Piercy&Company is hiring Part 1 architectural assistants to join its team in London. We are seeking enthusiastic, self-motivated candidates with a flexible attitude and excellent design and communication skills. This role would suit someone who enjoys learning new skills whilst gaining hands-on experience.
About us: Piercy&Company is an award-winning London-based studio founded in 2002 by architect Stuart Piercy. Our interdisciplinary practice comprises 70 architects, designers and researchers with a shared passion for materials, form, technology and craft. We work on projects at every scale, from masterplans and large-scale buildings to interiors and objects. No matter the scale or typology, all are fuelled by the ambition to improve the human experience of how projects are made and how they feel. Working on extraordinary projects, we create new forms with traditional techniques while investigating familiar forms with experimental materials. Collaborations with specialist craftspeople and partnerships with academics, universities, engineers and ambitious clients provide our team with an endless source of energy, inspiration and optimism for the future.
Tasks may involve:
- Developing design options through handmade 3D model-making, hand sketches and 3D visuals (Enscape, Rhino and Grasshopper experience an advantage)
- Supporting the production of 2D and 3D digital drawing packages, using software including MicroStation, AutoCAD and Revit
- Producing and developing images using CAD and rendering packages
- Working independently as well as part of a project team
This is a one-year contract role with the possibility of extension.
Salary and benefits:
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- Pension scheme
- Access to studio events, talks, and workshops
- A well-equipped, comfortable studio environment, including coffee, filtered water, and breakfast and lunch provisions
- CPD sessions at lunchtime with lunch provided
- Friday drinks
- Studio social events throughout the year
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Enhanced holiday allowance based on tenure
- Weekly organised lunchtime gym session with F45 gym
- Office closure over Christmas
- Free eye tests
- Free monthly massage sessions
- Seasonal events such as a summer party
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. Remuneration is dependent upon experience.
Diversity and inclusion: We actively encourage applications from women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and people from ethnic minority backgrounds, who are currently underrepresented in the building industry. Piercy&Company is an equal opportunities employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Part 1 architectural assistants
✨Get Involved with Local Architecture Events
Join local architecture events and workshops happening in your area. It’s a fab way to meet industry professionals, showcase your passion, and maybe even snag an internship at a firm like Critical Playground LLC! Keep an eye out for events hosted by architecture schools or organisations; they often have networking opportunities specifically for students.
✨Utilise University Career Services
Most universities have career services dedicated to helping students find internships. Book an appointment and ask about partnerships with local firms. They might even have exclusive openings at places like Critical Playground LLC that you won’t find anywhere else!
✨Show Off Your Portfolio Online
Make sure your portfolio is up-to-date and find a way to showcase it online. Platforms like Behance or even a simple personal website can help your work stand out. Remember, a visually appealing portfolio can catch the eye of firms looking for interns!
✨Connect Via Architecture Social Media Groups
Hop onto social media platforms and join architecture-focused groups. These communities often share internship openings and valuable insights into the industry. Plus, engaging with others can help you build connections that might lead you to Critical Playground LLC or similar firms!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:As you apply for an internship in architecture, make sure to include a solid portfolio showcasing your design projects, sketches, and models. We want to see your creative flair and understanding of design principles. If you’ve worked on any group projects or personal ventures, throw those in too!
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Architectural Knowledge:Highlight specific architectural software you’re proficient in, like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit on your CV. We love seeing relevant coursework or projects that align with the role, so include specific modules or experiences that have developed your skills in this field.
Craft a Passionate Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for architecture and your eagerness to learn. Remember, we’re looking for interns with potential—not just experience—so share what excites you about the field and how you can contribute to Critical Playground LLC.
Research and Reflect:Before submitting your application, take time to research Critical Playground LLC and their architectural style or recent projects. Reflect this understanding in your application to showcase your genuine interest in the firm. It’ll make you stand out and show that you’re not just sending out generic applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Critical Playground LLC
✨Showcase Your Design Skills
Bring along a well-rounded portfolio that highlights your design projects and sketches. Don't just show the final product – include the thought process and iterations that led you there. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively, which is key in architecture.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about architectural concepts and tools like AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp. Be ready to discuss your familiarity with these programmes and how you’ve used them in your projects. We want to see how you approach problem-solving in a design context, so brush up on design principles as well.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Learning
As an intern, they're looking for your motivation and eagerness to learn. Be prepared to talk about your favourite architectural styles or influential architects and how they inspire you. Share any recent architectural trends you've been following, showing that you’re always growing your knowledge in the field.
✨Engage in Site Visits and Real-World Scenarios
If you can, ask questions about ongoing projects or past ones the firm has worked on. This not only shows your interest, but it also gives you the chance to discuss how theoretical knowledge applies to real-world situations in architecture. Plus, it shows that you’re keen to get out there and see how things actually function on site!
