Environmental Design Analyst – CFD


Role summary
We work closely with the design teams to develop bespoke sustainable strategies 
to improve the environmental performance, from the scale of detailed building 
studies to conceptual masterplans. These strategies address resource consumption 
and environmental impacts along with the comfort, productivity, health and 
wellbeing. We carry out detailed analysis, using state-of-the-art analytical 
software and tools that have been developed in-house. These ensure integration 
of highest performance strategies and their continual refinement and performance 
benchmarking.


Role definition
Job Title: Environmental Design Analyst - CFD
Reporting to: Partner on a day-to-day basis and ultimately to the Senior Partner


Responsibilities
•Running CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations
•Preparing 3D computational models, to allow for CFD simulations
•Post-processing CFD results
•Developing in-house codes for CFD workflows
•Support research into CFD simulations for internal and external aspects of the 
built environment, covering different building physics related problems: indoor 
thermal comfort, HVAC system performance, outdoor thermal comfort, outdoor 
pedestrian wind comfort and safety, passive scalar transport, porous media, 
outdoor pollution dispersion, wind driven rain, etc.
•Devise methodologies for analysis and visualisation of specific environmental 
design problems, especially in relation to wind and air movement
•Advise and support design teams in the integration of environmental design 
concepts and the assessment of building performance, especially in relation to 
wind
•Liaise with other members of the team towards the integration of energy 
efficient/low carbon solutions in shaping architectural form guiding the 
environmental system design
•Support the design process and engineering activities relating to the project
•Support design teams in the use of different environmental simulation tools
•Present analysis results in the form of reports and presentations to clients 
and design teams internally
•Contribute and assist as required
•Thorough knowledge of and compliance with Foster + Partners procedures and 
standards
 
Qualities and skills required
•Able to demonstrate ability to undertake the above responsibilities
•Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering and/or Science related field 
(aeronautical/aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, 
thermodynamics, computational analysis or similar)
•General knowledge of CFD modelling and demonstratable experience in running CFD 
simulations (preferably using OpenFOAM and/or Helyx)
•Understanding of fluid dynamics theory that underlies CFD modelling
•Understanding of aerodynamics and thermodynamics principles, and the ability to 
apply these principles to the built environment and local microclimate
•Willingness to learn and further develop the current CFD workflow process to 
run CFD simulations
•Coding skills in Python or equivalent
•Proficient in Computer Aided Design (preferably Rhino 3D)
•Enthusiasm to pursue Environmental Design and CFD Analysis as the central part 
of the individual’s career development
•Ability to disseminate research knowledge to the Practice
•Good communication and presentation skills
•Able to demonstrate initiative and a proactive approach to daily tasks
•Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
•Excellent organisational skills
•Able to manage sensitive and confidential information
•Self-motivated and able to take responsibility
•Able to manage and prioritise tasks and time efficiently
•Good interpersonal skills and able to work independently and as part of a team
•Flexible attitude


Desirable
•Experience using specific CFD tools/software packages (e.g. OpenFoam, Ansys, 
Paraview etc)
•Knowledge of rendering/visualization tools (e.g. Blender, Omniverse, Unreal)
•General understanding of buildings physics and environmental design
•General understanding of building services and mechanical systems
•General knowledge of the followings: HPC systems, Linux/Unix, Helyx, Excel
•Experience in using InDesign
 
This description reflects the core activities of the role but is not intended to 
be all-inclusive and other duties within the group/department may be required in 
addition to changes in the emphasis of duties as required from time to time. 
There is a requirement for the post holder to recognise this and adopt a 
flexible approach to work. Job descriptions will be reviewed regularly and where 
necessary revised in accordance with organisational needs. Any major changes 
will be discussed with the post holder.