At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative buildings that enhance everyday life and serve community needs.
- Company: ADP, a leading architecture firm with a focus on sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, competitive salary, and a people-centred work culture.
- Other info: Diversity is key; we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team creating award-winning projects that make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Strong design skills and knowledge of architectural standards and regulations.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a qualified Architect to help us design a better everyday – one where buildings genuinely serve the needs of the people who use them. If you’re a highly talented designer who’s looking for their next exciting challenge, helping to lead our Edinburgh team, this could be the role for you.
At ADP, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills in a chosen sector or as an all‑rounder, working with our cross‑practice specialists in sectors including residential, commercial, healthcare and education design. You’ll also be able to work on projects that truly benefit their communities, from large laboratory buildings to mixed‑use developments, sensitive refurbishments to envelope‑pushing new builds, £100m high‑profile schemes to local grassroots projects.
Recent highlights include the transformation of an Art Deco Debenhams store into the University of Gloucestershire’s city campus and delivering our award‑winning GP Surgery in Hackney, The Portico. With seven studios across the UK, Cyprus and India and 60 years history, we work collaboratively to deliver buildings that make a real difference. We design around the principles of sustainability, belonging and engagement, rethinking the built environment to create a better future.
Our recent awards include Architect of the Year at the OxProp Awards, Best Student/Pupil Experience Project at the Learning Places Scotland Awards and the AJ Architecture Award for Best Health and Wellbeing Project. ADP is an employee‑owned practice meaning that all staff have a say in how the business is run, and everyone benefits from its success. We know that a healthy work‑life balance is key and in addition to other benefits all staff work a 9‑day working fortnight.
We’re an equal opportunities employer and a gold‑standard investor in people, reflecting our belief that it takes a people‑centred practice to create people‑centred architecture. Diversity is at the heart of our success, and we welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
The Role
- Producing strong effective designs with appropriate competent technical solutions that align with our vision.
- Taking responsibility for the production, coordination and integrity of project specific information.
- Taking responsibility for all project specific quality management tasks.
- Ensuring that all work is prepared in accordance with the practice’s BIM standards and protocols.
- Having a clear understanding of ADP’s scope of services for projects and being aware of applicable change control processes.
- Regularly reviewing the design against the project brief and participating in design reviews.
- Ensuring that service is delivered in accordance with the quality management system.
- Maintaining a clear understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work.
- Maintaining a clear understanding of the current legislation, regulations and standards.
- Maintaining suitable knowledge of sector specific regulations and legislation.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in joining our team, please submit your CV, portfolio and a cover letter to careers@adp-architecture.com with ‘Architect Edinburgh’ in the subject line. Attachments should be in PDF format and no larger than 5MB in size.
Competitive Permanent Full Time
Advert posted 19 July 2026
Practice The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE
t: +44 0 131 229 7545 e: riasinfo@rias.org.uk
RIAS Offices are open from 10am until 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Architect employer: ADP Architecture Ltd
ADP is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee engagement and well-being, offering a unique opportunity for Architects to thrive in a collaborative environment. With a commitment to sustainability and community-focused projects, employees can expect to work on diverse and impactful designs while enjoying a healthy work-life balance through a 9-day working fortnight. As an employee-owned practice, every team member has a voice in shaping the future of the company, fostering a culture of inclusivity and professional growth in the vibrant city of Edinburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Architect
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from ADP Architecture Ltd who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at ADP Architecture Ltd!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to ADP Architecture Ltd. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at ADP Architecture Ltd
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at ADP Architecture Ltd.
