Office Fit-out Project Architect /Design Manager

For this role you will need:

• Display strong leadership in directing and coordinating design teams (internal and external).
• Inspire your team to design aspirational projects that are both innovative and creative in their resolution.
• Nurture existing client relationships and seek out new potential sources of work.
• Log and maintain all relationship development activities in the company CRM.
• Leading and writing fee proposals / bids.
• Log and maintain all pipeline and live projects on the company Bid Tracker.
• Assist with and take on some of the studio administration tasks such as resource management and invoicing.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring exceptional communication.
• Present work to clients in an inspiring, engaging, professional and creative manner.
• Act as both manager and mentor to members of the team to promote a collaborative atmosphere.
• Proactively develop high quality spatial, architectural and operational designs both independently and within the studio to meet the vision of the practice and client’s brief.
• Prepare and review project programming and project delivery objectives.
• Ensure your projects are fully resourced and project deadlines are met.
• Ensure projects are delivered within the fee parameters, reporting back data where projects are at risk.
• Log and maintain all risks on the company Risk Register.
• Inform the Directors of any significant risks to the business immediately.
• Drive exceptional quality in both graphical, technical and 3D output as well as the final built result.
• Continuously look for and implement opportunities to increase efficiencies and improvements in operational and design terms across the practice.
• Strong understanding of regulatory standards (Building Regulations, health & safety standards, and planning legislation).
• Keep up to date with registration and charter requirements (ARB / RIBA / CIAT).
• Uphold and implement requirements for ISO 9001 / 14001.
• Maintain and ensure business, client and project confidentiality.
• Mentor junior staff and participate in the development of the design team.
• Contribute to the improvement of office standards, workflows, and design processes.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and local authorities.

Skills and experience:

• UK qualified architect or architectural technologist with significant post-qualification experience (7 years+).
• Experience in working on projects with a construction value between £5M - £100M.
• Confident, organised and proactive.
• Proven experience as a Design Manager of office fit-out projects.
• Experience working with fit-out contractors, architects, and project managers.
• Strong knowledge of construction techniques, materials, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) coordination.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Ability to develop and manage design programmes, ensuring alignment with project timelines.
• Familiarity with sustainable design principles and BREEAM/LEED standards.
• Excellent communicator and negotiator with clients, contractors, and suppliers.
• Ability to present design concepts clearly in meetings and reports to the aforementioned.
• Quick decision-making in resolving design conflicts or site issues.
• Ability to adapt to fast-track project timelines and evolving client requirements.
• Highly competent, experienced and passionate about technical detailing and the production of technical information.
• Highly experienced in the delivery of projects on-site including contract administration.
• Highly experienced in the managing of external multidisciplinary consultants.
• Highly experienced in producing exceptional concept design, visualisation and technical design output.
• Excellent in the use of Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Revit, Autocad and Common Data Environments (e.g. Acconex, Asite etc.).
• Excellent use of the English language, both written and spoken word.