Mayor of London Seeks Design Advocates

A 30-strong panel of industry experts is being assembled to “ensure quality buildings and public spaces that benefit Londoners are at the heart of the capital’s recovery from the pandemic”, reports Abode2 luxury property magazine.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is recruiting a new batch of independent experts to help guide the future of the capital’s built environment and skyline.

Known as “Mayor’s Design Advocates”, the 30-strong panel will have a remit to “ensure quality buildings and public spaces that benefit Londoners are at the heart of the capital’s recovery from the pandemic.” They will get £500 a day for their trouble.

The original 50 MDAs were appointed in 2017. They 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 property developments through the London Review Panel – including making judgement calls on high-profiles schemes such as the Tulip, Bishopsgate Goodsyard and Oxford Street pedestrianisation.

The new batch of Advocates will be appointed in March 2022, replacing the existing MDAs. The deadline for applications is 15th December 2021.

Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration & and Skills, Jules Pipe: “We know that good architecture and planning can make a real difference between the places that work – socially and environmentally as well as economically – and those that age gracelessly.

“That’s why we are delighted to be recruiting a new cohort of 30 experts who will use their extensive expertise and skills to help us build back fairer and greener after the pandemic and support our vision for Good Growth in London. We look forward to reviewing applications and welcoming the new cohort in March 2022.”