0207 048 3304
0131 608 4553
Upload CV
Submit a Job Brief
Built Environment
Connecting talented creative professionals with leading firms within the built sector including construction, architecture, and interior design.
of creative candidates placed in architecture and design roles within 6 weeks.
of our built environment talent pool works with GKR exclusively.
of placements are mid-to-senior level roles, demonstrating our senior talent expertise.
Introducing the Built Environment team:
GKR expanded its services in 2021 to include specialist architecture and design recruitment across the built environment. This growth has extended our reach into Europe and the Middle East, establishing GKR as a truly global brand.
The built environment is experiencing one of the most significant transformations worldwide, and our clients require deep specialist knowledge to secure the best talent. As one united business with a shared vision, we aim to be the most effective talent partner in the property and built environment sectors globally.
Latest Built Environment Jobs
Share your CV:
Common Built Environment Questions
Our expertise spans a variety of roles, including architects, urban designers, interior designers, and professionals within the broader built environment. We're dedicated to connecting talent with opportunities that shape the physical world.
Our team is always on hand to discuss further. Currently, there's a growing demand for professionals with expertise in sustainable design, digital architecture, and urban planning, reflecting the evolving priorities in the built environment.
Highlight your key projects, emphasising creativity, sustainability, and problem-solving skills. Showcase your proficiency in relevant design software and any specialised experience that sets you apart in the field.
Career paths often begin with roles such as junior architects or designers, advancing to senior positions, project management, and even leadership roles. We provide personalised guidance based on your unique career goals within the built environment.
Timelines vary, but we aim for an efficient process. From initial contact to final interviews, the recruitment process typically takes four to six weeks, ensuring thorough assessments and informed client decisions for roles within the built environment, architecture, and design.
Our Built Environment Clients
Director of Mission Critical
- GKR worked exclusively with a long standing, international client to secure a new sector leader for their growing Mission Critical business, based in London covering EMEA
- The scope of the headhunt proved extremely specialised, combining a niche talent pool with demanding role requirements
- The Exec Search Team mapped the Mission Critical sector globally at leadership level, creating a shortlist with encompassed UK & International talent
- Through a four stage interview process, GKR were successful in relocating a leadership candidate from a direct competitor. From brief to securing the candidate, the timescale was 12 weeks.
International Design Firm
Workplace Strategy Director
- GKR worked exclusively with a Director level candidate within the Workplace Strategy market, a complex and small niche within the wider workplace & real estate market.
- Through this representation, we assisted in mapping the market for said individual and created a shortlist of existing GKR clients as well as new “wish list” firms who could utilise the individual’s experience across the sector.
- With various confidential conversations taking place, we identified three suitable opportunities and proceeded to partner with the candidate through the interview process with each firm.
- The Director was successfully offered a role within 10 weeks of initially engaging GKR.
Architecture & Interior Design Consultancy
Interior Design Project Leaders
- GKR worked exclusively with a Director level candidate within the Workplace Strategy market, a complex and small niche within the wider workplace & real estate market.
- Through this representation, we assisted in mapping the market for said individual and created a shortlist of existing GKR clients as well as new “wish list” firms who could utilise the individual’s experience across the sector.
- With various confidential conversations taking place, we identified three suitable opportunities and proceeded to partner with the candidate through the interview process with each firm.
- The Director was successfully offered a role within 10 weeks of initially engaging GKR.
Multidisciplinary Design Studio
Senior Interim Interior Designer - Workplace
- GKR collaborated with award-winning workplace architecture and design firm, seeking an interim senior interior workplace designer to work on a contract basis.
- With a new project on the horizon, a firm timeline was provided with urgent support needed with a proven track record of successfully seeing workplace projects through from conception to completion.
- GKR assisted by mapping the market, shortlisting candidates and providing portfolio's that demonstrated the requirements of the position.
- As a result of successfully reaching out to our connections utilizing our resources and through streamlined communication GKR were able to fill this role within 10 working days.
Award winning Interior Architecture Consultancy
Project Director
- GKR worked exclusively with an award-winning international design practise with their search for a Project Director within the Architectural Defence space.
- Mapping opportunities across the market place by working closely with an exclusive candidate pool, we were able to effectively align desired skillsets and experience with our clients growth needs, creating a bespoke role to tailor their business strategy and project planning processes.
- With support and insights provided from GKR, the Project Director successfully started within the role within 8 weeks of their first conversation with GKR.
Award-winning Design Firm
Meet the Built Environment team
Bradley Hellier
Bradley joined GKR with experience in the residential real estate sector, giving him a strong understanding of the industry and its talent landscape. Since joining the business, he has developed his career within property recruitment and now works closely with clients and candidates across the residential market. Bradley brings a combination of sector knowledge, market insight and a relationship-led approach to recruitment.
Grant Kaveney
Grant Kaveney founded GKR in 2010 following a successful career building recruitment businesses in South Africa. He established GKR with the ambition of creating a specialist recruitment business focused on the property and real estate sectors. Grant continues to provide strategic leadership across the business, with a focus on growth, client relationships and the continued development of GKR’s international executive search offering.
Lee Riley
Lee joined GKR following almost seven years’ experience within the property sector, initially supporting the growth of the residential recruitment division. He has since developed extensive experience across property recruitment and senior-level appointments, working closely with clients and candidates throughout the market. Lee focuses on building long-term relationships and delivering RPO solutions, executive search, and international outsourced recruitment solutions aligned with both client requirements and real estate market conditions.
Peter Wallis
Peter joined GKR in 2019 to build and expand the professional services recruitment division across the commercial and residential real estate sectors. He focuses on leadership and executive roles across marketing, finance, legal, technology, and design. His deep network connects top-tier market experts with a wide variety of business consultancies, property developers, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and agencies.
Michael Woda
Michael joined GKR in 2014 as one of the company’s first key hires, bringing eight years’ experience within residential property and leading London agencies. He has played a central role in developing GKR’s residential recruitment offering and launched the company’s Edinburgh office in 2024. Michael now leads residential recruitment across the North West, working closely with clients and candidates as a trusted recruitment partner, including fast-growth strategies and executive search appointments across the region.
We specialise in five key sectors
-
Commercial
The commercial team provide permanent and contract services to leading property and construction consultancies in the Private & Public Sectors as well as developers, banks and funds.
Read more.
-
Residential
With experienced consultants and ex-property professionals in one team, they are market experts working with High Street Agents, Corporate giants, Developers and Investment Agencies.
Read more.
-
Property Management
With first-hand experience in the field, we represent estate agencies, managing agents, private investment portfolios, commercial mixed-use developments, facilities services, student accommodation providers, and investment funds, supplying expert property management professionals tailored to their specific needs.
Read more.
-
Built Environment
The team have worked hard to develop long standing relationships with practices ranging in size, niche and specialism throughout the design and build industry delivering both permanent and professional interim/contract solutions.
Read more.
-
Professional Services
We recruit professionals in finance, legal, compliance, advisory, administration, and sustainability for estate agencies, managing agents, private portfolios, commercial developments, student housing, and investment funds.
Read more.
