Graduate Architectural Assistant - Part 1 (London)

Graduate Architectural Assistant - Part 1 (London)

Full-Time 28000 - 35000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
AECO

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in creating innovative designs and support project delivery in a collaborative environment.
  • Company: Join AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure consulting, dedicated to building a better world.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, professional development, mentorship, and opportunities for impactful projects.
  • Other info: Exciting projects across various sectors with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping sustainable environments and making a real difference.
  • Qualifications: BA in Architecture, proficiency in Revit and Rhino, and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.

Full-time position based in London, UK. Work with Us. Change the World. At AECOM, we’re delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

AECOM’s Architecture + Design (A+D) team is a multidisciplinary collective of architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and masterplanners working collaboratively to deliver high-quality, integrated design solutions. Our London studio is seeking an exceptional and ambitious Part 1 Architectural Assistant to join our growing design team. You will work alongside experienced architects and designers on projects across multiple sectors, contributing to design development and technical delivery while gaining exposure to a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

This role offers a strong foundation for architectural development within a supportive studio environment. As part of our Freedom to Grow philosophy, we support hybrid working. To support learning, mentoring, and collaboration within the studio, we expect employees to be present in the London office 2–3 days per week.

Examples of projects our Architectural team are currently involved in:

  • Aviation – Concept design for a new passenger and equestrian airport terminal in AlUla.
  • Transportation – Framework supplier for the National Transport Authority (NTA) delivering the design of EV bus depots across Ireland.
  • Healthcare – Design and delivery of a state‑of‑the‑art Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre (ADC) at West Middlesex University Hospital.
  • Sport Stadia – Design for a new 25,000‑seat football stadium in the heart of Luton.
  • MoJ & MoD Framework – Multiple projects for government departments ranging from the design of prisons and barracks to complex high‑security buildings and masterplanning defence sites around the world.

Job Responsibilities

  • Assisting in the preparation of conceptual design work and project presentations.
  • Supporting the development of design proposals and feasibility studies.
  • Producing drawings, diagrams, and visual material to communicate design ideas.
  • Supporting the technical delivery of projects, including preparation of drawings and documentation.
  • Participating in design reviews, technical discussions, and coordination meetings.
  • Contributing to multidisciplinary collaboration with architects, interior designers, landscape designers, and other consultants.
  • Assisting with site visits, surveys, and project reviews where required.

Qualifications

  • BA (Hons) Degree in Architecture or equivalent qualification (minimum 2:1).
  • Proficiency in Revit and Rhino modelling.
  • Competent in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; experience with Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop) is advantageous.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly present ideas.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
  • High level of enthusiasm, motivation, and willingness to learn.
  • An employee may be required to obtain UK Government security clearance for certain projects. Eligibility and relevant experience would be advantageous.

Professional Development

Our Graduate Development Programme (GDP), along with our huge scope of projects across the globe, will challenge and inspire you to make a real difference to the world we live in. Our GDP forms a core part of our business strategy globally, designed to develop the best talent across numerous disciplines to lead our business into the future. We have over 750 graduates on our programmes across the UK & Ireland, from over 40 different disciplines, each and every one of them making a tangible difference to the environment we all live and work in.

We will provide you with all the tools and support you need to achieve your professional development ambitions, including Chartership with the relevant international professional institution – where we have graduates working towards over 30 professional institutions in the UK & Ireland. We will push you to achieve the highest standards and expect our graduates to pass their professional review first time. You will be assigned a mentor to support and guide your development, and undertake regular training modules throughout the programme. There will be on‑the‑job technical development and classroom training where required, and the opportunity to work on live client projects, with significant multi‑disciplinary exposure.

Graduate Architectural Assistant - Part 1 (London) employer: AECO

At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our Graduate Development Programme offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and hands-on experience in meaningful projects that make a real impact on communities. With a hybrid working model and a vibrant London studio, we empower our employees to thrive while contributing to transformative design solutions across various sectors.

AECO

Contact Details:

AECO Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Architectural Assistant - Part 1 (London)

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 AECO 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 Graduate Architectural Assistant - Part 1 (London)

Conceptual Design
Project Presentations
Design Proposals Development
Feasibility Studies
Drawing Production
Visual Communication
Technical Delivery

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 AECO!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to AECO. 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 AECO

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 AECO.