Orbit appoints Head of Design and Specification

Orbit Homes has appointed Liz Wilson to the newly created role of Head of Design and Specification. This new role, fairly unique in the sector, aims to firmly put the customer at the heart of Orbit’s new home designs.

Liz Wilson, Orbit Homes’ Head of Design and Specification

Liz will work with Orbit Homes’ design and architecture teams to focus on house type design and specification, spatial planning and interiors.  Liz joins Orbit from over ten years at City & Country where she headed up the interior design team.

Commenting on the appointment, Group Director of Orbit Homes, Helen Moore said: “Having worked with Liz previously I knew she would be a great asset to our team. Liz has a unique approach which resonates with what I am trying to achieve at Orbit – creating new homes in which people aspire to live and where customers are treated equally no matter their tenure or budget.

“Liz really focuses on what makes a house a home and her input into our homes and interiors will help us deliver a truly sector-leading product across our entire new build portfolio.”

Liz commented: “I’m joining Orbit Homes at a great time. The business is in the process of launching its new standard design specifications and house types, having already made a firm commitment to RoSPA’s Safer by design; it’s really in a great place.

“My role is now how we build on that, and for me that’s about collaborating across the group to create a great product for our customer whilst purchasing at best value so we can invest more in our services, homes and our communities.

“I believe that a home should be designed for how we really live today - not glitzy show homes which sell an unrealistic ‘aspirational’ view of life, but real homes for real people - homes which are welcoming, warm and where you really do aspire to live. It’s a mix of practicality, design and consumer understanding, and that’s the focus I will be looking to bring to the team.”

Commenting on starting her new role in a pandemic, Liz adds: “What has really struck me about Orbit so far has been the culture within the organisation. Morale is so high, it really is amazing, especially when you consider that we’re in the midst of the pandemic. It says a lot about the ethos of the company and its people. I think knowing that you’re going to work each day to help improve the lives of others is a great motivator, and I’m delighted to be on board.”