Jennifer DIXON
BArch, Dip Arch, RIBA
Jennifer has performed leading roles on some of the worlds most complex & challenging built environment projects. An experienced Architect and Lead Designer, she now works as a Client Adviser to achieve optimum project outcomes. Between 2013 and 2019 she headed the architecture discipine at multidicipinary consultancy AECOM across the EMEA region, directing the design teams servicing public and private sector organisations including Network Rail, Schiphol Airport, Royal Dutch Shell, Novartis, Lend Lease, Heathrow, Dyson, Amazon and Moorfields Eye Hospital.
Jennifer read architecture at the Mackintosh School of Architecture and University of Westminster. She set up her London architecture practice in 1993, which joined Austin-Smith:Lord in 2003, and became principal of Austin-Smith:Lord's London studio. Achievements include AJ Practice of the Year in 2010 and an RIBA Regional Award for a new concert hall in Guildford, in 2011. She has directed teams in a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, arts & culture, heritage and regeneration, hospitality, residential and mixed use.
A dual British and Australian citizen, Jennifer has worked for clients in South East Asia and the Middle East. She maintains a wide perspective of the built environment professions worldwide, and has led global design frameworks for multinational clients. She is known for her energetic and proactive leadership style, combining strategic vision with a capacity for fine detail where required. Passionate about professionalism and the advancement of architectural practice, Jennifer is an elected Councillor of the Royal Institute of British Architects. She speaks regularly at industry events on the role of architects in the multidiscipinary environment.
Education
Mackintosh School of Architecture, University of Glasgow 1980 - 1983 (B Arch);
University of Westminster 1985 - 1988 (Dip.Arch., RIBA Part 3)
Career Roles
UK+I Head of Design, AECOM, 2018-19;
EMEA Architecture Leader, AECOM, 2013-18;
Client Adviser, Dixon Architects 2012-13;
Principal, Austin-Smith: Lord, 2003-2012;
Principal, Dixon Hughes 1993-2003
Appointments and awards
RIBA National Council member 2020-23;
RIBA Regional Award 2012.
Advisory Roles
Private Rental Sector Residential Intensification (2019 – ongoing)
Strategy and brief writing for intensification upgrade of 1970’s housing portfolio for PRS client
Falklands Conservation (2020 – ongoing)
RIBA Client Adviser for development of new offices, research & outreach Facility for conservation charity on 5ha.site at Stanley, Falkland Islands, South Atlantic.
Mid-Century Beach House Restoration for Private Client (2017 – 2019)
Client Adviser for Restoration of a 1967 modernist beach-front house on south coast UK
Novartis Global Design & Construction Framework (2015-2018)
Led the design governance and oversight of the Novartis global design programme on behalf of AECOM, with a responsibility to drive quality and consistency
Waterloo Station Capacity Upgrade (2014 – 2019)
Oversight of architectural teams delivering design and certifying compliance for the upgrade of Waterloo Station including integration of the Grimshaw Eurostar terminal into the main concourse, and platform extensions.
HS2 Phase 1 Line of Route Tender Design Team Selection (2016-2017)
Advised on and implemented the architect and landscape team selection process on behalf of AECOM for one of the tendering consortia for HS2 Phase 1 line of route packages.
PMO support on Middle East transit system (2014-15)
Led architectural team undertaking design team selection and set up, and subsequent technical compliance oversight within the PMO team of a major middle east transit system
BP Pangbourne Design Team Selection (2017)
Supported the BP client team on behalf of AECOM to devise an auditable selection process for designers of a new masterplan for their Pangbourne campus.
Grade 2 Listed House Restoration & Extension, London NW3 for Private Client (2012-13)
Client Adviser for complex restoration and extension of Georgian house in Hampstead, including strategy, brief writing and design team selection.
Acting Practice Principal (2012-13)
Secondment to London based architecture practice (confidential) as acting MD with £170m project workload under construction, covering for founding principal during illness.
Qasr Al Hosn Cultural Quarter, Abu Dhabi, UAE (2008 – 2012)
Strategic lead for brief setting and design of £400m city centre mixed use cultural quarter for Abu Dhabi government department, and member of clients Executive project Board.
Guildford Cultural Quarter, Guildford, Surrey (2006 – 2010)
Brief development, strategic masterplan and business planning support for new cultural quarter for Guildford on the site of the original Civic Theatre. Included design strategies for Guildford Theatre (now G-Live) and new hotel (now Radisson).
Frenson Ltd, Ropewalks Portfolio, Liverpool (1993 – ongoing)
Long term Client Adviser to support clients stewardship and regeneration of mixed use listed building portfolio in Liverpools UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strategic planning and brief writing for multiple projects ranging from £250k to £10m construction value.