We are a profit for purpose company limited by guarantee. In this way we can act impartially to provide social value and sound advice without having to focus on bottom line profit. 

Directors

Panel Members 2023-24

designe ltd – our background

designe Ltd is devoted to generating a strong sense of place in living, working and leisure environments throughout North East England and further afield.

Established in 2009 under the auspices of One North East’s regeneration wing, “Ignite”, the North East Design Review & Enabling Service (NEDRES) was created as one of 12 regional Design Review panels following the model of CABE Design Review, but grounded in the NE, to provide independent impartial advice on proposed developments in North East England: a national service delivered locally.

With the demise of One North East the stewardship of the service fell to RIBA NE as a benevolent host and, now with the RIBA’s regional office function changing, the service has been floated off as a wholly independent business and renamed “designe Ltd” – simply pronounced “design north east”.

We are a profit for purpose company limited by guarantee and in this way we can act impartially to provide sound advice and social value without having to focus on bottom line profit. We work across the public, private and community sectors to drive up the skills and knowledge of all those involved in the development process, promoting good design and encouraging strong client leadership.

designe Ltd achieves these objectives by providing the following services:

• Design Review

• Building for Life 12 Assessments & Training

• Training (bespoke, reflecting clients’ needs)

• Project Enabling and Inception

• Consultancy

Our panel consists of 30+ leading practitioners in all the built environment disciplines: architects, landscape architects, urban designers, engineers, transport planners, sustainability experts, surveyors and more. This represents a mix of highly experienced professionals and emerging talent.

A typical Design Review Panel is generally composed of the Chair plus 3 experts appointed by designe Ltd and varies with a different mix of experts forming the panel on each occasion, to reflect the needs and context of the scheme.

Although not essential, previous experience in design review is desirable, but a strong interest in the subject is essential along with a commitment to observe the seven principles of public life.

We are expanding our panel to reflect the growth and changes in the mix of our work, particularly in Enabling, Training and Consultancy.  Panel members may therefore become involved in the full range of designe’s expanding activites.

designe Ltd’s Design Review Panel meets up to 10 times a year but can also be convened to meet the particular needs of a development’s timetable.

designe Ltd does not make decisions on planning applications, but the weight of its advice will be taken into account by a Council’s Planning Committee - and particularly by the Planning Inspectorate - when considering applications and planning appeals.

How to Apply - If you think that you could contribute to our work then please let us know as follows:

Candidates should apply with a concise CV supported by a covering letter outlining relevant experience and interest in Design Review.

Please email your application to: careers@designeltd.com