Layout Designer / Site Planner

Avocet; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible & hybrid work

Supportive studio culture

High-profile residential projects

Career development

Job summary

Avocet, an established Bristol-based architectural practice, is seeking an experienced Layout Designer to develop housing layouts for various site scales. Proficiency in AutoCAD and a solid grasp of UK planning standards are essential.

The role focuses on creating concept to planning submissions, developing masterplans, and collaborating with architects, planners, and consultants within a flexible, hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in residential layout design.
• Proficient in AutoCAD for accurate layout drawings.
• Strong knowledge of UK planning policies, housing typologies, and site planning principles.
• Understanding of space standards, parking provision, and highways design.
• Excellent written and visual communication; able to work independently or in a team.
• Degree in architecture, urban design or related field (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Create residential layout designs in AutoCAD from concept through planning submission.
• Develop site masterplans balancing design quality, policy, technical requirements and viability.
• Collaborate with architects, planners and consultants to deliver housing layouts.
• Ensure designs meet local planning policies and highways standards.
• Produce site plans, feasibility studies and Design & Access Statement inputs.
• Attend client and consultant meetings, site visits and design workshops as needed.
• Respond to design feedback from planning officers, clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Layout design

AutoCAD

Site planning

UK planning policies

Communication

Independent working

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Degree in architecture/urban design or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

InDesign

Photoshop

SketchUp

Revit

GIS

Job description

Layout Designer / Site Planner (Housing Developments)
Location: Bristol, UK
Employment Type: Full-Time
Level: Experienced

A well-established architectural practice in Bristol is seeking an experienced Layout Designer to join its team. The role focuses on the design and development of residential layouts for housing schemes ranging from small sites to large-scale masterplans. This position is ideal for a skilled designer with a solid understanding of UK housing design standards, a practical approach to site layout, and strong AutoCAD proficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality residential layout designs using AutoCAD, from concept stage through to planning submission.

• Develop site masterplans that balance design quality, planning policy compliance, technical requirements, and commercial viability.

• Work closely with architects, planners, and consultants to deliver integrated and well-considered housing layouts.

• Ensure designs meet relevant local authority planning policies, national guidance (e.g. Building for a Healthy Life), and highways standards (e.g. Manual for Streets).

• Produce supporting materials including illustrative site plans, feasibility studies, and Design & Access Statement inputs.

• Attend client and consultant meetings, site visits, and design workshops as needed.

• Respond to design feedback from planning officers, clients, and project stakeholders.

Candidate Requirements

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working on residential layout design within an architectural or urban design practice.

• Proven proficiency in AutoCAD, with the ability to produce accurate and well-presented layout drawings.

• A strong understanding of UK planning policies, housing typologies, and site planning principles.

• Good knowledge of technical design standards related to residential development (e.g. space standards, parking provision, highways design).

• Excellent visual and written communication skills, with the ability to present designs clearly and concisely.

• Comfortable working independently on layout proposals, as well as collaborating within a multidisciplinary team.

• A practical, solution-focused mindset with a commitment to high-quality design outcomes.

Desirable Skills

• Degree or qualification in architecture, urban design, or a related field.

• Experience working on outline and detailed planning applications.

• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign and Photoshop) and SketchUp.

• Understanding of sustainable design, placemaking, and community-led housing design.

• Knowledge of Revit or GIS would be beneficial but not essential.

What the Practice Offers

• Competitive salary based on experience and skills.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

• A supportive and collaborative studio culture.

• Opportunities to contribute to a range of innovative and high-profile residential projects.

• Career development support and progression opportunities.