Researcher

COMPANY:

JOB SUMMARY:

apd is seeking a strategic, intellectually rigorous researcher to lead and deliver high‑impact research programmes that inform design processes, public policy and construction across scales. The role demands fluency in qualitative and quantitative methodologies, a strong interest for applied research in built‑environment contexts, and the ability to translate evidence into design strategy, procurement advice and advocacy for diverse clients, government agencies and fellow consultants.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in preparing conceptual designs, diagrams, visualisations and presentation materials.

• Engage in interdisciplinary research projects across topics related to architecture, urbanism, conservation, adaptive reuse, housing policy and socio‑spatial justice.

• Design and run research projects (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) from scoping to dissemination.

• Conduct literature reviews, case studies, comparative analysis, and precedent mapping in architecture, urban planning, conservation, adaptive reuse, and relevant policy arenas.

• Run fieldwork adventures: measured surveys, archival dives, ethnographic walks, stakeholder interviews and pop‑up workshops.

• Turn messy data and lived experience into compelling narratives, maps, models and visual stories that designers and clients actually use.

• Use GIS, remote sensing, statistical tools and creative computation to test scenarios and imagine alternatives.

• Coordinate with consultants to produce conservation management plans, feasibility studies, precedent compendia and public-facing exhibits.

• Partner across teams — architects, planners, sociologists, conservation leads — and embed research into real projects from concept to delivery.

• Participate in grant calls, broker university partnerships, and present at international festivals, conferences and community halls.

• Champion ethical, community‑centred research and keep data smart and secure.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Advanced degree (MA/MSc/MPhil/PhD) in Architecture, Urban Studies/Planning, Conservation, Human Geography, Sociology or similar.

• Strong mix of qualitative and quantitative skills; confident with GIS (Arc/QGIS), R/Python or equivalent, and visualization tools (Adobe, Rhino/Grasshopper, PowerPoint).

• A portfolio of rigorous, well‑told research outputs — reports, maps, exhibitions or published pieces.

• Excellent communicator; skilled at translating research into design strategy and persuasive public-facing content.

• Curious, culturally adept, and ready to roll up your sleeves on site and in the archives.

PLUS POINTS:

• Experience with heritage legislation, adaptive reuse projects, housing/urban policy, or climate adaptation.

• Track record securing funding or managing academic–practice partnerships.

• Fluency in languages used across our regional portfolio.