At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse architectural projects and collaborate with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Align Property Services, a respected building design consultancy in North England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: RIBA Part I, II & III qualifications and significant post-qualification experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: £45,000 - £60,000 per year dependent on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Location: Otley, West Yorkshire
Benefits: 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, company pension, and other benefits.
Join our dynamic multi-disciplinary organisation as a Senior Architect where you'll have the opportunity to be a part of a driven team of architects and lead on a variety of commissions and projects at Align Property Services.
Who We Are
Our team is built on exceptional talent and a commitment to excellence, with standout individuals driving innovation and quality in everything we do. As a wholly owned subsidiary of North Yorkshire Council, we’re one of the largest and most respected building design consultancies in the North of England. Our collaborative, forward-thinking team delivers a wide range of services, including:
- Building Surveying & Project Management
- Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
- Quantity Surveying & CDM
From small scale surveys to multi-million-pound developments, including schools, fire stations, care homes, and heritage buildings, our projects are as varied as our clients. With a strong and growing pipeline across both public and private sectors, there’s never been a better time to join us.
What you’ll be doing as a Senior Architect
You'll liaise with clients and coordinate the design team, manage project-related fees, appointments, expenditures, and third-party engagements. Your role will involve producing Feasibility, Planning, Building Regulation, and Construction information, as well as creating schedules of work and specifications using NBS software. Other responsibilities include site visits for meetings, inspections, and surveys. You will carry out designer duties in compliance with current CDM regulations, and act as Principal Designer for Building Regulations in accordance with the Building Safety Act. Additionally, you'll promote sustainability initiatives to help clients meet their carbon reduction goals, attend client and contractor meetings as needed, and ensure all work adheres to defined business processes, standards, and timelines.
What we’re looking for
- RIBA Part I, II & III qualifications plus ARB registration with significant post qualification experience as a Chartered Architect (ARB) working on UK projects.
- A RIBA Membership would be desirable.
- Demonstrable experience across all RIBA Plan of Work Stages.
- Ability to work under minimal supervision and complete tasks using own judgement, supervising others as required.
- Experience of working closely with other disciplines to produce coordinated deliverables.
- A general understanding of JCT (Traditional / D&B) and NEC contracts is essential.
- Strong IT proficiency and presentation skills including the use of Revit, AutoCad, MS Project.
- A keen eye for detail and a careful and accurate approach.
- Good organisation skills, with good commercial acumen and upholding of professional standards.
- Hold a Full UK driving licence.
For a full outline of the roles and responsibilities associated with this role, please review the job description.
What we can offer you
When you join Align, you will join a team of professionals who feel rewarded for the work they do. Operating in a friendly and professional environment, we want to provide the training and resources to succeed and thrive in your role. Our people are not just numbers; everyone is crucial to the vital services we provide, and we treat everyone in our teams with respect and complete support.
In return for your commitment, we offer:
- A competitive salary up to £60,000 per year dependent on your skills and experience.
- Enrolment on to a company pension scheme which we will contribute to up to 6%.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays with opportunity to purchase up to 10 additional annual leave days per leave year.
- Hybrid and a flexible approach to working to support you in a healthy work-life balance.
- Professional development through varying project work.
- A benefits scheme which includes a good maternity leave package, cycle2work scheme and our online voucher portal giving access to discounts from leading retailers to help you save on shopping, days out, or nights in.
- Stability in your role - public sector security in a private sector industry.
Submitting a short portfolio up to 10 pages would be an advantage. Please ensure that you do not include links to external websites or downloads due to security restrictions.
To discuss this position in more detail, or for any other questions, please contact Danielle on 07977743718.
Closing date: Midnight on Monday 31st of August 2026.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, any disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, or belief.
Please note, we do not accept applications from agencies and can only consider applications from individuals with right to work within the UK.
Senior Architect in Otley employer: Applefields School
Whitby School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inspiring environment for both students and staff. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, mental health support, and continuous professional development, we empower our employees to grow in their careers while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. Located in the heart of the Whitby community, our school embodies values of ambition, courage, character, and endeavour, ensuring that every day offers new challenges and rewards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Architect in Otley
✨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 Applefields School 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 Senior Architect in Otley
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 Applefields School!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Applefields School. 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 Applefields School
✨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 Applefields School.
