNITED KINGDOM
SALARY: £90,000-£110,000
An AJ100 architectural practice is seeking to appoint a senior-level hire to lead and shape a new sector within the studio.
JOB SUMMARY:
An AJ100 architectural practice is seeking to appoint a senior-level hire to lead and shape a new sector within the studio. This is a unique opportunity to create and grow a team in a space that doesn’t yet formally exist in the practice — an ambitious move backed by leadership, resources, and a design-first culture.
The studio EOT with over 80 architects and designers, known for its collaborative and highly respected design approach. They’re now looking to expand their presence in the commercial, hospitality, and residential sectors, with a growing focus on sustainability, retrofit, and working with well-known UK developers.
This role sits at Director level and is suited to someone who wants to build their own team, define their narrative, and make a lasting impact. It would fit a UK- or Europe-based architect with deep experience in urban design/regeneration or masterplanning, particularly someone who has hit a ceiling in their current practice and is ready to lead.
You’ll be client-facing, working with senior stakeholders and directors across the business, and expected to bring a clear design voice alongside strong commercial, networking, and leadership capabilities. This is a rare chance to blend creativity with strategy and to grow a new offer within an already established and successful studio.
Those who are actively engaged in the industry — speaking at events, involved in panels or design reviews, or helping shape wider design discourse — will be especially well aligned, as this demonstrates the initiative, drive, and presence needed to succeed in the role.
It’s a great opportunity for someone ready to step away from a rigid or corporate environment and take on a leadership role with genuine autonomy and vision.
Key Responsibilities:
Shape and lead a new team within an established, employee-owned studio
Build a clear sector offering and narrative, and confidently take it to market
Inspire design thinking that is both creative and strategic
Own your own P&L, driving business development and profitability
Collaborate with the wider leadership and marketing teams to ensure alignment across communications and strategy
Contribute to marketing content, social media, newsletters, and branding material
Mentor and lead a team of architects and designers, with a focus on professional growth, delegation, and collaboration
Experience & Skills:
A minimum of 15+ years’ experience in masterplanning and urban design/regeneration within the UK
Ideally already at Director level, or a strong Associate Director ready to step up
Proven track record of winning work and maintaining a strong client network
Demonstrable fee-earning responsibilities and commercial awareness, including figures around fees billed, project value, and revenue generated
Experience managing a P&L and contributing to broader business planning
Confident in pitching and presenting to clients and stakeholders at all levels
Excellent communication and reporting skills
Strategic and innovative mindset with the ability to contribute to overall design direction and delivery
Additional:
4 days in the office, 1 day remote
Strong design culture and benefits package
