At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design development for high-security custodial projects and ensure compliance with standards.
- Company: Join BakerHicks, a leader in innovative architectural solutions since 1957.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Promote work-life balance and engage in professional development within a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical infrastructure while collaborating with talented professionals.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Architect with custodial project experience and strong design skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our architects specialise in delivering highly regulated, secure, and technically complex projects. With a reputation for guiding every stage of the architectural process, we’ve built a proven track record in delivering some of the most challenging custodial and justice-sector facilities across the UK. As a qualified Architect, you’ll work in a multi‑disciplinary environment on high‑security and critical infrastructure projects, ensuring technical excellence, design quality, and delivery to programme.
We are looking for a Senior or Principal Architect with strong custodial experience, capable of leading design development from concept through detailed design and providing the assurance and compliance essential for projects in this sector. Our work spans RIBA Stages 0–7, collaborating closely with architectural, civil & structural, building services, project management and CDM specialists, using modern technologies and integrated design tools. We also pride ourselves on promoting a healthy work‑life balance, with a supportive culture and opportunities to take part in office social activities and professional development initiatives.
About You
You will be a registered Architect (RIBA/ARB) with demonstrable custodial project experience, particularly at RIBA Stage 4 detailed design. You bring creativity, technical rigour and a passion for developing high‑quality architectural solutions within stringent standards and security requirements. You’ll be joining an enthusiastic and collaborative team of Architects and Technicians focused on producing robust, compliant design outputs. As client care is central to BakerHicks’ success, you’ll be empowered in developing and maintaining long‑term relationships with internal and external stakeholders, end users and multi‑disciplinary teams.
Key Purpose
- Design and specify all aspects of architectural work in line with current standards, guidelines, MoJ requirements and project deliverables.
- Lead quality and compliance controls across local teams and project workstreams.
- Manage and coordinate architectural input into multi‑disciplinary projects including time, cost, quality, and client relationships.
- Contribute to the mentoring and development of Early Careers colleagues and support continuous departmental improvement.
Responsibilities
- Produce design deliverables including drawings, specifications, reports, surveys and construction‑stage documentation.
- Check technical drawings, specifications and calculations to ensure design quality and compliance with project briefs.
- Review and audit the design work of team members, ensuring accuracy and adherence to standards.
- Support preparation of tender documents, fee proposals, scopes of work and change control submissions.
- Liaise with clients, end users and wider project teams to assess feasibility, planning considerations, environmental constraints and budget implications.
Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications
- Registered Architect (RIBA/ARB).
- Knowledge of MoJ standards and ability to develop custodial layouts and solutions.
- Significant experience in design, technical detailing and specification writing.
- Experience contributing to bids, proposals and tender documentation.
- Working knowledge of British Standards and Eurocodes relevant to architectural design and sustainability.
- Ability to guide and manage design work from RIBA Stages 0–7.
- High proficiency in Autodesk Revit and working knowledge of AutoCAD.
- Understanding of CDM regulations.
- Experience managing multi‑disciplinary design teams.
- Understanding of commercial aspects of project delivery.
- Experience collaborating with external design organisations.
- Ability to produce NBS Chorus specifications.
- Awareness of business fundamentals to ensure commercial targets are met.
Many of the positions within our company are subject to security clearance. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by various factors. The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain security clearance for this role as required by our clients and sectors.
About BakerHicks
We’ve been innovating in design, engineering and project delivery since 1957 and operate from 14 locations for a truly European reach. For more about our company story, see: About | BakerHicks. Whatever your discipline, you’ll be alongside some of the most talented people in the industry. Our network of offices are appealing, friendly and comfortable spaces, easily accessible by car or public transport. And our salary and benefits packages are some of the best in the industry.
Benefits
- Company car or cash allowance
- Up to 6% matched contributory pension plan
- 25 days annual leave plus ability to buy additional leave
- Discount scheme (including gym membership, mobile phones etc)
- Family friendly policies
- Employee assistance
BakerHicks is an equal opportunity employer. We care about creating an inclusive atmosphere and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion throughout. BakerHicks is an inclusive organisation welcoming talent from all backgrounds. Applicants are assessed on the basis of personal merit and qualifications.
Custodial Architect London employer: Baker Hicks Limited
BakerHicks is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a focus on high-security architectural projects in London, we provide our architects with opportunities to engage in innovative design while enjoying a healthy work-life balance, competitive benefits, and a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and technical excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Custodial Architect London
✨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 Baker Hicks Limited 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 Custodial Architect London
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 Baker Hicks Limited!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Baker Hicks Limited. 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 Baker Hicks Limited
✨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 Baker Hicks Limited.
