Junior/Mid-Level Inclusive Design Consultant – David Bonnett Associates

David Bonnett Associates (DBA), an independent inclusive design and access consultancy founded in 1994 by Dr David Bonnett and now owned by its employees, is hiring a junior inclusive design consultant, open to junior and mid-level candidates, for its studio in Hackney, East London. The listing was posted on 21 October 2026 and applications close on 17 November 2026; the salary is not disclosed.

DBA advises clients and architects on access and inclusive design, on projects that range from small listed galleries and landscape schemes to masterplans, transport interchanges and housing. Its team of fifteen brings together architecture, landscape design, conservation, planning and surveying. The practice has worked on three Stirling Prize winners (Bloomberg’s European headquarters in the City of London, Burntwood School in Wandsworth and Newport Street Gallery in Lambeth) and on historic buildings such as the Royal Festival Hall, the British Museum and the Palace of Westminster. It contributes to national forums including the Design Council and the British Standards Institution, and in 2024 it moved to an Employee Ownership Trust.

The role

This is a permanent, full-time post supporting the delivery of projects across the UK and across sectors, with the aim of creating inclusive places that support independence for disabled people and anyone who needs extra support. Most projects are in London, so familiarity with London standards will help.

Day to day, the consultant will take part in client and design team discussions, write access reports and access statements, advise on design options and find practical answers to technical and policy questions. The work also covers meetings, site visits and access audits, reviewing architectural drawings, consultation and engagement sessions, ad hoc advice, proofreading and help with CPD presentations.

Requirements

• Knowledge and experience of access and inclusive design in the built environment
• A strong commitment to an accessible and inclusive society, including an understanding of the social model of disability
• Knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework, including the Equality Act 2010 and the RIBA Inclusive Design Overlay, plus local and national standards and planning policy
• The ability to read architectural drawings and to present clear Access Reports and Access Statements for planning and building control
• Confidence liaising with clients and design teams, working alone or in a team and handling several projects at once
• Excellent written and spoken communication with attention to detail
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat and InDesign

NRAC consultant-level accreditation, or active progress towards it, is preferred. A degree or qualification in inclusive design, architecture or construction is an advantage, as is experience of consultation events and work with access groups and stakeholders.

Benefits include Employee Ownership Trust bonuses, a pension scheme, 25 days of holiday rising to 30 with service, a free daily lunch from the on-site café, a cycle to work scheme, eye care vouchers, an employee assistance programme, paid RIBA, ARB, NRAC and Access Association fees, CPD and training, part-time home working and regular studio events. The office itself is accessible, with courtyards, showers and cycle storage.

How to apply

Send a cover letter covering your relevant experience, why you suit the role and your salary expectations, together with a CV and a portfolio of past and recent work (10 MB maximum), via the application link by 17 November 2026. Only candidates invited to interview will be contacted. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. DBA is an equal opportunities employer and offers reasonable adjustments during the application process; state any access requirements in your application.