At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to design innovative, low-energy residential projects.
- Company: Guttfield Architecture, an award-winning studio in Berkshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship for RIBA studies, and a balanced work-life.
- Other info: Conveniently located near the Elizabeth Line station for easy commuting.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a small, creative environment with real impact.
- Qualifications: RIBA Part 1 qualification and strong drafting, 3D, and presentation skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Guttfield Architecture is hiring a Part 1 or 2 architectural assistant to join its team in Berkshire, UK. We are working on a variety of one-off houses in the Thames Valley (and beyond) and are looking for a talented and motivated colleague who wants to work in a small design-led practice and gain experience of delivering high-quality, low-energy residential projects.
We are looking for someone with great drafting, presentation and 3D skills who is keen to develop their technical understanding of how houses are put together.
What we offer:
- Practical experience across all RIBA stages
- Small studio environment
- Competitive salary
- Mentorship for RIBA studies and career development
- No long hours – 6pm finish weekdays, 5pm Fridays
Job requirements:
- Strong drafting, 3D, and presentation skills
- Fluency operating Microstation or AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite
- Good organisation skills, attention-to-detail and an enthusiastic, proactive nature
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- RIBA Part 1 qualification
- Availability to start in August 2026
Location and accessibility:
Our studio is just one minute from the Elizabeth Line station in Twyford, Berkshire. Daily travel to the office is required, so please consider this before applying.
How to apply:
Please submit your CV and portfolio (max 8MB .pdf) via the apply for job button. We regret that we can only respond to shortlisted applicants. No agencies, please. Guttfield Architecture is an equal opportunities employer.
Part 1 or 2 architectural assistant in Reading employer: Critical Playground LLC
Guttfield Architecture is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative environment in our award-winning studio located in Twyford, Berkshire. With a focus on mentorship and professional development, we provide our architectural assistants with practical experience across all RIBA stages, ensuring a balanced work-life with no long hours. Join us to be part of a small, design-led practice where your skills will flourish while working on innovative, low-energy residential projects in the beautiful Thames Valley region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Part 1 or 2 architectural assistant in Reading
✨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!
We think you need these skills to ace Part 1 or 2 architectural assistant in Reading
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!
