At the end of May Southwark Council had a groundbreaking announcement with their ADS framework. The goal of the project is to open up public sector jobs to more architects. What makes it so amazing is the fact that 110 teams can take part. This is a huge amount of talent and represents the best architects London has to offer.

Procurement

The Architect Design Services framework will procure around £10.5million of the design services for Southwark every year. This will last all the way until 2025. LHC will oversee the procurement, helping to create contracts.

New jobs

The greatest thing about the ADS is that it will open up more jobs for architects. For starters there will be approximately 50 new ones within the next two years. The number could rise to far more in the future because Southwark Council will look to build 11,000 new council homes by 2043.

The first group of new projects will be very diverse and appeal to architects with an array of different skills. For example there will be infills for small sites across the Borough. This can help make new housing on land that is currently not in use rather than taking up Greenfield sites. On top of this there will be more rooftop schemes to build up existing properties. There will also be entire new estates.

Good design

Involving so many high profile architects is a great idea. It showcases that Southwark is looking to change culture and promote good design as the ultimate goal. The end result will be better quality buildings, from new homes to public properties and commercial spaces.

In total there were 365 applications from architects to join the ADS. The field was narrowed down to the final 110 organisations and 141 positions. The latter cover everything from masterplanning to education and community, new homes to commercial and industrial. There are also appointments for conservation and heritage.

Architects in London

Coffey Architects was very happy to secure appointments in the ADS. Firstly, we have one for projects for new homes with values between £5m and £20m. The second is commercial and industrial projects with values between the same values.

If you want to work with some of the best architects London has, why not speak to Coffey? Our team are creative so we can find an innovative solution for any issue you may have.