Design Review
Independent expert advice for major built environment projects.
The Design Council pioneered Design Review to help infrastructure providers, local authorities and public sector organisations strengthen the quality, sustainability and long-term value of major projects.
Recognised in the National Planning Policy Framework, Design Review is an independent and impartial process that brings together multidisciplinary experts to provide constructive challenge and practical advice.
Design Review reduces risk and maximises benefits by engaging stakeholders and citizens early, designing for environmental and social outcomes, and unlocking wider place-based economic growth.
Whether you are developing a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), major transport scheme, utility project or strategic regeneration programme, we can help you embed good design from the outset and demonstrate a commitment to creating places that work for people, place and planet.
Choose the right level of support
DESIGN REVIEW ADVISORY
To help project teams explore the role of design in achieving strategic objectives, identify opportunities for improvement, and understand how design thinking can support better outcomes.
EXPERT DESIGN REVIEW
A comprehensive peer review process led by a panel of Design Council Experts. Through independent assessment and constructive feedback, the panel identifies strengths, challenges and opportunities, helping teams enhance design quality and improve project outcomes.
How Design Review works
1
Shape the review
We work closely to shape the review around the specific challenges, priorities and stage of development of your project.
2
Bring in the right expertise
For Design Review Advisory, we match the project with the expertise needed to explore the challenge. For Expert Design Review, we convene an independent, interdisciplinary panel with relevant experience.
3
Explore or review
Explore the role design can play and identify opportunities for improvement including:
Design quality and placemaking; Architecture, landscape and public realm; Transport and highway design; Environmental sustainability and resilience; Community impact and social value; Long-term operational and economic outcomes
4
Turn insight into action
We provide independent expert insight that supports confident decision-making, embedding good design and strengthening the quality of project outcomes (helping to achieve Development Consent Order).
Impact
Our Design Reviews help raise design ambition across infrastructure and public sector projects, supporting the delivery of more sustainable, resilient and community-focused outcomes.
Trusted Partners
