Working and Growing with us
Since David Lock Associates was founded in 1988, we have been based in Milton Keynes, one of the most successful planned settlements in the world and a source of inspiration for our work. We value the professional and social benefits of working together in our studio each week, while offering flexibility through hybrid working and a design studio in London. Our team of experts are problem solvers, with the technical skills to deliver sustainable, innovative solutions. As a graduate you’ll be part of project teams, working across our varied project portfolio, with a wide range of clients.
Life here goes beyond our projects. We share our success with the people who create it and invest in our team. Our competitive packages include bonuses, pensions, and medical cover, as well as company-wide study trips, socials, and away days. You’ll be supported in your growth, whether that’s through mentoring, during your accreditation process, attending conferences, or joining networking events that interest you. Build your career with us whilst being part of a supportive and collaborative studio culture.
People
Always at the heart of what we do, people form the places we create and the place that we work. DLA invests in its team through profit share, flexible working, health care, study tours, socials and more. We care about our local community and have a charity group that manages the distribution of the DLA charity fund and organises activities so everyone can get involved in giving back.
Progression
Based on equality of opportunity and seeking to realise individual talents and skills, DLA will support you through your career development. We work in teams of all levels and disciplines led by project managers, which forms a collaborative and constructive working environment. With everyone contributing to work outputs, the opportunity to learn and share pushes on your professional development.
Passion
A passion and commitment to the work we do is how we create successful places. We continue our founder’s vision of bringing together likeminded people, who have a desire to design and plan sustainable communities to provide people with the homes, jobs and services they need.
Places
Our work is driven by creating places. We have a diverse portfolio of projects in the private and public sector, spread across the UK and internationally. We work with our clients, communities, and consultants to design and plan places and have the privilege of being involved in schemes from inception to development. ‘Our place’ is central Milton Keynes, we value having one hub for everyone to come to and share their ideas and work. Being located where we are means we have access and are accessible to so many places.
The things we value
Graduate Events Schedule
We’ll be attending the following graduate fairs and university events, a great opportunity to come and meet some of our recent graduates and hear first-hand about their experiences with us. Whether you’re curious about our projects, workplace culture, or application process, we’d love to chat and answer your questions.
MON 13 OCT
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY:
MA Urban Design Guest Lecture
WEDS 15 OCT
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON:
Bartlett School of Planning Graduate Fair
TUES 21 OCT
UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM:
Urban Planning Society Speed Networking
WEDS 22 OCT
UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL:
Environmental Sciences Fair
WEDS 29 OCT
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON:
Built Environment Careers Fair
FRI 31 OCT
UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER:
Module Presentation
WEDS 19 NOV
UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER:
School of Environment, Education and Development networking event
NOV
OXFORD BROOKES:
Careers Talk in November – Date TBC
Oxford Brookes – Module Lecture – Date TBC
Want to know more
We’re always looking for talented and ambitious graduates to join our team. Whether you’re a planner or a designer, you’ll get the chance to work on real projects from day one, with support from experienced mentors and colleagues.
Apply now sending us your CV (and portfolio if you’re a designer). Get in touch, we’re happy to answer questions, share advice, or talk through what your career with us would look like. Follow our social media channels to get live details on our work experience and recruitment opportunities.