At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting architectural projects and collaborate with talented teams to create innovative designs.
- Company: Join David Kohn Architects, a renowned firm known for its award-winning designs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on inspiring projects while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK projects and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive, plus benefits
Contract type: Initial 9 month contract with a view to extending to 12+ months
Responsible to: Associate / Senior Architect
Location: Camden Town, North London
Applications by: Ongoing
Interviews: Ongoing
Start date: Dependent on Applicant
*Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible as the position may be filled earlier.
The Role
As an Architect at David Kohn Architects, you will have a pivotal role in delivering ambitious projects with leading consultant teams for inspiring clients and be at the forefront of design and research within the practice. As a senior, project or package architect you are expected to take responsibility for the role and to communicate regularly and effectively with your junior team members and line managers on progress and any issues. The reward will be career development, ownership of project and corresponding colleague and industry acknowledgment.
The Practice
David Kohn Architects was established in 2007 and has gained an international reputation for the quality of its design. The practice won RIBA House of the Year in 2022 and has several exciting projects that are in construction, planning and at early feasibility stages. The small-scale work of the team feeds into the practice’s work on major projects which currently includes a mixed used building in Birmingham, an architecture faculty in Belgium and a university campus in Oxford. Supporting our clients in the drive towards carbon negative futures is an important part of our current and future work.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as senior, project or package architect dependent on project and experience;
- Drive project design development through sketching, models, CAD with regular design reviews;
- Work closely with the team leader to ensure a coherent design and delivery approach;
- Input on project resourcing and manage time according to a budget;
- Communicate effectively with clients;
- Manage coordination across design teams;
- Oversee projects on site and administer building contracts;
- Support the team leader with new business opportunities and marketing;
- Line manage architectural assistants and mentor junior colleagues.
Experience and Knowledge
- You have delivered projects within the UK, including knowledge of statutory processes and standards;
- You have experience through all stages, including on site – experience in contract administration is an advantage but not a requirement;
- You will be commercially astute, having delivered projects within constraints such as agreed timescales, construction cost and internal resource budget;
- You will be well organised and are able to carefully plan work for yourself and members of the team as needed;
- A sensitive and rigorous approach to brief development, design and materiality supported by a portfolio of the highest quality;
- Working closely with clients and communicating clearly and effectively;
- A knowledge of architectural history, the work of David Kohn Architects and the practice’s design approach.
Skills
- You will be highly organised, be able to prioritise both the design team’s and your own work to meet deadlines;
- You will be able to communicate complex issues, verbally, in writing, and through drawing and models, to different audiences;
- Experience drawing in Vectorworks and preparing presentations using Adobe Creative Suite;
- Experience of using Revit is an advantage but not a requirement;
- Experience writing specifications using NBS is an advantage but not a requirement;
- Strong presentation skills with an emphasis on hand sketching to draw ideas, plans and details confidently in design discussions;
- You understand physical model-making and are able to direct architectural assistants to explore and deliver ideas efficiently;
- You will have an interest in practice wide issues beyond projects including new business and office management.
Note: Applications should be made online. David Kohn Architects is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We will only consider candidates with the right to work in the UK.
Architects • Summer/Winter 2025 employer: David Kohn Architects
David Kohn Architects is an exceptional employer located in Camden Town, North London, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on career development and mentorship, employees are encouraged to take ownership of their projects while contributing to high-profile designs that push the boundaries of architecture. The practice's commitment to sustainability and its international reputation for quality design make it a rewarding place for architects looking to make a meaningful impact in their field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Architects • Summer/Winter 2025
✨Get your portfolio ready!
When applying for that temporary architecture gig, make sure your portfolio is top-notch. Showcase your best projects, even if they were just uni assignments or side hustles. Include visuals and a brief description to show your design process and creativity.
✨Tap into local architecture events
Check out local architecture exhibitions, talks, and meetups. These events are brilliant for networking and you never know who might be looking for temporary help or just has a contact that could lead you to the right opportunity. Plus, it's a great way to stay updated on trends in the field!
✨Leverage temporary recruitment agencies
Consider registering with recruitment agencies that specialise in architecture roles. They often have access to temporary positions that aren’t advertised elsewhere. It's an easy way to find that next role without much fuss, plus they can help you polish your approach!
✨Show up where the architects are
Join online architecture forums or social media groups where professionals share opportunities. Engaging with these communities not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to job leads and collaborations. Don't underestimate the power of a simple message introducing yourself!
We think you need these skills to ace Architects • Summer/Winter 2025
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Aesthetics:In the architecture game, your portfolio is your best friend. Make sure it showcases a range of your projects, highlighting both your design skills and technical ability. Don't just list what you've done – tell a story behind your designs, and show us how you think spatially!
Emphasise Collaborative Projects:Since this is a temporary role, showing you can work well with others is key. Highlight any collaborative projects in your CV or cover letter. Let us see how you’ve contributed in team settings – we want to know that you can hit the ground running alongside our crew at David Kohn Architects.
Tailor Your Application for the Short Term:For temporary gigs, focus on your flexibility and how quickly you adapt to new environments. In your cover letter, mention your eagerness to learn and contribute immediately. We want to see that you’re ready to bring your skills to David Kohn Architects without needing a long onboarding process!
Stay Up-to-Date with Trends:Architecture is constantly evolving, so make sure your application reflects your awareness of current design trends, software tools, and sustainable practices. Mention any relevant certifications or courses you've taken recently – it shows that you're serious about staying on top of your game for that temporary role.
How to prepare for a job interview at David Kohn Architects
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
When interviewing for a temporary role in architecture, it’s crucial that we bring along a strong portfolio that highlights our best projects. Make sure to include a variety of work that showcases your design skills, technical drawings, and even any 3D models or visualisations. This will help the interviewers at David Kohn Architects see your creative process and your ability to tackle different challenges in architectural design.
✨Brush Up on Software Skills
Be prepared to answer questions about architectural software like AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp, since many firms, including David Kohn Architects, heavily rely on these tools. If possible, brush up on your skills with quick tutorials beforehand, and be ready to discuss how you used these tools in past projects. This shows that you’re not just a pretty face but also technically savvy!
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
Temporary roles often require us to jump into projects mid-flow, so highlight experiences where you've quickly adapted to new teams or changing project scopes. Talk about your problem-solving strategies and how you handle unexpected challenges — this will show David Kohn Architects that you can seamlessly integrate into their ongoing work without missing a beat.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your critical thinking and design choices in real-time. Practice answers where you explain how you would approach specific architectural challenges or collaborate with different stakeholders. This will not only demonstrate our thought process but also show how we can contribute meaningfully to the team at David Kohn Architects from day one.
