At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative education projects and mentor junior staff in a dynamic architectural practice.
- Company: Join an award-winning AJ100 architectural firm with a focus on sustainable learning environments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, professional development, and generous leave entitlement.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with clear progression towards senior leadership roles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on schools and universities while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: ARB-registered Architect or Chartered Architectural Technologist with strong project delivery experience.
We are seeking an experienced Associate Architect, Associate Technologist or Associate Director to join an award-winning AJ100 architectural practice at their Central, Leeds office. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role within one of the UK's most respected Education teams, delivering technically complex projects that have a genuine impact on Schools, Colleges and Universities across the country.
Our client has built an outstanding reputation for designing inspiring, sustainable learning environments across Primary, Secondary, SEND, Further Education and Higher Education sectors. Working closely with the Department for Education, academy trusts, local authorities and higher education institutions, they deliver innovative projects from new-build schools and campus developments through to major refurbishments and estate masterplans.
This role is ideally suited to an experienced Senior, Associate Architect or equivalent Architectural Technologist with strong technical and construction-stage expertise who enjoys leading multidisciplinary teams, developing long-term client relationships and mentoring junior staff. You'll take ownership of projects through the critical RIBA Stages 4 & 5, ensuring schemes are delivered on programme, within budget and to the highest technical standards.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a practice that genuinely invests in its people, offering clear progression into senior leadership alongside the chance to work on some of the UK's most significant education projects.
Associate Director Overview- Lead the technical delivery of education projects through RIBA Stages 4 & 5
- Manage projects from detailed design through construction and handover
- Act as the primary technical contact for clients, consultants and contractors
- Develop coordinated, compliant and buildable design solutions in line with Department for Education standards
- Lead client engagement throughout project delivery, building long-term relationships and supporting repeat business
- Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams using Revit and BIM processes
- Chair design team, technical and site meetings where required
- Manage construction-stage queries, RFIs, technical risks and change control
- Ensure projects comply with Building Regulations, CDM requirements and DfE technical guidance
- Monitor project programmes, quality, budgets and consultant performance throughout delivery
- Mentor junior Architects and Technologists whilst supporting the continued growth of the Leeds studio
- Promote sustainable, innovative and technically robust design solutions across a diverse education portfolio
- ARB-registered Architect or Chartered Architectural Technologist (CIAT)
- Minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience
- Strong experience delivering UK Education projects
- Proven experience delivering projects through RIBA Stages 4 & 5
- Excellent technical knowledge and construction-stage delivery experience
- Strong understanding of Department for Education (DfE) standards and guidance
- Experience working within education frameworks
- Strong Revit and BIM coordination skills
- Excellent client-facing, leadership and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and lead multidisciplinary teams
- Commercial awareness with a proactive approach to project delivery
- Based within a commutable distance of Leeds
- Competitive salary: £55,000 - £65,000 DOE (potentially higher for exceptional candidates)
- Hybrid & flexible working
- Continued Professional Development (CPD) programme
- Professional membership support
- Pension scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Genuine route towards Director level
- Collaborative AJ100 practice with an established education team
- Opportunity to work on nationally recognised education projects
- Additional company benefits to be discussed at interview stage
Contact Details:
Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director in Leeds
✨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 Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD 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 Associate Director in Leeds
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 Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD. 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 Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD
✨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 Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD.
