Head of Digital Design | David Chipperfield Architects | London
Type | Full time
This is an opportunity to set up and build a new digital design department. We have been embarking on a digital design change project over the past year and this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of setting out a new digital design future for the practice.
This is a key leadership role that will set out a strategic vision for our digital design processes creating efficiency in digital design workflows so that architectural teams have more time for thinking and delivering great ideas.
A key initial deliverable will be to provide a qualitative assessment of our current digital strategy, propose costed and targeted realignments to enhance the quality and efficiency of our delivery.
You will lead an integrated digital design team including CAD, BIM and visualisation specialists, in providing solutions for effective design representation and delivery tailored to each project’s context and needs. You will work with all project teams in assessing project digital resources, skillsets, and workflows appropriate for design, production and collaboration. You will have the mandate to develop digital design tools and workflow from design, production and collaboration, whilst constantly challenging our current tools and processes.
You will lead on developing DCA internal BIM delivery strategy and work closely with internal working groups to develop appropriate BIM protocols and QAQC procedures. You will work closely with project teams, and other working groups, to develop integrated guidance, training, digital tools, and libraries that facilitate a high level of digital fluency in response to design and technical requirements.
We have an active diversity and inclusion culture at our practice and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. We have an active programme with staff groups to promote awareness and equity around gender, LGBTQ+, racial equality and other diversity positive initiatives. We also encourage all applicants to complete the confidential diversity monitoring form which will help us keep track of how well we are doing attracting a diversity of candidates, please note that this form is confidential and your name and application are not linked to it.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Digital Design Leadership: Give advice and work closely with project teams and their consultants on developing project deliverables and workflows. Collaborate with project teams in developing appropriate digital design strategy for each project including software usage, workflow and training, BIM and CAD set up. Devise digital design training strategy for project teams, in particular digital design champions, for design, production and collaboration
2. Practice-wide digital design excellence: Set up the new department, define, develop and recruit for roles within the digital design team; collaborate on defining project digital design deliverables at project outset; develop digital workflows for various geometrical challenges, in particular between Rhino/ ArchiCAD/ 3DsMax. Develop appropriate standards, templates and guidance for effective digital tooling in 3d modelling, visualisation and BIM tools, and incorporate associated packages, scripts and plug-ins into an integrated visual, digital resource and reference library accessible by all; develop digital training and support programmes; develop a research and development programme to explore digital design tools for sustainable design, effective delivery, and seamless collaboration.
3. Industry digital design connection: Engage with the wider industry’s digital design bodies, maintain current knowledge of emerging technologies, and apply current knowledge of emerging technologies to problem-solving on projects. Promote excellence in continuing professional development and ensure project teams are familiar with emerging ISO protocols and best practices to ensure the best use of computational design resources. Participate in industry activities, conferences, trade fairs, talks, and keep abreast of current technological developments.
Skills Knowledge and Expertise
Prior experience as a BIM manager, working on multiple projects ideally in a design-led practice.
Good experience of being part of a team developing and delivering architectural projects of various scales and complexities
Experience in leading a team and nurturing talent
Excellent level of technical competency and industry knowledge
Advanced level of experience in digital design software platforms and plug-ins, in particular 3D modelling in Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, ArchiCAD, and 3DsMax, in all project stages
Some prior experience in managing a small team of specialists with diverse digital design background
Clarity in communicating strategies, processes to architects and management teams
Experience of inspiring and steering teams towards a desired outcome, effective team and people leadership and management
Developing and delivering on strategic goals, prioritising time and delegating effectively
Benefits
On top of a competitive salary, we offer staff a wide range of benefits: medical cash plan, pension, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, private healthcare, an employee assistance programme, paid professional memberships, site visits, training opportunities (both in-house CPD seminars and external courses), cycle-to-work scheme, and interest-free TFL season ticket loan.
We offer the opportunity to work from home part of the time, and also to work from abroad for up to 30 days a year. We also have a core-hours working policy that allows for flexible start/end times to your working day.
To apply: visit our website