2026 UK Part 1 Architectural Assistant Career Path

An opportunity to join our growing architectural team in Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow or Manchester. We’re busy working on a wide variety of exciting projects across many markets for both public and private sector organisations. Our main markets are aviation, defence and transportation, but we also do interesting work in a number of other sectors such as education, energy and justice.

Our architectural team works at all RIBA stages, providing architectural services and technical support from conceptual study and planning stages to detailed technical information. We use BIM extensively in our projects, so Revit experience is beneficial for this position.

Our Part 1 industrial placement opportunities are for six to 12 months and carried out during a year out from university, after completion of a bachelor’s degree, and before enrolling onto a postgraduate course. As an industrial placement student at Mott MacDonald, you’ll benefit from working for a large multidisciplinary organisation and be part of a dynamic team supporting our experienced architects and designers. You’ll constantly be exposed to real and exciting projects. We provide mentoring to architectural graduates, and you can really make the role your own. The more you get involved and the more questions you ask, the more you will gain from your experience with us.

This opportunity will require you to be eligible to achieve security clearance, this is dictated by the types of projects we work on and normally requires you to be a UK British national or to have lived in the UK for five years or more.

To apply for this position, we require a CV and sample portfolio – you’ll be prompted to submit this as part of the application process. You can also include a cover letter, but this isn't essential. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible as we will close when the positions have been filled.

In addition to the recent completion of a bachelor's degree in Architecture, we're looking for flexible and motivated postgraduates with a genuine passion for architecture, and a desire to make a difference in the world. If this describes you, apply today to launch your career at Mott MacDonald.

In your CV and portfolio, you should be able to demonstrate your interest through relevant experience, such as studying relevant modules, or previous work experience. Good design skills and a keen interest in the built environment. Methodical approach to problem solving. Ability to use your initiative to undertake tasks efficiently and independently. Excellent verbal communication skills, which allow you to confidently liaise with clients and team members. Excellent written communication and attention to detail and be able to demonstrate accurate technical drawings and good report writing.

As we want the best people for the role, it’s available as part time or full time. This is because we recognise that sometimes people are not available full time. Please ask us at interview stage about any flexibility you may need.

As a living wage employer, we offer our students a competitive salary which is above the living wage threshold - we ensure that you’re given a salary you deserve. Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary. A flexible benefits scheme allowing you to manage the range of benefits we have on offer, including season ticket loans, restaurant discounts and gym membership.

Being part of Mott MacDonald means more than just work, there’s a huge range of fun and exciting things that you can get involved in. From the moment you join us, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your social and professional network, whether it’s meeting other graduates or joining forces with other members of staff from around the company at our annual sports day. Each of our offices have a sports and social committee which will give you the chance to be part of a variety of sports, social and charity events. We’re committed to promoting a strong culture of social responsibility and encourage our staff to play active roles in the local community.

It’s worth noting that sports and social committees tend to vary from office to office, so as well as getting involved in what’s already on offer, don’t be afraid to suggest new events or initiatives that you think could be a great addition. As well as events, you’ll also have access to discounts on cinema tickets, travel, fashion, utilities and much more as part of our company benefits which you can take advantage of the moment you join.

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team and personal commitments. We embrace agility, flexibility and trust.

We’re a global engineering, management and development consultancy. Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities. A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs.