At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily studio operations, finance, HR, and team coordination in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join an award-winning architectural practice focused on meaningful design and community impact.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to grow with a collaborative and ambitious team.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of a creative studio and make a real difference in architecture.
- Qualifications: Organised, proactive, and experienced in administrative roles; financial literacy is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
IFDO is hiring a studio co-ordinator to join its team in London. Are you highly organised, proactive, and confident in supporting the day-to‑day running of a busy studio? IFDO is looking for an administrative assistant/studio coordinator to support our 15-person architecture practice in London. This is a key role at the centre of the studio, working closely with the directors and senior team to keep operations running smoothly across finance, HR, and general coordination. It’s a varied, hands‑on position suited to someone who enjoys responsibility, takes pride in being efficient, and can manage multiple priorities with clarity and care.
About us
We are an award‑winning architectural practice driven by a belief that design can create meaningful social and environmental impact. Our work spans housing, education, workspace and regeneration, often in complex and community‑focused contexts. Our studio is collaborative, thoughtful and ambitious, balancing creativity with a strong focus on delivery.
The role
You will support the day-to‑day running of the practice, including:
- Finance support: preparing invoices (Xero and CMAP), supporting payroll with our accountants, and assisting with financial tracking alongside the directors.
- Studio operations: coordinating suppliers, managing office systems and ensuring the studio runs efficiently day-to‑day.
- HR support: onboarding/offboarding, annual leave tracking, coordinating reviews, organising training and supporting team activities and study trips.
- Team coordination: scheduling meetings, supporting directors, and helping maintain clear internal organisation.
- General administration: acting as a point of contact for internal and external queries, including occasional client‑facing communication.
Working pattern
- Four to five days per week.
- 37.5hr working week (if five days).
- Hybrid working, with Tuesday to Thursday in the studio.
- Immediate start preferred.
About you
- Exceptionally organised and detail-focused.
- A clear and confident communicator.
- Comfortable managing multiple priorities and working in a fast‑paced environment.
- Proactive and reliable, with a strong sense of ownership.
- Experienced in an administrative, studio coordination or office support role.
- Financially literate (invoicing/basic bookkeeping).
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (essential); experience with Xero and CMAP is desirable. Familiarity with Adobe InDesign is an advantage.
- Experience in architecture or the creative industries is welcome, but not essential.
We’re looking for someone who enjoys being at the centre of how a practice runs, and who is keen to grow with the role as the studio develops.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a short cover note via the apply for job button below. Your cover note should briefly outline your relevant experience and why you are interested in the role. Please also include your salary expectations and earliest available start date.
We are an equal opportunities employer and actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in the built environment.
Studio co-ordinator employer: Critical Playground LLC
IFDO is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in the heart of London. As an award-winning architectural practice, we prioritise employee growth through hands-on experience and support, fostering a culture that values creativity and efficiency. With a strong commitment to social and environmental impact, our team enjoys a hybrid working model and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to diverse projects while developing their skills in a supportive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Studio co-ordinator
✨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 Studio co-ordinator
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.
