At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our teams to work on exciting housing and mixed-use projects across the UK.
- Company: HTA Design, an award-winning interdisciplinary design partnership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent role, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Supportive environment with excellent long-term professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and make a real impact in architecture and design.
- Qualifications: RIBA Part 1 qualification or equivalent, with a passion for housing design.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 32000 £ per year.
HTA Design is hiring Part 1 architectural assistants to join its teams in London, Edinburgh, Bristol and Manchester, UK.
Contract: permanent
Salary: £29,000 to £32,000 per annum (London)/£26,500 to £30,000 per annum (outside of London)
HTA Design is an award winning interdisciplinary design partnership of specialist teams working collaboratively in Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Communications Design, Sustainability and Planning. Our busy architectural design studios are looking for newly graduated, talented and ambitious Part 1 architectural assistants to work with our interdisciplinary teams on one or more of our medium to large scale housing and mixed use projects in the UK. We have exciting new schemes for a range of key clients including high density urban housing, sustainable lower density and regeneration projects.
Working as part of a team, you will gain hands‑on experience on pre‑ and post‑planning stage projects. As this is a permanent role, we are looking for individuals who want to establish their careers with us, with opportunities for long‑term progression as you work towards qualifying as an Architect.
The successful candidates will be Part 1 qualified or equivalent and have:
- RIBA Part 1 qualification in architecture (or international equivalent)
- A keen interest in housing design and regeneration
- Good design, technical, and presentation skills, with strong attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills
- Reliability, punctuality, and a proactive attitude toward learning and long‑term professional development
- Experience (or familiarity) with design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), Lumion, or Affinity
- Model‑making proficiency (manual or digital techniques) is highly desirable
- Strong IT literacy (MS Office 365)
- Prior UK‑based architectural work experience is desirable, but not essential. We welcome fresh graduates with a passion for learning.
Please refer to the job description and person specification on our website for full details. If you have what we are looking for and want a role with excellent career development opportunities and a supportive environment, then why not apply.
Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Friday 3 July 2026
Candidates must be eligible to work and live in the UK.
Part 1 architectural assistant in Bristol employer: Critical Playground LLC
HTA Design is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, providing newly graduated Part 1 architectural assistants with the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects across London, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Manchester. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from hands-on experience in diverse design teams, as well as clear pathways for career progression towards becoming a qualified Architect. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to sustainable design and urban regeneration, where your contributions will make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Part 1 architectural assistant in Bristol
✨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 Part 1 architectural assistant in Bristol
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.
