Careers in health and wellbeing within the built environment

Discover careers in health and wellbeing within architecture, engineering, and the built environment, and learn how the Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc prepares you for success.

As awareness grows of the built environment’s impact on our health, demand is rising for professionals who can design and manage spaces that prioritise health and wellbeing while addressing sustainability challenges. Graduates of the Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc at UCL are uniquely equipped with the interdisciplinary expertise to lead in this evolving field. In this article you can learn more about health and wellbeing jobs in architecture, engineering, inclusive design, research and consultancy.

Architecture jobs with a health and wellbeing focus 

Architects who specialise in health and wellbeing collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design buildings and places that enhance human health while being environmentally sustainable. This might involves designing residential, commercial buildings or urban developments that prioritise indoor air quality, lighting, acoustics, and thermal comfort. 

Graduates with expertise in health, wellbeing, and sustainable buildings can pursue rewarding careers in architecture, specialising in designing places and spaces that enhance occupant health and environmental sustainability. These roles are found in a range of organisations, from small practices to large international studios. 

These roles include: 

• Health-focused architectural design: Designing residential, commercial buildings or developments that prioritise indoor air quality, lighting, acoustics and thermal comfort. Roles are found in both small practices and large international studios. 
• Retrofit and adaptive reuse: Redesigning existing structures to improve health outcomes, integrating modern technologies like advanced ventilation and insulation. These roles are common in sustainable design firms.  
• WELL or BREEAM-certified architecture: Leading or advising on projects to achieve health and sustainability certifications, ensuring compliance with standards and integrating wellbeing criteria into design processes. 

“[Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc] helped me understand the WELL building standard, and its cutting-edge guidelines which aid in designing safer and environmentally sound spaces and overall a more human centric outlook to my designs” – Gomathi Krishnamoorthy, Architect after graduating 

Environmental and sustainability engineering

Environmental and sustainability engineers play a crucial role in designing buildings that reduce environmental impact while promoting health and wellbeing. Their work involves developing innovative solutions that address air quality, energy use, and overall environmental performance in the built environment. 

Graduates with expertise in health, wellbeing, and sustainable buildings can pursue fulfilling careers in this field, applying their skills to create healthier and more sustainable buildings and spaces. These roles are found across a variety of organisations, including environmental consultancies, engineering firms, and government bodies. 

These roles include: 

• Sustainability, environmental and health impact assessment: Identifying and mitigating risks to human health through comprehensive assessments of building and urban projects. 
• Air pollution strategies: Designing systems to reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution, such as advanced ventilation technologies and green infrastructure. 
• Renewable energy integration: Incorporating renewable energy solutions into building designs to support long-term sustainability goals. 

Inclusive design jobs 

Inclusive design professionals focus on creating buildings and spaces that are accessible, safe, and welcoming for all, regardless of age, ability, or background. These roles involve ensuring that designs meet accessibility standards while fostering environments that promote equity and inclusion. Graduates with expertise in health, wellbeing, and sustainable buildings are well-suited for these positions, working on projects that integrate universal design principles and user-centred approaches. 

These roles can be found in architecture and design firms, urban planning consultancies, and organisations specialising in accessibility and inclusive practices. Responsibilities may include: 

• Designing spaces that accommodate diverse physical and sensory needs. 
• Advising on accessibility compliance and inclusive design standards. 
• Conducting user research to inform equitable building and space design. 

 Inclusive design careers offer the chance to make a tangible difference in improving lives through thoughtful and equitable built environments. 

Research roles in health and wellbeing

There are numerous research careers that span academia, industry, and independent organisations, focusing on the impact of the built environment on human health and sustainability. Researchers in this field influence policy, design innovation, and building standards, with opportunities to specialise further by pursuing a PhD. 
 
Graduates with expertise in health, wellbeing, and sustainable buildings can work in: 

• Academic roles: You can undertake a PhD to deepen your expertise, contribute to groundbreaking research, publish findings, and teach future professionals. 
• Industry research: you might work in innovation, research and development departments to create innovative strategies and systems that enhance health and sustainability within the built environment sector. 
• Independent research and consultancy: Collaborating with think tanks, NGOs, or consultancies to study and address global challenges in health and the built environment.  

“When I first approached Delos, they were pretty interested in my education background. During the interview process, they showed great interest in my dissertation project which involved a small lab design on biophilia and my knowledge of inclusive design. As a result, they offered me the job as an analyst at research team referred to as the Delos Labs.” - Huizhong Luo, Healthy Buildings Researcher at Delos after graduating. 

Gain the skills needed for your future career

The Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc ensures graduates have the skills to succeed in engineering roles by offering: 

• Training in sustainable building design approaches and methods 
• A strong focus on the relationship between architectural and engineering decisions on occupant health and wellbeing
• Opportunities to work with interdisciplinary teams on real-world challenges. 

Learn more about Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc