Procurement: Architecture + Urbanism Framework

Launched in 2023 the Architecture + Urbanism Framework provides a diverse, pre-approved panel of built environment consultants, making it quicker and easier for organisations like councils and housing associations to commission high quality expertise for certain types of public sector projects in London.

The Framework can be used by the Greater London Authority Group and other public sector commissioning authorities across the UK to appoint high-quality architectural, place making and urban planning design services for a range of built environment projects.

It replaces the Architecture Design and Urbanism Panel 2 (ADUP2), first established in 2018. Over its four years the ADUP2 was used by 45 public organisations a total of 163 times to procure over £45m worth of professional services.

We set up the Architecture + Urbanism Framework with Transport for London (TfL) to deliver the best quality building and design work, support the Mayor’s mission-led approach to the recovery of London and address the under-representation of women and people from minority groups by being more representative of London’s diverse population.

There are several key areas of focus including housing and mixed-use development, small sites housing, civic and social infrastructure, town centre renewal, transport infrastructure, landscape and public realm. There is also specialist expertise available in a dedicated ‘Sustainable Cities’ category to support public sector authorities to develop zero carbon and sustainable development research and strategies.

The Architecture + Urbanism Framework is managed jointly by TfL’s procurement team and our Regeneration team. If you are interested in using the Framework or wish to find out more please email [email protected].

Successful suppliers have been assessed across a comprehensive two stage OJEU compliant procurement process to ensure they have the necessary diverse skills and expertise to respond to the inequalities highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic, support and shape a sustainable and equitable recovery, and longer-term transformation for London.

The rigorous assessment process has ensured successful practitioners are highly accomplished with skills such as: responding to the climate crisis and designing for net zero; the creation of social value; supporting economic recovery; and developing inclusive design approaches that champion participation, co-production and meaningful community engagement.

Following completion of the procurement process, which saw 578 submissions from 273 suppliers, the final 96 places on the new Framework have been awarded to 65 suppliers across the 10 different categories of work.

More than half (57 per cent) of suppliers awarded a place on the Framework are ‘diverse-led’ enterprises, meaning at least half of their executive leadership identifies as female, Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, disabled and/or members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Architecture + Urbanism Framework is a key element in the Mayor’s Good Growth by Design programme. Pillar 5 of the GGbD programme is focused on ‘Commissioning Quality’. It is a means of ensuring excellent design quality whilst also maximising long-term value for money and widening participation in public projects. 

The strategic objectives of the A+U Framework are to:

• support the delivery of Good Growth and quality in the built environment across London;
• support the sustainable and zero carbon renewal and recovery of London post Covid-19;
• address the under-representation of women and people from minority groups in public procurement processes and promote equality of opportunity in accessing public sector work;
• showcase innovation in public sector procurement processes and continue to promote best practice in responsible procurement;
• develop and provide a showcase for London’s architecture/built environment sector.

The A+U Framework is organised into 10 different categories of work or ‘Lots’ with each one requiring a particular type of architecture, design and/or urbanism expertise.