At a Glance
- Tasks: Support project runners and develop your skills in architectural design.
- Company: Join a friendly, innovative team at Neil Kahawatte Architects in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, workplace pension, and a great work-life balance.
- Other info: Opportunity for learning and career growth in a dynamic studio.
- Why this job: Make an impact on environmentally responsive designs in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: ARB/RIBA Part 1 qualification and a passion for sustainable design.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Neil Kahawatte Architects is seeking a ARB/RIBA Part 1 architectural assistant to join its team in London. The practice designs and delivers high quality projects, with a focus on environmentally responsive contemporary design, often in sensitive or historic contexts. The practice specialises in design and coordination for private residential projects, guiding them across all stages from concept to completion, providing a high level of service and support to clients while carefully managing the overall process of each project.
The team has a strong design ethos, promoting the expression of structure, material and craft, while celebrating and enhancing a building’s relationship to its environment and the wider natural world. Based in the London Borough of Islington, the practice comprises a small team, working collaboratively across projects in a supportive and friendly environment. Its studio is located between Archway and Tufnell Park, in a converted building overlooking central London. Projects are generally located across the London boroughs and surrounding counties.
The practice is currently seeking a Part 1 architectural assistant, with aptitude and ambition to learn to support project runners and to develop towards Part 2 and beyond. The team is seeking a creative and conscientious individual, able to embrace and support the practice’s design and professional ethos while demonstrating a good grounding in the following areas:
- qualified ARB/RIBA Part 1 (or equivalent)
- an organised and professional approach to all aspects of work
- rigorous and meticulous attention to detail
- self-motivated, productive, and resourceful
- inquisitive and keen to learn and develop as a member of our team
- ability to work in a small team, to support colleagues and share responsibilities
- a commitment to environmentally sustainable design and practice
- good interpersonal skills, both internally with colleagues, and externally with clients, consultants and others
- good numeracy, written and spoken English
The practice aims to offer successful candidates a good opportunity for learning and development. It also offers a competitive starting salary (based on levels of qualification, experience, and ability), together with a workplace pension, and a good work-life balance.
The following may also be beneficial, but are not essential:
- experience of 2D Drawing in Vectorworks
- experience of 3D Modelling in SketchUp
- experience of 3D Rendering in V-Ray
- experience of Adobe Photoshop and InDesign
- experience of Microsoft Word and Excel
- knowledge of architectural detailing, specification and technical design
- knowledge of UK planning, building regulations and statutory processes
The role will be offered initially as a six-month contract. We would hope to extend this, subject to availability and resourcing capacity. Initial interviews will commence in May, with the aim of completing the hiring process, and the successful candidate starting in early June 2026.
Please send a short covering letter specific to the practice and role, outlining your reasons for applying, your salary expectations, and your availability, together with a CV and a selected portfolio, using the ‘apply for job’ button below. Applicants of interest can expect to receive a prompt response; however, the practice regrets that due to volume of interest it cannot always respond to others. Neil Kahawatte Architects is a RIBA chartered practice and an equal opportunities employer. No agency enquiries please.
ARB/RIBA Part 1 architectural assistant employer: Critical Playground LLC
Neil Kahawatte Architects is an excellent employer for aspiring architectural assistants, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to environmentally responsive design, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside a competitive salary and a healthy work-life balance. The practice's focus on high-quality projects and a friendly team culture makes it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in architecture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ARB/RIBA Part 1 architectural assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the architecture field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring a physical copy or have a digital version ready to share. Visuals speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the practice thoroughly. Understand their projects, ethos, and design approach. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace ARB/RIBA Part 1 architectural assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personal Covering Letter:Make sure your covering letter is tailored specifically to Neil Kahawatte Architects. Share why you're excited about the role and how your values align with their focus on environmentally responsive design.
Showcase Your Portfolio:Include a selected portfolio that highlights your best work. Make it relevant to the projects they undertake, showing off your creativity and attention to detail. Remember, visuals speak volumes!
Be Clear About Your Expectations:In your covering letter, don’t shy away from mentioning your salary expectations and availability. This helps set clear expectations from the get-go and shows you’re professional and organised.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website using the ‘apply for job’ button. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets to the right place quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Critical Playground LLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with Neil Kahawatte Architects' design ethos and recent projects. Brush up on environmentally responsive design principles and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their focus on high-quality, sustainable architecture.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work. Include projects that demonstrate your attention to detail and creativity, especially those that reflect an understanding of architectural detailing and sustainable practices.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice and its projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team’s collaborative environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the practice values collaboration, be ready to share examples of how you’ve worked effectively in a team. Highlight your interpersonal skills and willingness to support colleagues, as this will resonate well with their small team dynamic.
