Recruiting the Mayor of London's new Design Advocates

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is recruiting a new cohort of Mayor's Design Advocates (MDAs) - independent experts who will ensure quality buildings and public spaces that benefit Londoners and are at the heart of the capital's recovery from the pandemic.

Sadiq will appoint thirty Design Advocates with a wealth of expertise and skills to support his vision of 'good growth', delivering a more inclusive and sustainable built environment.

The original cohort of MDAs was appointed in 2017 and developed guidance and policy in support of the London Plan in relation to housing design, circular economy, public realm, social infrastructure, urban industry, the child-friendly city and high streets. They have also developed a handbook to support diversity in the built environment profession.

MDAs also design-reviewed more than 150 schemes through the London Review Panel, where the Mayor is investing funding, making a planning decision or supporting local authorities. These have ranged from high profiles schemes like the Tulip, Bishopsgate Goods Yard and the Oxford Street pedestrianisation, to supportive workshops for community groups in receipt of Crowdfunding London funding.

The objectives of the new cohort are quality, recovery, and representation. 'Good growth' is the Mayor's guiding principle for the built environment and sets the direction of the London Plan and all related Mayoral decisions, investments, strategies and policies. The Mayor's office stated that:

'Good Growth acknowledges that Londoners will not accept growth at any cost. Growth of our built environment must be socially and economically inclusive, physically accessible and environmentally sustainable. In the wake of the global health crisis and its ensuing social and economic impacts, these principles have a renewed significance and shape the collective approach to London's recovery.'

Applications should be submitted via the GLA online recruitment system by 15th December.