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- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects that enhance learning environments for students and educators.
- Company: Award-winning architecture practice focused on higher education design excellence.
- Benefits: Creative freedom, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education through impactful architectural design.
- Qualifications: RIBA or ARB-registered architect with 6+ years in higher education projects.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on quality and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An award-winning architecture and design practice, recognised for design excellence and deep expertise within the higher education sector (universities), is seeking a talented and ambitious Associate Architect. This is a pivotal leadership role within a growing, close-knit higher education team. The client requires a registered architect who is passionate about high-quality design for learning, confident in delivery, and motivated to help shape the future direction of the higher education sector.
The role offers significant creative freedom with no prescribed house style. A core focus of the position is on learning environments: how design directly influences and supports better learning outcomes for students, while also creating more effective, inspiring environments for educators. Acting as the primary point of contact for clients, you will lead presentations and workshops, working closely with end users to develop meaningful, engaging spaces.
You will play a key role across project delivery, business growth, and thought leadership. This role suits a confident leader who can manage teams, win new work, and actively expand the studio’s presence within the education sector. The client is particularly interested in deep thinkers - individuals who genuinely understand end users and how design can best support learning and collaboration.
Working closely with the studio directors, you’ll have the autonomy to lead projects from concept through to completion, championing design quality, innovation, and technical excellence at every stage. This is a unique opportunity to progress your career within a supportive, collaborative environment that truly values individual contribution and professional development.
Key Responsibilities- Work closely with stakeholders to create innovative design solutions focused on student learning outcomes and effective teaching environments.
- Be at the forefront of learning design, pushing creativity and design thinking to enable flexible, fluid learning environments for both students and educators.
- Lead and manage project teams, providing clear direction, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative studio culture.
- Actively identify and pursue new business opportunities, contributing to work-winning efforts, pitches, and the growth of the studio’s network.
- Lead the preparation and delivery of technical drawing packages and implementation documentation.
- Develop and champion creative, robust, and buildable design solutions from concept to completion.
- Lead client meetings, design workshops, and presentations, confidently engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including trusts and end-users.
- Ensure compliance with relevant building regulations, planning, and zoning requirements.
- Coordinate effectively with consultants, contractors, and statutory authorities to achieve project objectives.
- Contribute to the resolution of technical challenges and design issues.
- Participate in internal project reviews, design crits, and quality assurance processes.
- RIBA or ARB-registered architect with a minimum of 6+ years’ post-qualification experience.
- Proven experience leading and managing multiple higher education (university) projects.
- Demonstrable experience in designing learning environments that engage students and support a range of learning styles, enhancing learning outcomes.
- Excellent client-facing skills, with confidence in presenting, pitching, and consulting with diverse stakeholder groups.
- Proven delivery experience across all RIBA stages (0–7).
- Strong design and technical capability, with a clear and confident creative voice.
- Solid working knowledge of UK building regulations, and construction processes.
- Highly detail-oriented, with a passion for quality, innovation, and well-crafted architecture.
Associate Architect - Higher Education in City of London employer: Curio Careers
Contact Detail:
Curio Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Architect - Higher Education in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars related to higher education architecture. This is your chance to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for creating inspiring learning environments.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just sit back and wait for job openings. Reach out directly to firms you admire, like us at StudySmarter! A well-timed email or call can put you on their radar before they even post a job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the latest trends in educational design. Be ready to discuss how your ideas can enhance learning outcomes and create effective teaching environments. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but a thought leader!
✨Tip Number 4
When you get that interview, bring your portfolio to life! Use it to tell a story about your projects and how they’ve positively impacted learning spaces. We love seeing creativity and passion in action!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Architect - Higher Education in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for high-quality design shine through. Share specific examples of how your work has positively impacted learning environments and how you envision contributing to the future of higher education.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects that demonstrate your ability to create inspiring spaces for students and educators.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and avoid jargon. We want to understand your journey and how you can contribute to our team without getting lost in complex terminology.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application reaches us promptly and allows you to showcase your interest in joining our close-knit team dedicated to transforming higher education design.
How to prepare for a job interview at Curio Careers
✨Know Your Design Philosophy
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your design philosophy and how it aligns with the company's focus on learning environments. Be ready to discuss specific projects where your design choices directly influenced student outcomes. This shows you understand the core values of the role.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios
Since this role involves leading client meetings and workshops, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully engaged with clients or stakeholders. Prepare to share how you navigated challenges and fostered collaboration, as this will demonstrate your confidence and client-facing skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a pivotal leader in the team, it's essential to convey your leadership style during the interview. Think about how you've mentored teams in the past and be prepared to discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative studio culture. Highlighting your ability to manage and inspire others will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Brush up on your knowledge of UK building regulations and construction processes, as these are crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous projects, especially in relation to compliance and technical challenges. This will show that you're detail-oriented and committed to quality architecture.
