Design review panel
The panel offers the council and applicants, independent design and architecture advice on:
- development proposals that may significantly affect the urban design of Hackney
- major or strategic scheme planning applications
- council frameworks and initiatives with urban design implications
- significant and strategic issues and policies
Join the panel
We are currently recruiting new panel members to join the Hackney design review panel to help maintain high-quality development in the borough.
We are looking for professionals with a knowledge of the borough and expertise in a range of disciplines including:
- architecture
- urban design
- landscape and public realm
- building conservation and heritage
- sustainability and climate change mitigation
- engineering
- biodiversity
- town planning
- other built environment professions
If you’d like to join the panel, send your CV to DRP@hackney.gov.uk and complete our online application form:
Applications are open until Sunday 11 May 2025 at 11.59pm.
We aim to have a panel that reflects the diversity and inclusivity of the borough. We welcome a wide range of applications from a diverse background.
The panel is an independent body and panel members are not directly employed by the council.
We pay panel members an hourly fee for participating in design review sessions.
For more information on how the panel works, read the terms of reference in the section below.
Terms of reference
See design review panel terms of reference (PDF 17.4mb).
Selection of schemes for design review
The opportunity to present a scheme to the panel will be by invitation only. Schemes will be selected using the following criteria:
- major or strategic sites
- controversial or difficult sites due to impact on the public realm
- sites with special significance to the local area and interests
- sites which have the potential to significantly add to the quality of urban design in the area; and
- schemes involving community or public use
Panel chairs
Testimonials
Gary Rawlings, Make Architects
“We presented 145 City Road to the Hackney design review panel twice. On both occasions we found the feedback constructive and well informed. The changes that were implemented following these comments were a positive contribution to the project and we have been able to use these to further develop the scheme”.
Russell Brown, Hawkins\Brown
“The design review panel has achieved a great deal since it started – it has evolved a distinct style of honest, pro-active and passionate operation that reflects the unique character of Hackney, and the planning authority’s determination to attract the best designers to the area.”
“The Hackney Awards have helped support and inform the whole design review process in the Council – reminding people of the end results of the planning process that works hard to encourage great, modern design.”