Timber Housing Design Innovation Lead (KTP Associate)

This post is full-time, 35 hours per week and is fixed-term until November 2028

Primary location: PLP Architecture, The White Chapel Building,10 Whitechapel High St, London.

Secondary location: School of Architecture and Cities, Marylebone Campus, London.

This KTP Associate role must be undertaken on a full-time basis by a single appointed candidate. Job share or part-time arrangements are not possible. Due to the collaborative and practice-based nature of the role, the post is expected to be primarily office-based, with limited flexibility by agreement.

The University of Westminster and PLP Architecture are seeking a curious, creative and resourceful individual with strong initiative to develop a commercially viable, flexible, and affordable housing typology using engineered timber and flexible partitions over the course of a 32-month UKRI -funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership.

PLP Architecture is a London-based studio of architects, designers, and researchers. The practice has produced some of the world’s greenest, most intelligent, and boundary-pushing designs, with project values ranging from £4 million to £1 billion. The studio is supported by its in-house research and innovation group, PLP Labs, which is a vehicle for exploring more sustainable and healthy futures.

The Associate will develop:

1. a bio-based architectural prototype with integrated flexible timber partitions and a methodology for engaging communities, clients, planners, lenders, insurers, and other critical stakeholders;
2. a guide for implementing the building model within UK and international supply chains;
3. A library of interchangeable bio-based materials tailored to varied regional and climatic contexts.

A core part of the role will involve leading the digital design, rapid prototyping, and fabrication of the flexible partition system and housing prototype. The Associate will test, iterate, and refine prototypes within fabrication lab environments, ensuring technical performance and compliance with UK building regulations.

The role will suit a candidate with an MSc, MArch, PhD or equivalent expertise in Engineering, Architecture, or similar. The associate will be employed by the University of Westminster and will be based at PLP Architecture. UKRI will provide mentorship support. 

This is a full-time role. It includes funding for training and professional development, as well as a possible route for global talent visa sponsorship. The Associate will be based principally at PLP Labs (London) and be expected to work at the University of Westminster for the equivalent of 1 day every fortnight. The anticipated salary for this role is between £47,034 and £51,246 per annum (incl. LWA), based on experience.

To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply' above. Further information can be found in the job description and person specification, which can be accessed through this link too.

At the University of Westminster, diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity are at the core of how we engage with students, colleagues, applicants, visitors and all our stakeholders.

We are fully committed to enabling a supportive and safe learning and working environment which is equitable, diverse and inclusive, is based on mutual respect and trust, and in which harassment and discrimination are neither tolerated nor acceptable.

The University has adopted Smart Working principles to support and further our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion aims of being an inclusive, collaborative and flexible employer. Further details of Smart Working can be discussed at interview stage.

Closing date: midnight on 1 February 2026

Interviews are likely to be held on: 5^th February 2006

Administrative contact (for queries only): Recruitment@westminster.ac.uk

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