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 growth towards Part 2 and beyond in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmentally responsive projects while learning from experienced professionals.
- Qualifications: ARB/RIBA Part 1 qualified with 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 in London employer: Critical Playground LLC
Neil Kahawatte Architects is an excellent employer for aspiring architectural assistants, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the vibrant London Borough of Islington. With a strong commitment to environmentally responsive design, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth and development, competitive salaries, and a healthy work-life balance, all while working on meaningful projects that enhance the relationship between architecture and its surroundings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ARB/RIBA Part 1 architectural assistant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the practice! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Neil Kahawatte Architects. Understand their projects and design ethos. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare your portfolio wisely! Make sure it highlights your best work and aligns with the environmentally responsive design focus of the practice. Include projects that showcase your attention to detail and creativity, as these are key traits they're looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interpersonal skills! Since the role involves working closely with colleagues and clients, be ready to demonstrate how you communicate effectively. Think of examples where you've collaborated successfully or resolved conflicts in a team setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen to join the team. Don’t forget to personalise your covering letter to reflect why you want to work specifically at Neil Kahawatte Architects!
We think you need these skills to ace ARB/RIBA Part 1 architectural assistant in London
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 Skills in Your CV:Highlight your qualifications, especially your ARB/RIBA Part 1 status. Include any relevant experience or skills that match the job description, like your knowledge of architectural detailing or software proficiency.
Select Your Portfolio Wisely:Choose pieces for your portfolio that best demonstrate your design ethos and attention to detail. Make sure they reflect your ability to work in sensitive or historic contexts, as this is key for the practice.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to hit that ‘apply for job’ button on our website! 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 Design Ethos
Before the interview, take some time to research Neil Kahawatte Architects and their design philosophy. Understand their focus on environmentally responsive design and how they approach projects in sensitive contexts. This will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate your genuine interest in the practice.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work, especially any projects that reflect your understanding of sustainable design. Be prepared to discuss your thought process behind each piece and how it relates to the role of an architectural assistant. This is your chance to shine!
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Since the practice values collaboration, think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked in a team. Be ready to discuss how you can support colleagues and share responsibilities, as this will show that you're a good fit for their small, friendly team environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the practice and its projects. Inquire about their approach to project management or how they integrate sustainability into their designs. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your eagerness to learn and grow within the team.
