Design Director

Design Director / Director – Science & Technology (Labs, Pharma and Beyond)...Location: London or Flexible (with weekly London visits)Hybrid Working | Strategic Succession Opportunity | Advisory ExposureSenior-Level Appointment | Attractive PackageWhat if your next role offered more than exciting projects?...What if it offered influence, autonomy, strategic growth and the chance to shape how the UK’s science and innovation sectors evolve over the next decade?This is that role.We’re working on a key strategic hire for a globally connected, multi-disciplinary design firm at a pivotal moment in its journey. The founding leadership, respected pioneers in the science-sector, are entering succession mode. The firms internal talent is rising…. And now, they're looking for an externally focused leader who can take the next step with them.This is not a figurehead appointment…. it’s a cornerstone hire with clear progression. You’ll play a key part in shaping the future of the firm, helping to grow the business from a tight-knit 10 person unit to a 20+ person powerhouse over the next few years.A "day in the life" within this strategic position…You arrive into your amazing open-plan London office… one of your 2 to 3 in-office days per week …. and join a morning strategy session with the Director of S&T (an engineer by training and a key ally in your success). You're co-leading a bid for a new bio-incubator facility with the business development team, who’ve already armed you with insights, leads and data to act on.By mid-morning, you're on a client call with a biotech start-up and their asset manager, advising on site viability and operational flexibility for a prospective lab build in the South East. You’re not just designing the lab…. you’re shaping the strategic conversation around capital investment, resilience... and future adaptability.Later, you drop into a design review with the architectural team… a significant and highly complex cleanroom scheme in early stage RIBA 1/2 development. Your guidance sharpens the vision and helps ensure design excellence stays aligned with delivery.You wrap up the day with a quiet half hour of business planning… reviewing pipeline forecasts, reconnecting with a former HE client about their upcoming tender and reviewing a speaking opportunity for an industry roundtable on advanced manufacturing environments within the industry.Ok… Why this move?...Design + strategy + advisory. Go beyond the traditional setting and scope of studio work. You’ll shape everything from capital planning to client visioning alongside the architects + design focused clientele, engineers, sustainability consultants and project managers.Broaden the science brief. The team has a strong foothold in labs but now they’re also leaning into pharma and advanced manufacturing… and they’re looking for someone who can help unlock this.Front-end focus. You’ll get the opportunity to remain hands-on in early project stages (strategy, briefing, concept) while driving work-winning …. with structured BD + bid support behind you.Build something meaningful. Help grow a 10 person firm into a 20 to 25 strong team. Be part of a succession story. Shape your own, as well as the firms, legacy.Advisory exposure. This isn’t just about design. You’ll advise on capital projects, asset viability, and investment strategies …. ideal if you want to influence outcomes beyond the “drawing board” so to speak.What our client is looking for….You're likely an ARB or RIBA-registered architect who thrives at the front end of complex, high-performance environments. You have…A portfolio with proven experience within lab and/or science-sector projects, ideally with strong front-end /planning/conceptual experience.A track record of client-facing work… you may not have built a portfolio from scratch but you know how to retain and grow trusted relationships.Ambition to own and influence a team’s market position, with scope to manage £750k to £1m+ in project wins annually (with a flexible runway to get there).A desire to remain a hands-on Design Director, while taking a seat at the strategic table.Logistics & Perks…Flexibility to work from home. Flexibility on home base/location should regular travel to London circa 2+ days a week be possible Potential for a six-figure salary + performance bonus + attractive benefitsFlexibility on title… Design Director or Director, depending on your goalsReady for a new challenge... ready for more?...This is one of the most exciting and quietly transformative roles in the UK science/lab design world today. You won’t just lead… you’ll evolve the sector alongside a multidisciplinary team who see design as part of a much bigger picture.Apply in confidence or contact us to explore the opportunity. All conversations handled discreetly.

Created: 2025-07-23