At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative designs and collaborate on exciting architectural projects.
- Company: Join an award-winning art, design, and architecture practice in London.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and 27 days holiday pro-rata.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with hands-on workshops and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on diverse projects that enhance communities and environments.
- Qualifications: Minimum one year experience in architecture and proficiency in CAD.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33000 £ per year.
Assemble is looking for a Part 1 or Part 2 architectural assistant to join its London-based practice on a permanent contract.
About Assemble
Assemble is an award-winning art, design, and architecture practice based in Bow, London. We’re interested in design as a tool to improve our ecological, social and cultural life in the built environment. We have projects across the world ranging from brief development through to hands‑on prototyping and the design of large-scale buildings. Our work has been recognised by awards such as the Turner Prize, the UNESCO Global Award for Sustainable Architecture and the Ralph Erskine Award.
We are currently based in Leaside Yard in Bow, a space which we manage as part of the Assemble Workspace Network. We are currently working on our new future long‑term home in Bromley Hall, a site which includes Grade II and II* listed buildings. We have a diverse range of skilled makers and artists at our workspaces, including carpenters, blacksmiths, printmakers, textile designers and musicians.
Assemble structure and culture
Assemble is a partnership that currently has 11 active partners and 3 employees. The partnership manages two companies, a design company called Assemble Design and a workspace management company called Sugarhouse Studios. At Assemble, you will have access to workshop facilities, bench space and secure bicycle parking. We also have a daily lunch rota to cook lunch for each other (all dietary requirements catered for) and have regular office‑wide design reviews.
Assemble is committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and free to work without fear of discrimination. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our practice. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. We welcome applications from people requiring flexible working arrangements and from anyone with any professional or educational background. If you have any questions about our working environment, please get in touch.
The role
You will work closely with Assemble partners on a wide range of projects. These currently include affordable workspaces, cultural institutions, housing, parks, exhibitions and spaces for play. You might be expected to be working on any of these projects at any point in their development. This could be from brief writing and business planning through to the preparation and administration of construction information. The role will be primarily focused on the production of material from concept design to detailed construction information, such as sketches, models, renders and drawings.
Responsibilities
- Production: creating concept designs, detailed construction information, models and renders
- End‑to‑end involvement: working across all stages, from initial brief writing to construction administration
- Collaboration: attending project meetings and presenting work directly to clients
Your skills and experience
- Minimum one year’ experience in an architectural practice or relevant field
- Fluent in CAD (Archicad preferred)
- Confident image‑making (Adobe Suite, drawing, collage)
- Hands‑on model‑making experience
- Strong communication and time‑management skills
Contract type
4 days per week, one year fixed term contract with a three‑month probationary period; part‑time and flexible working will be actively considered, and terms will be discussed with all candidates invited for interview.
Hours
Monday to Friday (with 1 day off), 9am to 6pm with an hour for lunch.
Salary
£30,000 – £33,000 (pro‑rata) based on experience.
Annual leave
27 days pro‑rata holiday entitlement, including bank holidays (our office is closed between 25 to 31 December inclusive and this does not count towards your holiday allowance).
Location
Assemble, 30 Hancock Road, Bow, London E3 3DA.
Start date
We are looking for you to start at the beginning of August/September 2026 (flexible).
Deadline
6pm 10 July 2026.
Interviews
Week commencing 4 August 2026.
Please submit your application via the ‘apply for job’ button below.
Materials
- CV: single side of A4 (min. 10pt text)
- Portfolio: 5 single‑sided A3 pages, max 10MB (min. 10pt text)
We request no enquiries by phone or in person. We are not able to offer visa sponsorship for applicants.
Part 1/2 architectural assistant in London employer: Critical Playground LLC
Assemble is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where creativity thrives in our vibrant London-based practice. With access to state-of-the-art workshop facilities and a supportive team environment, employees are encouraged to grow through hands-on experience across diverse projects, from affordable housing to cultural institutions. Our commitment to sustainability and social impact, combined with flexible working arrangements and generous leave policies, makes Assemble a truly rewarding place to advance your architectural career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Part 1/2 architectural assistant in London
✨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 1/2 architectural assistant in London
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.
