Senior Architect

Senior Architect

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Arup

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.
  • Why this job: Shape sustainable, people-focused buildings that make a real difference.
  • Qualifications: ARB registration, project architect experience, and strong digital skills required.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creating equitable spaces.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.

Joining 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.

As part of the global firm of 16,000 designers, planners, engineers, consultants, and technical experts in more than 90 offices around the world, we have unrivalled access to the skills and expertise needed to create ‘Total Architecture’. We have architectural practices in the UK, Europe, the Americas, Australasia and East Asia and we are growing.

The Opportunity

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.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role for you?

  • ARB registration (and ideally RIBA chartership) with proven UK experience.
  • Shall demonstrate 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.

What We Offer You

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.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts. We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

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 (within legal limits), 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. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Drina.zupanovicgerard@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/ . Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process. Recruitment Agencies – We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.

Closing Date: 02.04.2026. We may close the role earlier than the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications, so please ensure you apply early.

Senior Architect employer: Arup

Arup is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, allowing employees to thrive while contributing to meaningful projects that shape a better world. With access to extensive learning opportunities through Arup University and the flexibility of 'Work Unbound', team members can grow both personally and professionally. The Bristol and Birmingham locations offer a vibrant environment for Senior Architects to engage in impactful rail transport projects, supported by a diverse community committed to innovation and sustainability.
Arup

Contact Detail:

Arup Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Architect

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Arup or similar firms. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best projects, especially those related to rail transport. Make sure it’s visually appealing and easy to navigate, as this will help you stand out during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable with common interview questions for architects, particularly around project management and teamwork. Mock interviews with friends can help you refine your answers and 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, you’ll find all the latest opportunities directly from Arup, so keep an eye on it regularly.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Architect

Project Architect experience
Rail Depot project experience
Multidisciplinary design team collaboration
Excellent communication skills
Client-facing skills
Detail design capability
NBS specification knowledge
Project documentation expertise
Construction supervision experience
Commercial and contractual awareness
Liaising with Local Authorities
Statutory submissions preparation
Strong digital skills
Revit competency
InDesign proficiency
SketchUp experience
Photoshop or Illustrator experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with rail transport projects. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of shaping a better world!

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Revit, InDesign, and any other digital tools you’re familiar with. We love seeing candidates who can bring strong technical capabilities to the table!

Be Personable and Collaborative: Since we value teamwork, let your personality shine through! Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and mentored others in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Arup

✨Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand your past projects, especially any rail depot work. Be ready to discuss your role, the challenges you faced, and how you contributed to the project's success. This will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex projects.

✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit

Arup values collaboration, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively in multidisciplinary teams. Highlight instances where you guided or mentored colleagues, as this aligns with their focus on developing talent within the team.

✨Demonstrate Your Technical Skills

Brush up on your technical capabilities, particularly in Revit, InDesign, and other digital tools mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in your previous roles to enhance project outcomes and streamline processes.

✨Align with Arup's Values

Familiarise yourself with Arup’s purpose and shared values. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding sustainability and people-centred design. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you're a good cultural fit.

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