At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical excellence and governance across innovative residential and mixed-use projects.
- Company: Award-winning design practice with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of building safety and design quality while mentoring talented teams.
- Qualifications: ARB-registered Architect or MCIAT with 10+ years in technical design.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team committed to continuous improvement and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
An award-winning, multi-disciplinary design practice working across the UK and internationally is seeking an experienced Senior Technical Leader to provide practice-wide technical leadership across residential-led and mixed-use projects. This senior role sits at the heart of technical governance, building safety and design quality, offering the opportunity to shape technical standards, mentor teams, and influence best practice across multiple studios.
The Senior Technical Leader will provide specialist technical expertise across projects, with a particular focus on Building Regulations, fire safety and the Building Safety Act regime. Working alongside Project Leaders and a central technical team, the role ensures that technical excellence, compliance, buildability and sustainability are embedded throughout all RIBA stages. The position combines hands-on technical leadership with strategic responsibility for standards, quality systems, knowledge sharing and external engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership & Governance
- Lead and develop the technical discipline as a centre of excellence.
- Establish, implement and audit technical standards, guidance notes, standard details and quality processes.
- Champion buildability, product suitability and whole-life performance.
- Lead structured technical reviews and gateway checks at key RIBA stages.
- Regulatory Compliance & Building Safety
- Advise teams on compliance with UK Building Regulations, Approved Documents, British Standards and warranty requirements.
- Provide practice leadership on the Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety legislation and CDM Regulations 2015.
- Ensure compliance with duty-holder roles, competence frameworks and golden thread information management.
- Specialist Technical Expertise
- Act as a technical authority in one or more areas such as fire and life safety, ventilation and overheating, façade and moisture risk, sustainability and embodied carbon, or modern methods of construction.
- Lead envelope and environmental strategies in collaboration with MEP and environmental consultants.
- Project Delivery Support
- Support Project Leaders to ensure robust technical strategies from early design through construction.
- Review detailing, specifications, testing and commissioning requirements.
- Provide technical support during construction, including site inspections and risk escalation.
- Knowledge, Training & Continuous Improvement
- Design and deliver structured CPD, training sessions and technical forums.
- Mentor and upskill teams across studios.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including product approval processes and workflow efficiencies.
- External Profile & Work-Winning
- Contribute to bids, interviews and client presentations with a strong technical narrative.
- Build an external profile through industry engagement, panels and thought leadership.
- Maintain strong relationships with building control bodies, warranty providers and insurers.
About You
- Essential Experience & Qualifications
- ARB-registered Architect or MCIAT Chartered Architectural Technologist.
- 10+ years’ post-qualification experience in technical design and delivery.
- Extensive experience on UK residential-led or mixed-use projects across RIBA stages 3–6.
- Proven leadership of technical delivery across multiple projects and teams.
- Strong experience of the Building Safety Act regime, including higher-risk buildings.
- Technical Skills & Knowledge
- Advanced expertise in at least two specialist technical areas.
- In-depth knowledge of UK Building Regulations and material compliance.
- Strong construction detailing, specification writing (e.g. NBS) and product due-diligence skills.
- Familiarity with BIM and information management aligned to BS EN ISO 19650.
- Ability to act as, or advise, a Principal Designer under CDM and Building Regulations.
- Personal Attributes
- Confident communicator with the ability to influence, mentor and lead.
- Collaborative, methodical and risk-aware.
- Committed to continuous professional development and technical excellence.
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to take on a practice-wide leadership role with genuine influence over technical quality, safety and innovation, within a supportive, inclusive and forward-thinking design environment that values learning, sustainability and long-term career progression.
Senior Technical Architect in City of London employer: Architecture Social
Contact Detail:
Architecture Social Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Technical Architect in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance, share your knowledge in discussions or on social media. We want to see you positioning yourself as a thought leader in your field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your technical skills. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Technical Architect in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in technical leadership and compliance with UK Building Regulations. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t forget to emphasise your specialist technical knowledge, especially in areas like fire safety and sustainability. We’re looking for someone who can lead and mentor, so share examples of how you’ve done this in past roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and qualifications. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Architecture Social
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the UK Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these regulations, especially in relation to residential-led and mixed-use projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led technical teams and influenced best practices in previous roles. Highlight any mentoring experiences and how you've contributed to continuous improvement initiatives.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth questions about your specialist technical areas. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, particularly around fire safety, sustainability, and compliance.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don't just answer questions; engage in a dialogue. Ask insightful questions about their current projects and how they approach technical governance. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.