EQUANS is looking for an Architectural and Facades Lead to join our team in London on a permanent basis. This is a full‑time role working Monday to Friday. On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package.
The Architectural & Facades Lead is responsible for leading the design and technical delivery of building solutions across RIBA Stages 2 to 7. This role involves overseeing design development relating to sustainability strategies, ensuring compliance with planning, conservation where relevant, and energy efficiency standards. The position requires expertise in design management, technical leadership, and retrofit strategies, integrating modern methods of construction and performance enhancements, and low‑carbon materials. Additionally, the role includes developing and leading a team of design engineers, driving seamless project delivery from concept through construction. With a focus on sustainable retrofit schemes, the role ensures design coordination, technical oversight during construction, and performance optimisation to enhance building resilience and long‑term sustainability.
What will you deliver?
* Lead the design development of the architectural elements particularly as it relates to building envelopes, ensuring compliance with structural, thermal, and aesthetic requirements.
* Drive sustainable solutions, integrating low‑carbon materials, passive design principles, and advanced retrofit systems.
* Develop and oversee technical detailing, ensuring durability, airtightness, and thermal performance.
* Lead the design of retrofit schemes (aligning with heritage constraints and conservation guidelines, where applicable).
* Provide expertise in fire performance and regulatory compliance, ensuring facade designs align with Building Safety Act and relevant codes.
Design Management & Coordination
* Oversee RIBA Stages 2 to 4, ensuring seamless integration of architectural design with facades, structural, and MEP disciplines.
* Provide ongoing technical support across RIBA Stages 5 to 7, ensuring design intent is upheld during construction and post‑occupancy.
* Lead BIM implementation, for architectural and facade elements, ensuring coordinated, data‑driven design solutions.
* Develop and maintain 3D models and CAD documentation, ensuring alignment with multidisciplinary teams.
* Facilitate design reviews, risk assessments, and value engineering workshops, optimising performance and cost efficiency.
Retrofit Expertise
* Develop and implement retrofit strategies, including external-, cavity- and internal wall insulation, roof insulation and room‑in‑roof systems, over‑cladding, and high‑performance glazing.
* Engage with local authorities, and planning consultants (and heritage bodies where relevant) to secure approvals for facade interventions.
* Conduct condition assessments and material studies, ensuring sustainable preservation of existing building fabric.
Project Delivery & Technical Oversight
* Provide technical leadership throughout RIBA Stages 5 to 7, ensuring buildability, performance verification, and compliance with project specifications.
* Work closely with the project delivery teams, contractors and suppliers to resolve architectural and envelope‑related challenges during construction.
* Support quality assurance processes, including on‑site inspections, performance testing, and commissioning of architectural retrofit and façade systems.
* Develop and oversee post‑occupancy evaluation strategies, assessing thermal performance, airtightness, and durability of architectural elements.
Sustainability & Innovation
* Champion modern methods of construction, low‑carbon facade solutions, integrating circular economy principles, bio‑based materials, and advanced fabrication techniques.
* Research and implement innovative technologies and modular construction.
* Stay updated with evolving regulatory and sustainability frameworks, ensuring compliance with UK Net Zero targets and energy efficiency standards.
What can we offer you?
On offer is a competitive salary, and benefits package, which includes;
* 25 days annual leave (+ public holidays)
* Life Cover equivalent to 3× annual salary
* Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
* Cycle to work scheme
* 2 corporate social responsibility days per year
* Broad range of learning opportunities, such as professional qualifications, collective/individual training, and personalised support programmes
* Attractive Employee Referral Rewards Scheme
* Access to our growing employee networks including WiE (Women in EQUANS), RISE (BAME), LGBTQI+, Working Parents, YPN (Young Persons Network) and our Disability Network
* 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
Who are we looking for?
Experience
* Proven track record in leading facade design and retrofit projects.
* Extensive experience in architectural detailing, envelope engineering, and materials performance.
* Strong background in working across RIBA Stages 2 to 7, ensuring design integrity and technical delivery.
* Knowledge of climate‑responsive facade design and energy‑efficient retrofit strategies.
* Experience mentoring and developing design engineers.
Qualifications
* Degree in Architecture, Facade Engineering, or Building Conservation (MArch/BSc/MSc or equivalent).
* Chartered status with RIBA, IStructE, or Society of Facade Engineering (SFE) preferred.
* Extensive experience in architectural design, facade engineering, and retrofit projects.
* Retrofit Designer Certification or equivalent qualification is highly desirable.
At Equans we’re committed to delivering a culture where everyone’s voice is heard and supported. We know the value a diverse workforce creates, delivering better results for our people, customers, and stakeholders. Diversity and inclusion is at the core of what we do, should you join Equans you’ll find a welcoming and open workplace where you’re supported and encouraged to be your true self at work. You’ll also have access to our growing employee networks including WiE (Women in Equans), RISE (BAME), LGBTQI+, Working Parents, YPN (Young Professionals Network) and our Disability Network.
For this role, you must have evidence of the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a relocation package with this job role. Certain roles may require applicants to undergo a Disclosure check, as noted in the role requirements.
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