Project lead in London

Neil Kahawatte Architects is hiring a project lead 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 & 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 & 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 new senior team member, capable of running projects across all stages. The team is seeking a creative and conscientious individual, able to embrace and support the practice’s design and professional ethos and to demonstrate a good grounding in the following areas:

• Qualified ARB/RIBA Part 3 (or equivalent). We will also consider applicants who are due to qualify as Part 3 by the end of 2026 if they have very good design and project running experience.
• Good UK project running experience.
• An organised and professional approach to all aspects of work.
• Rigorous and meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience administering traditional JCT building contracts.
• A thorough knowledge of architectural detailing, specification and technical design.
• Experience of UK planning, building regulations, & relevant statutory processes.
• Very good interpersonal skills, both internally with colleagues, and externally with clients, consultants, contractors and others.
• Excellent numeracy, written and spoken English.
• Ability to manage and/or work in a small team.
• Ability to delegate and review the work of others.
• Self-motivated, productive, and resourceful.
• A commitment to environmentally sustainable design and practice.
• A commitment to high standards of ethics and integrity in design and practice.
• Inquisitive and keen to learn and develop as a member of a team.

The practice aims to offer successful candidates a good opportunity for career development over time. 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. There would be potential for this role to be structured as either full time or part time.

The following may also be beneficial, but are not essential:

• Experience of 2D Drawing in Vectorworks.
• Experience of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience of Adobe Photoshop and InDesign.
• Experience of 3D Rendering in V-Ray.
• A full UK driving license.
• Availability to commence work within one or two months.

Please send a short covering letter, outlining your reasons for applying, your salary expectations, your preference for full or part time employment, and your availability, together with a CV and a selected portfolio, using the ‘apply for job’ button below (no applications via email please). 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.