Practice Innovation & Delivery Lead

JA Projects; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent architecture studio is seeking a leader for its Practice Innovation & Delivery role. This position emphasizes design systems, technical quality assurance, and innovation in practice. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in architectural leadership, overseeing practice-wide standards and supporting project teams with complex technical matters. This role offers flexibility in working days and a competitive salary based on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in architectural practice leadership.
• Strong understanding of design systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee practice-wide design systems and innovation.
• Ensure technical quality assurance processes.
• Manage risk and escalation oversight.
• Plan resources and coordinate workflows.
• Provide light-touch mentorship.

Skills

Technical quality assurance

Risk management

Resource planning

AI innovation

Mentorship

Job description

Practice Innovation & Delivery Lead

Design Systems, Technical Quality & Practice Performance

JA Projects is seeking a senior architect to join the studio in a practice-wide leadership role. This position focuses on design systems, technical quality, and practice performance, supporting the continued growth and resilience of the practice.

The role carries authority to set and evolve practice-wide standards, workflows, and quality assurance processes, while supporting project teams on complex technical and delivery matters.

Key responsibilities

• Practice-wide design systems and innovation (including AI)
• Technical quality assurance and post-issue review
• Risk management and escalation oversight
• Resource planning and workflow coordination
• Light-touch technical mentorship

This role is not responsible for design authorship, highest-level client relationships, HR processes, or final commercial decisions.

Start date: February / March 2026 (with flexibility)

Working pattern: 3–5 days per week (by agreement)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience and days
Location: London (with flexibility)

How to apply

Please send the following documents to [e-mail] with the subject reference ‘Practice_Innovation_and_Delivery_Lead’. Please note that applications sent to any email address or platform other than the designated one will be disregarded.

• Covering letter, outlining (one A4 page)
  • Your reasons for applying
  • Contribution you seek to make.
• CV (one A4 page, double-sided)

DEADLINE: Thursday 29 January 2026

Early applications are encouraged; however, we expect most submissions in January. For more detailed information about the role, please visit our website.

About JA Projects

Founded by Jayden Ali, JA Projects is a London- and New York-based architecture and urban design studio delivering large-scale mixed-use development, housing, estate regeneration, and masterplanning alongside internationally recognised cultural projects. The practice combines technical rigour with a strong social and cultural agenda, shaping cities as well as experiences.