Strategic Design & Narrative Lead – Architecture & Urban Futures

JR United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A globally recognized architecture and urbanism studio seeks a Strategic Design & Narrative Lead. This role revolves around creating compelling narratives and leading design strategies for large-scale urban projects. Ideal candidates will possess significant experience in architecture and urban design, alongside exceptional storytelling abilities that connect context and purpose.

Qualifications

• 8+ years' experience in architecture, urban design, or strategic design.
• Proven experience in high-profile competitions or masterplans.
• Excellent storytelling and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead early-stage design strategy and narrative development.
• Collaborate closely with visualization, urban design, and architecture teams.
• Translate research and client aspirations into strong design briefs.

Skills

Storytelling

Communication

Design Strategy

Contextual Research

Job description

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Strategic Design & Narrative Lead – Architecture & Urban Futures, london

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Client:

Location:

london, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

4

Posted:

16.06.2025

Expiry Date:

31.07.2025

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Job Description:

We’re hiring a Strategic Design & Narrative Lead to join a globally recognised architecture and urbanism studio. This role is ideal for a designer who thrives at the intersection of concept, culture, and communication—someone who sees storytelling as foundational to shaping the built environment.

You’ll work on large-scale urban, masterplanning, and architectural projects, contributing to the earliest stages of design—from positioning and narrative development to competition entries and client visioning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead early-stage design strategy and narrative development across global projects
• Shape conceptual direction for competitions and key project pitches
• Develop clear, compelling narratives that tie together place, context, and purpose
• Collaborate closely with visualisation, urban design, and architecture teams
• Translate research, client aspirations, and cultural insights into strong design briefs
• Contribute to thought leadership and strategic framing across the studio’s portfolio

What We’re Looking For:

• 8+ years' experience in architecture, urban design, placemaking, or strategic design
• Proven experience working on high-profile competitions or masterplans
• Excellent storytelling and communication skills—both visual and written
• Strong grasp of contextual research, positioning, and place identity
• Experience guiding teams through early concept and narrative phases
• Confident presenting ideas to clients, collaborators, and internal stakeholders
• A creative thinker who brings depth and clarity to complex briefs

Bonus Points For:

• Experience in framing RIBA Stage 0–2 work
• A background in communications, design writing, or editorial alongside design
• Familiarity with urban-scale and mixed-use projects in international contexts

Why Join the Team?

This team is designed to be the experimental space of the practice, a place to explore, provoke, and imagine what’s next. Here we connect strategy and creativity to shape design narratives that resonate across cities, sectors, and disciplines. If you’re drawn to work that sits before the brief, where you can help define the big idea - this opportunity and role could be your next step.

If you're passionate about shaping ideas, telling powerful stories, and guiding design from the ground up—we’d love to hear from you