Senior inclusive design consultant

Dezeen Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Ownership Trust bonuses

Pension scheme

Free lunch daily

Cycle-to-work scheme

Professional memberships covered (RIBA

ARB NRAC and Access Association fees

Job summary

David Bonnett Associates in London is seeking a permanent senior inclusive design consultant to join its studio. The role centers on delivering projects, leading teams, and shaping practice-wide approaches to accessible design.

You will work with directors, prepare access reports, attend meetings, and support CPD activities while ensuring compliance with UK standards and the Equality Act. London-based, full-time.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of access/inclusive design in the built environment.
• Experience presenting clear Access Reports and Access Statements.
• Active progression toward NRAC accreditation or NRAC accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the day-to-day management of David Bonnett Associates (DBA).
• Be proactive, develop initiatives and set an example for DBA employees.
• Bridge between the wider DBA team and the directors.

Skills

Inclusive design knowledge

Team leadership

Client liaison

Communication skills

IT literacy

Education

Degree in inclusive design, architecture or construction

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

InDesign

Job description

David Bonnett Associates is hiring a senior inclusive design consultant to join its team in London.

David Bonnett Associates (DBA) is an award-winning independent inclusive design and access consultancy and multi-disciplinary practice. DBA provides advice on inclusive design and access to clients and architects working on projects ranging from small grade-listed galleries and landscape schemes to large-scale masterplans, transport interchanges and residential developments.

Since the practice was established in 1994 by Dr David Bonnett, the demand for access and inclusive design has grown, driven partly by legislation and partly by changing social expectations. As recognised experts in the field, DBA contribute to a range of national forums including the Design Council and the British Standards Institute.

With a team of fifteen staff, DBA brings together expertise in architecture, landscape design, conservation, planning and surveying. We operate as a collaborative multi-disciplinary team, combining decades of technical knowledge, lived experience and best practice across the built environment.

DBA has provided advice for a range of projects, including three Stirling Prize-winners — Bloomberg new European Headquarters in the City of London, Burntwood School in Wandsworth and Damien Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery in Lambeth — and historic gems such as the Royal Festival Hall, The British Museum, the Palace of Westminster Parliamentary complex, Government buildings in Whitehall and Buckingham Palace.

Employee Ownership Trust

In 2024, David Bonnett transitioned the practice to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), meaning the business is now 100% owned by its employees. This approach keeps the existing leadership structure in place while giving everyone at DBA a shared stake in its future. As an employee, you become part of a team that not only contributes to the work but also shares in the responsibility and rewards of the business. The move to employee ownership supports a collaborative culture, encourages new ideas and strengthens long-term commitment across the practice.

Senior inclusive design consultant

We are seeking to appoint a permanent senior inclusive design consultant on a full-time basis in our London studio.

This role sits at the centre of the DBA practice, combining consultancy work with a leadership and management focus. You will take responsibility for delivering projects, supporting and guiding team members and contributing to the day-to-day running of the business. The position involves working closely with the directors to help shape how the practice operates, while maintaining high standards across project delivery, team coordination and overall performance.

You will have a background in accessible and inclusive design in the built environment and be keen to support the delivery of projects across the UK, working across a range of sectors. Our work focuses on creating well-designed, inclusive environments that support independence for people with disabilities and those who need additional support.

The role requires strong knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework for inclusive design, along with a solid understanding of local and national standards and planning policy. As most projects are based in London, familiarity with local standards will be useful.

You will contribute to client and design team discussions, prepare access reports and statements, advise on design options and provide practical solutions to technical and policy challenges. The role also includes attending meetings, carrying out site visits and access audits, reviewing architectural drawings, attending consultation/engagement sessions, offering ad-hoc advice, proofreading and supporting CPD presentations.

Preferred qualifications for the role include NRAC consultant-level accreditation or candidates who are actively working towards accreditation. A degree or qualification in a relevant field, such as inclusive design, architecture or construction, would also be advantageous. Experience attending consultation and engagement events, including liaison with access groups and stakeholders, would be beneficial.

Senior responsibilities:

• contribute to the day-to-day management of David Bonnett Associates (DBA)
• be proactive, developing initiatives and setting an example to DBA employees
• serve as a bridge between the wider DBA team and the directors
• attend meetings with the practice directors and associates to ensure continuity and consistency of DBA management practices, which include: project allocation and long-term planning/scheduling of projects and quality control, including establishing the DBA ‘opinion’ regarding ambiguities in the standards and how they are applied
• business development, including marketing and the company ‘image’, working policies and practices, including: proofing consultants’ reports,training new consultants,managing/coordinating staff project support on a day-to-day basis, arranging internal and external CPDs and contributing to fee proposals and budget control

General competencies:

• knowledge and experience of access, inclusive design and the built environment
• a strong commitment to the creation of an accessible and inclusive society, including an understanding of the social model of disability
• knowledge of the legislative and regulatory framework relating to inclusive design, including the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and the RIBA Inclusive Design Overlay
• ability to read and interpret architectural drawings
• ability to liaise with clients and to contribute effectively to client and design team discussions
• ability to present clear and well-reasoned Access Reports and Access Statements for Planning and Building Control
• ability to work independently or as part of a team when required and ability to multitask and work on several projects at the same time
• excellent communication and writing skills with attention to detail
• IT skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and InDesign

Benefits:

• the benefits package includes working as part of a collaborative team within an accessible office in the heart of East London; facilities include an on-site café, courtyards, showers and cycle storage
• competitive salary and Employee Ownership Trust bonuses
• free lunch is provided daily from the on-site café
• the practice offers a pension scheme
• holiday entitlement starts at 25 days and rises to 30 days with years of service
• additional benefits include a cycle-to-work scheme, eye care vouchers and access to the employee assistance programme to support wellbeing
• professional memberships, such as RIBA and ARB, as well as NRAC and Access Association fees, are covered by DBA
• training and development opportunities are provided, including access to CPD and internal presentations
• the practice supports part-time home working arrangements
• the practice holds studio outings, social events along with quarterly events

Permanent applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

David Bonnett Associates is an equal opportunities employer. The practice is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. By supporting an inclusive culture, employees are encouraged to be themselves. Individuals with access requirements are offered reasonable accommodations during both the application process and within the workplace. If you require assistance or access accommodations, you are encouraged to state this in your application.