At a Glance
- Tasks: Design impactful rail transport projects and mentor junior architects.
- Company: Join Arup, a global leader in innovative architecture and engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible work options, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creating a better world.
- Why this job: Shape sustainable, people-focused buildings that make a real difference.
- Qualifications: ARB registration, project architect experience, and strong digital skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world. Architecture has been an integral part of Arup for over 50 years. Our reputation was built on designing buildings that were at the forefront of innovation, sustainability and people‑centred design.
We’re looking for a Senior Architect (Rail Transport Specialist) to join our growing Architecture team in Bristol and Birmingham, who are currently delivering a wide range of projects for both public and private clients and diverse building types. You’ll help shape impactful transport projects — especially rail stations and depots — working closely with our Architecture Team Lead and multidisciplinary colleagues. This is a great opportunity to influence the design and delivery of complex rail projects and support the continued growth of our Transport sector portfolio.
You’ll join a diverse community of architects committed to shaping a better world. You’ll design sustainable, people‑focused and technically advanced buildings, with access to digital tools, learning through Arup University, and the opportunity to work flexibly through “Work Unbound”. You’ll also mentor junior team members and contribute to “Total Architecture” projects from concept to completion.
Is this role for you? You’ll be a great fit if you can bring:
- ARB registration (and ideally RIBA chartership) with proven UK experience.
- Experience in fulfilling the role of Project Architect for at least one Rail Depot project, from inception to construction completion.
- Confidence working in multidisciplinary design teams and leading as a Project Architect on complex rail projects.
- Excellent communication, client facing skills, and a collaborative approach to guiding and developing colleagues.
- Proven technical capability in detail design, NBS specification, project documentation, construction supervision, commercial and contractual awareness.
- Experience liaising with Local Authorities and preparing statutory submissions (planning, building regs, gateways).
- Strong digital skills, including competency in Revit and InDesign, and experience with SketchUp, Photoshop or Illustrator.
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
Different People, Shared Values: Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave.
Senior Architect in England employer: Arup
Arup is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture in Leeds that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in security advisory services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Architect in England
✨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 Arup 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 England
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 Arup!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Arup. 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 Arup
✨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 Arup.
