At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a collaborative team to design sustainable architecture and engage in real projects.
- Company: Friendly, values-driven architecture studio based in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, paid study leave, flexible work model, and supportive culture.
- Other info: No overtime culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on projects while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Two years of experience, CAD proficiency, and a passion for sustainable design.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 £ per year.
We are a friendly, values-driven architecture studio based in London. Good relationships build good buildings, so we strive to listen – and really hear from – everyone involved in a project. We seek to design with both people and planet in mind, and believe the best architecture comes from a democratic, collaborative process. Our name reflects our ethos: we design together, we share success, and we actively work to diversify our industry.
As a Part 2 at Collective Works, you will be an intrinsic part of a small team, trusted with autonomy, and given opportunities to learn through every RIBA stage.
What you’ll gain:
- Real project experience: we take projects from inception to completion; you are likely to do community events, client workshops, and site visits.
- Support with your Part 3 course: four of our team qualified while working with us; we give 5 days paid study leave for Part 3 and will provide a dedicated mentor and work with you to align projects with your case study needs.
- Work-life integration: we protect our team’s well-being with a strict no-overtime culture, deliberate studio behaviours, and a mature, flexible work model.
- We design with purpose: we are signatories of Architects Declare, part of the Regenerative Architecture Index and a carbon-neutral business; our values are at the forefront of our projects, whether for homeowners, charities or businesses.
About you
We are looking for someone that is:
- Happy to collaborate and confident in a group; eager to share your point of view, ask questions and eventually communicate directly with clients as you grow into the role.
- Able to think big and apply your thinking to a small scale.
- Passionate about sustainable design, carbon neutrality and regenerative practice.
- Interested in how things come together, with a keen eye for both architectural detailing and interior design.
- An enthusiastic and capable Part 2 ready to get involved with projects and contribute to the company culture.
Criteria:
- Two years’ work experience across RIBA Stages 1–4 (Stage 5 experience is a bonus).
- Excellent CAD proficiency in 3D modelling (we use ArchiCAD).
- Fluency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).
- Ability to beautifully visualise projects, including emotive or realistic renderings.
- Fluency in written and verbal English – ready to write planning statements and communicate with clients.
- Eligible to work in the UK.
How to apply:
- Please submit your CV and a concise portfolio via the ‘apply for job’ button below with the subject line “Part 2 role”.
- Please include your cover letter within the body of your email, and be sure to let us know why you’re a good fit for us.
- Your portfolio should be a maximum of 8–12 pages, including university and professional work.
- We are an equal opportunities employer and appreciate diversity of thought. Please do not include your photo within your application.
- No agency enquiries, please.
Timeline:
- Applications close: 19 June, 6:00pm.
- Interviews: week of 29 June.
- Announcement: w/c 27 July.
- Start date: September/October 2026.
Salary: £34,000
Part 2 architectural assistant employer: Collective Works
Collective Works is an exceptional employer that prioritises a collaborative and supportive work environment, making it an ideal place for a Part 2 architectural assistant to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, including dedicated mentorship and paid study leave for Part 3, the studio fosters a culture of care and flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Located in London, Collective Works not only champions sustainable design but also actively engages in community projects, allowing employees to contribute meaningfully to both their professional development and the planet.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Part 2 architectural assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the architecture field, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get the chance for an interview or informal chat, let your passion for sustainable design and collaboration shine through. We want to see how you think and how you fit into our friendly culture at Collective Works.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common interview questions for architectural assistants and practice your responses. We recommend framing your answers around your experiences with RIBA stages and how you’ve contributed to projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and helps keep you top of mind as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Part 2 architectural assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express why you’re excited about the Part 2 role at Collective Works and how your values align with ours. Keep it concise and engaging – we want to hear your voice!
Showcase Your Best Work:When putting together your portfolio, pick your top projects that highlight your skills in architectural detailing and design. Remember, we love a good visual story, so make those renderings pop and show us what you can do!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect your experience across RIBA Stages 1-4 and highlight your CAD proficiency. We want to see how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team.
Follow Application Instructions:Make sure to follow our application instructions to the letter! Submit your CV and portfolio via the ‘apply for job’ button, and don’t forget to include your cover letter in the email body. We appreciate attention to detail!
How to prepare for a job interview at Collective Works
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, take a deep dive into your portfolio and be ready to discuss your projects in detail. Highlight your role in each project, especially how you collaborated with others and contributed to the design process. This will show your understanding of teamwork and your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
Given Collective Works' focus on sustainable design and carbon neutrality, make sure to express your passion for these topics. Prepare examples of how you've incorporated sustainable practices in your previous work or studies, and be ready to discuss your thoughts on regenerative architecture.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Be prepared to demonstrate your CAD proficiency and visualisation skills during the interview. Bring along examples of your 3D modelling work and any renderings you've created. This will not only showcase your technical abilities but also your eye for detail, which is crucial in architecture.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with questions that reflect your interest in the studio's culture and projects. Ask about their collaborative processes, how they support professional development, or their approach to work-life integration. This shows you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
