NIC looks for new design group member

The specialist body which seeks to inspire, promote and champion design excellence in nationally significant infrastructure projects is looking for a new member.

The National Infrastructure Commission Design Group, established in 2019, is currently formed of nine architects, landscape architects, engineers and urban designers, who together bring experience from across the sectors with which the commission works. 

In this new recruitment round, the group is particularly interested to receive applications from candidates with design experience in the energy sector.

Members of the design group help inform the commission's work, specifically by providing independent advice on design related topics of relevance to commission studies and, presently, the development of the second National Infrastructure Assessment.

Design group chair Sadie Morgan, said: "This is an exciting time to join the work of the commission as it embarks on the second National Infrastructure Assessment. Members of the design group will play a key part in supporting the secretariat and commission as they prepare advice to government on how to address long term infrastructure challenges and consider design implications. At the same time, the group will be taking forward important work to embed the design principles for national infrastructure and to support the appointment of board level design champions on infrastructure projects."

In its 2020 National Infrastructure Strategy, government supported the commission's recommendation for all major national infrastructure projects to have a board level design champion, supported by a design panel where appropriate. The design group is working with the Infrastructure and Projects Authority and others to help implement this policy and share good practice on how the champion role can add value to schemes throughout project lifecycles.

The time commitment will include attendance at four design group meetings per year at the National Infrastructure Commission’s offices (currently in London, although a second office is scheduled to open in Leeds in 2023). In total, the maximum time commitment is 10 days per annum: a daily rate is payable, alongside reasonable travel costs and other expenses.

The appointment will last until 30 April 2024.

Click here for further information and details of how to apply.

The deadline for applications is midday on ​Tuesday 19 April 2022.