Sustainability Lead Architect

An international architecture and design studio is looking to bring in a Sustainability Lead / Sustainability-focused Architect. This is a strategic and hands-on role — someone who can shape, implement and support the studio’s sustainability, ESG and high-performance design approach across UK and EU projects. They’re looking for someone proactive, confident in their technical understanding, and comfortable working within a multidisciplinary team across both new-build and refurbishment work This is the first dedicated sustainability role in the practice, supported by senior leadership. There is an opportunity to draw on knowledge and shared experience from other global offices — but this is a role for someone who wants to take ownership , set direction, and build something properly. If you’re at the stage where you want to consolidate your experience, refine your focus and establish yourself as the go-to sustainability lead in a studio, this offers that space. You’d be joining a globally recognised studio with a genuine commitment to sustainable, high-performance design. The work spans the UK, EU and further afield. This is a chance to have a real influence — to shape how the studio positions sustainability and to help deliver meaningful, tangible outcomes in the built environment. The studio works flexibly with a hybrid set-up and has a supportive, collaborative culture across disciplines. RESPONSIBILITIES Lead sustainability strategy on major EMEA architectural and interior design projects, coordinating with the project teams. Act as the outward-facing sustainability expert and internal champion - representing the studio in client meetings, industry forums, and workshops. Develop and implement sustainability frameworks, ESG objectives, high-performance building targets, and certification goals (e.g., LEED, WELL, BREEAM, Living Building Challenge). Facilitate and lead integrative design workshops across disciplines, translating client operational models and stakeholder inputs into architectural layouts with sustainability embedded. Provide technical leadership in building systems, energy modelling, performance analysis, material selection, climate resilience, and carbon reduction strategies. Coordinate with project managers, architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants to ensure design, regulatory compliance, and project documentation meet the highest standards. Mentor and guide project teams in sustainable design thinking, best-practice processes, and continuous improvement. Stay abreast of EMEA and international sustainability standards, building codes, regulatory requirements, and emerging technologies, and disseminate insights to the studio. Contribute to business development by promoting the studio’s sustainability credentials, preparing sustainability content for proposals/pitches, and identifying new sector opportunities. Monitor and measure project outcomes, including tracking performance metrics, certification progress, and post-occupancy feedback. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sustainable Design, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. 6–15+ years of experience in sustainable design, high-performance architecture, or ESG within an architecture/design practice. Sustainable design accreditations (e.g., LEED AP, WELL AP, or similar) strongly preferred. Proven experience delivering third-party certifications and demonstrating technical fluency in performance analysis, energy modelling, and integrated design. Familiarity with modelling and analysis tools such as Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, Radiance, DIVA, IES VE, Sefaira, EnergyPlus, or equivalent. Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills; able to engage with clients, internal stakeholders, and multi-disciplinary teams. Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and build capability within design teams; collaborative leadership style is essential. Strong understanding of architectural building systems, building science, sustainability standards, and global building codes. Track record of advancing ESG or sustainability programmes at a studio or project level is a plus. Willingness to travel as required for EMEA and international projects.