At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our London studio to design innovative commercial projects and collaborate with a creative team.
- Company: Piercy&Co, an award-winning multidisciplinary design practice with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, hybrid working options, training sponsorship, and fun team events.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in architecture while learning and growing in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proficiency in Revit and strong design skills; experience varies by role.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
Piercy&Co is looking for architects and senior architects to join its London studio, working across two commercial West End projects.
About us
Piercy&Co is an award-winning multidisciplinary design practice led by architects, interior designers and researchers. Founded in Camden in 2002, the studio works across scales and typologies – from large-scale urban, residential and workplace projects to complex retrofit and cultural commissions – with all work shaped by a commitment to longevity: materially, culturally and environmentally. Design at Piercy&Co is a physical process. Ideas emerge through site-based research, models made in our workshop and material and process experimentation, often in close dialogue with makers and manufacturers. Experimentation, research and rigorous problem-solving sit quietly behind architecture, spaces and objects that resonate deeply with people; designed to be both original and lasting. Our studio is guided by three values – curiosity, spirit and resilience. We describe it as a design house with the character of a school of architecture: part studio, part laboratory, with a culture of learning through making, cross-disciplinary exchange and shared experimentation.
The roles
We are hiring for several positions across two commercial projects: architect and senior architects – joining a project at the start of RIBA Stage 4. These roles require proficiency in Revit and fit-out delivery experience. The architect role involves joining a project at RIBA Stage 2. Revit proficiency is ideal, and fit-out delivery experience is not required for this role. Fit-out delivery experience is essential for some of the positions but not all – if you don’t have it, we would still encourage you to apply.
About you
The roles require design-led, motivated architects who can deliver high-quality spaces, communicate design thinking clearly to a range of audiences – including clients, consultants and stakeholders – and resolve design and construction challenges as the project develops. The architect positions would suit candidates with ideally two to three years’ post-Part 3 experience, while the senior architect positions would suit candidates with five or more years’ post-Part 3 experience, including experience leading design teams and client relationships. Strong experience across all RIBA work stages is essential for the Stage 4 roles and an advantage for the Stage 2 role. UK construction experience, and experience with offices and refurbishments, is an advantage.
Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have:
- exceptionally strong design and detailing skills
- proficiency in Revit – essential for the Stage 4 roles, ideal for the Stage 2 role
- fit-out delivery experience – essential for the Stage 4 roles only
- strong experience across all RIBA work stages – essential for the Stage 4 roles, an advantage for the Stage 2 role
- excellent visualisation skills, preferably using Rhino and Enscape or 3ds Max and V-Ray
- experience in design team coordination and client liaison
- ARB registration, with ideally two to three years’ post-Part 3 experience (architect) or five or more years’ post-Part 3 experience (senior architect)
- strong technical expertise and knowledge of current construction methods for the senior architect roles
- experience leading and mentoring within a project team
What we offer
Piercy&Co has an inclusive and collaborative culture and offers several benefits:
- EAP programme, including access to 1:1 counselling
- enhanced maternity/paternity pay (from senior architect onwards or based on tenure)
- training and Part 3 studies sponsorship of up to £3,000
- ARB fees paid
- option of one day per week hybrid working
- after five years, annual leave is bumped up to 25 days
- workplace nursery scheme
- free on-site workout sessions and monthly massages
- internal CPDs, management training and R&D
- cycle to work scheme (Gogeta)
- Friday drinks, studio trips, and summer and Christmas parties
- office closed during the Christmas period
We annually benchmark salaries across the studio based upon the d3 Group’s Architecture Industry Survey, which provides insights from approximately 100 design and architecture practices in London. Please submit your cover letter, digital CV in PDF format (online links to portfolios will not be accepted) and work examples with ‘architect application’ or ‘senior architect application’ as the subject heading, noting in your cover letter whether you have fit-out delivery experience. Remuneration is dependent upon experience. We actively encourage applications from women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people from ethnic minorities as these groups are currently under-represented throughout the building industry. Piercy&Co is an equal opportunities employer dedicated to closing this gap and aims to build a workforce of skilled professionals from a range of diverse backgrounds.
Application deadline: We are looking to fill the roles as soon as possible, though we understand that an immediate start may not be possible in all cases. Please note: Due to the high volume of applicants, we will only be in contact should you be invited to interview.
Architect and senior architect employer: Critical Playground LLC
Critical Playground LLC is an exceptional employer located in Wellingborough, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a commitment to employee growth, the company provides ample opportunities for professional development alongside competitive benefits such as 25 days of holiday and a matched pension scheme. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your contributions directly impact our creative projects and client relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Architect and senior architect
✨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 Critical Playground LLC 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 Architect and senior architect
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 Critical Playground LLC!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Critical Playground LLC. 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 Critical Playground LLC
✨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 Critical Playground LLC.
