Architect Design Services (ADS2)
Framework Description
LHC London and South East Procurement's Architect Design Services (ADS2) framework is the successor to ADS1 and focuses on architectural services for Greater London's public sector. It is a framework agreement, not a Dynamic Purchasing System, running to 10 May 2030. More than 90% of appointed firms are SMEs and 67% are small or micro businesses, with Lot 7 a dedicated pathway for practices with turnover under £1 million.
Context & Use Case
London boroughs, social landlords and other Greater London public bodies use ADS2 to appoint architects for housing, education, community and other public projects. The framework supports underrepresented, emerging and SME practices, and every appointed firm must pay London-based employees and subcontractors at least the London Living Wage. It replaces ADS1 and ADS1.1 for these clients.
Scope of Services
Lot 7: Micro and Small practice pathway (turnover under £1m) Other lots, each with two places reserved for Micro/Small practices Supporting disciplines commissioned through architect leads Social value: wellbeing, social mobility and environmental enhancement
Lots
Lot 7 - Dedicated pathway for Micro and Small architectural practices (turnover under £1m); Other lots - two spaces per lot reserved for Micro/Small practices
Who Can Apply
Architectural practices with Greater London experience, particularly SMEs and emerging firms. ADS2 is awarded and applications are closed, so practices not appointed cannot join now; the next chance will be a re-tender or any refresh LHC publishes through its eTendering portal, likely approaching 10 May 2030.
Buyer Benefits
London clients get access to a diverse pool of architects, including small practices that rarely appear on large frameworks, with London Living Wage and social value built in. Reserved places for micro and small firms mean buyers can support local practices while staying compliant.
Next Steps
Appointed practices should keep London Living Wage compliance and social value commitments up to date and respond quickly to call-offs. Others should check LHC's ADS2 page and eTendering portal for any refresh, and build a portfolio of London public sector projects and social value evidence for the next round.
How Athena Can Help
For appointed practices, Athena can help you win more ADS2 call-offs. Our architecture bid writing presents your design approach, team and social value clearly, with competitor scoring and fee proposals that win.
For practices outside ADS2, our architects' framework registrations service finds other design frameworks open now, and our small practice bid support helps micro and small firms prepare for the next LHC round. We also review drafts with a Bid Health Check, so weak answers are fixed before submission.
