Principal/Associate AV Consultant (Building Services)

A little more about your role…

The Principal or Associate AV (Audio Visual) Design Consultant will contribute to the development and delivery of high‑quality Audio Visual solutions within WSP UK’s Building Technology Systems (BTS) team. BTS sits at the intersection of technology, engineering and the built environment, offering integrated consultancy across ICT, AV, Smart Buildings, BMS and other technology integration.

This role focuses on the successful technical delivery of AV projects rather than sector strategy. The consultant will provide senior‑level design expertise, guide junior colleagues and ensure coordinated and robust project outputs across all stages of design and implementation.

The individual will lead AV workstreams on assigned projects, work closely with multi‑discipline teams, support client engagement and ensure our designs are practical, well‑integrated and aligned with operational needs. Their work will contribute to the reputation of BTS as a trusted provider of technically excellent and well‑coordinated building technology design.

The role suits someone with substantial experience of AV systems design, including infrastructure development, system schematics, equipment specification, technical documentation and coordination within architectural environments. 

Accountabilities

The AV design consultant will have accountability for project aspects concerning audio-visual elements and the team supporting the discipline. The following are the key areas included within this:

Leadership

• Provide clear and visible technical leadership for AV workstreams, offering advice and direction to project teams and junior colleagues.
• Support coordination across all BTS disciplines involved in building technology projects, ensuring AV designs integrate seamlessly with ICT, Security, BMS and MEP systems.
• Contribute to cross‑discipline collaboration within WSP UK, supporting knowledge sharing, consistency of approach and alignment with broader BTS design principles.
• Build client trust by demonstrating reliability, technical competence and thoughtful design leadership.

Profitability

• Support the delivery of AV design in a manner that maintains project profitability and efficiency.
• Provide accurate and clear and well-reasoned inputs for budgets, project planning and resourcing related to AV design activities.
• Help ensure that design decisions consider value for money, operational needs and buildability aligned with client and project requirements.

Responsibilities

General

• Lead and promote the delivery of technically AV design, ensuring solutions are fully aligned with client needs and building requirements.
• Participate in the assessment and adoption of new technologies, emerging design methods and sustainable approaches to AV systems.
• Support the identification and sharing of best practice across BTS, helping to establish consistent standards for AV design documentation, coordination and delivery.
• Contribute to a positive challenge culture by exploring new methods, tools and solutions that improve quality, efficiency and user experience.
• Build productive relationships with clients, partners and suppliers as a trusted technical advisor on AV matters.
• Support internal improvement initiatives and contribute to the refinement of technical processes within the team.

People

• Support the professional development of junior staff through mentoring, design reviews and technical guidance.
• Encourage training, learning and continued professional growth within the AV discipline.
• Work with BTS discipline leads to support staff development, project delivery and client relationship management.

Sector and Client Development  

• Build strong client relationships based on trust, reliability and technical capability.
• Support early‑stage project activities by helping define client requirements, operational needs and technical options.
• Contribute to bids and proposals by providing clear, accurate and compelling technical input.
• Assist in identifying opportunities within existing or new clients and support teams in securing follow‑on work.

Commercial / Financial Management  

• Contribute to bid, contract and project reviews by providing thoughtful technical insights.
• Help ensure project documentation is clear, accurate and compliant with WSP standards and legal requirements.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Have a demonstrable track record of delivering AV design within the built environment.
• Be recognised for technical capability, with the ability to lead AV design packages independently.
• Have experience developing design documentation including system layouts, schematics, equipment schedules and integration requirements.
• Be able to coordinate AV systems effectively with architecture, heritage constraints, acoustics, MEP and ICT infrastructure.
• Show a practical understanding of AV systems for applications such as hybrid events, immersive or flexible teaching spaces, performance environments and public‑facing venues.
• Be capable of managing design activities, contributing to programme planning and adapting to changing client priorities.
• Have an ability to sketch and communicate technical detail graphically, effectively and clearly to clients, architects, engineers and contractors.
• Have experience guiding junior colleagues and contributing to team capability building.
• Understand current and emerging trends in AV technology, user experience, digital collaboration and building technology convergence.

• Possess or be pursuing relevant qualifications such as CTS or CTS‑D, or have relevant and long-standing industry experience.

   

   

The following skills and capabilities would be desirable for an individual:

• Loudspeaker system design including coverage planning, acoustic modelling and intelligibility considerations
• Audio system design for hybrid spaces, performance environments and multi‑purpose venues
• Video wall and large‑format display design including LED, projection and associated processing
• Understanding of display technologies including pixel pitch, viewing geometry and brightness requirements
• AV over IP design including multicast, VLAN structure, QoS and working with ICT network teams
• Familiarity with Dante, AES67, AVB, ST2110 and similar networked AV standards
• Control system design including user interface logic, device integration and room experience planning
• Signal routing design including switching, distribution, format conversion and digital video protocols
• Integration of collaboration technologies such as Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms
• Coordination of AV infrastructure including structured cabling, containment, power and equipment room needs
• Experience with specialist or immersive environments and experiential technologies
• Production of schematics, rack layouts, wiring schedules and detailed design documentation

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team