The Head of Architecture & Design, UK & Ireland is a senior leadership position responsible for driving the strategic direction, growth, technical excellence, and market reputation of AECOM’s architecture & design practice. This role leads multi‑disciplinary architectural, master planning, landscape and interior design teams across multiple offices, ensuring design quality, client satisfaction, operational performance, and alignment with AECOM’s wider business strategy.
The Head of Architecture & Design will also play a key role in business development, major pursuits, key client relationships, talent strategy, and practice-wide innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Define and deliver the strategic vision for the Architecture & Design practice across the UK & Ireland.
- Lead, inspire, and develop high‑performing architecture, master planning, landscape and interior design teams across multiple studios.
- Align architectural & design strategy with AECOM’s wider business and growth objectives.
- Champion a culture of design excellence, technical quality, collaboration, and innovation.
- Represent the Architecture & Design discipline within regional and global leadership forums.
Business Development & Market Growth
- Drive market positioning and growth across priority sectors (e.g., Transportation, Defence, Healthcare, Commercial, Education, Mixed‑Use).
- Lead major pursuits, bids, and proposal strategies in partnership with the Work Winning team.
- Develop and maintain senior‑level client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor.
- Identify and pursue new market opportunities, strategic partnerships, and frameworks.
Project & Design Leadership
- Provide oversight on major architectural & design commissions, ensuring quality, risk management, compliance, and design integrity.
- Serve as Design Authority or Technical Reviewer on complex, high‑profile projects.
- Promote integrated, multi‑disciplinary working alongside engineering, digital, planning, and advisory teams.
Operational & Financial Management
- Accountable for practice‑wide financial performance, revenue forecasting, utilisation, and profitability.
- Oversee resource planning, project staffing, and capacity management.
- Implement consistent operational standards, QA/QC processes, and best practice delivery tools.
People & Talent Development
- Lead talent strategy for the Architecture & Design practice including recruitment, retention, succession planning, and early careers development.
- Foster a diverse, inclusive, supportive studio culture.
- Promote professional accreditation, CPD, and career progression pathways.
Digital, Sustainability & Innovation
- Champion digital and AI design tools (Revit, BIM, parametric design, digital twins).
- Embed sustainability principles aligned to AECOM’s ESG and net‑zero goals.
- Encourage research, thought leadership, and new ways of working.