At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative designs and collaborate on exciting retrofit projects across the UK.
- Company: Rapidly growing architectural practice with a focus on developer-led projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexitime, company pension, and work-from-home options.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with clear progression opportunities and exposure to diverse projects.
- Why this job: Join a formative team and shape the future of architecture with direct mentorship.
- Qualifications: Strong design skills, AutoCAD experience, and a passion for residential projects.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
A rapidly growing, developer-led architectural practice specialising in the retrofit, reuse, and conversion of existing buildings across the UK is looking for a Part II Architectural Assistant to join their team. They work with property developers, investors, and professional clients to deliver fast, commercially intelligent architecture, starting with data-led feasibility studies and progressing through concept design, planning, technical delivery, and construction support.
The practice is currently rebranding and repositioning as a feasibility-first, developer-led architecture studio, with ambitious growth plans over the next three to five years. This role is a rare opportunity to join the practice at a formative stage and work directly alongside the founder, shaping the front end of projects and the future direction of the business.
They are seeking a Front-End Architectural Assistant/ Design Architect to support and eventually lead the early-stage design and feasibility phases of their projects. Initially, you will work closely with the founder, shadowing them on live projects, feasibility studies, and client discussions. Over time, you will take increasing responsibility for front-end design, client interaction, and concept development, with the opportunity to see projects through from feasibility to completion where appropriate.
Key Responsibilities- Producing initial sketch schemes and concept layouts for a wide variety of projects, including:
- Commercial-to-residential projects
- Flats, HMOs and large co-living schemes
- Residential conversions and retrofits
- High-end residential refurbishments
- Supporting and contributing to early-stage feasibility studies, including:
- Layout testing
- Capacity and density studies
- Options appraisals (Option A, B, C)
- Working closely with clients at the early stages of a project, helping translate brief, budget, and commercial objectives into viable design solutions.
- Developing projects from feasibility through concept design, and where required, continuing through planning and technical stages.
- Collaborating with the wider team, including technical and interior design, to ensure early design decisions are robust, compliant, and buildable.
- Gradually taking on more responsibility as a lead front-end designer, with clear progression as the practice scales.
- Opportunity to work with founder to build a front end design team as the practice grows.
- An Architect or experienced Part 2 with strong concept and spatial design ability.
- Confident producing hand sketches and early-stage layouts (iPad or similar).
- Experience working on UK residential or conversion projects.
- Comfortable engaging with clients and communicating ideas clearly and professionally.
- Commercially aware, with an interest in how design decisions affect viability and value.
- Highly organised, punctual, and reliable.
- Ambitious, driven, and keen to progress quickly within a growing practice.
- Happy to be office-based initially and work closely with the founder.
- AutoCAD experience is required. Experience with Revit or other software is beneficial but not essential.
- Direct mentorship from the founder of a nationally recognised, developer-led practice.
- Hands-on involvement in feasibility, concept design, and early client engagement.
- A clear path to becoming a lead front-end architect as the practice grows.
- Exposure to a wide range of commercially driven retrofit and conversion projects.
- A fast-paced, ambitious environment where good ideas are implemented quickly.
- Salary transparency with clear progression as responsibility increases.
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- Referral programme
- Work from home
- Excellent salary and package to suit
Architectural Assistant Part II employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Architectural Assistant Part II
✨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 All The Top Bananas 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 Architectural Assistant Part II
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 All The Top Bananas!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to All The Top Bananas. 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 All The Top Bananas
✨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 All The Top Bananas.
