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- Tasks: Lead exciting conservation architecture projects, ensuring high-quality delivery and collaboration.
- Company: Join Donald Insall Associates, a leader in heritage and conservation architecture.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and mentorship.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment focused on innovation and quality in historic contexts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on historic environments while developing your architectural skills.
- Qualifications: ARB Registered Architect with 5+ years of experience in conservation and project management.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Reporting to: Associate / Associate Director / Practice Director
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Role Summary
For over 65 years, Donald Insall Associates has been working with the past to unlock opportunities within the historic environment. We set the standard for what heritage can be.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead the planning, organisation, and execution of accurate, high-quality project information (drawings, specifications, reports) across all RIBA stages, ensuring technical correctness and compliance with practice standards (QA/EM) and relevant legislation.
- Utilise Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe CS expertly.
- Independently manage the flow of communication between all project stakeholders (client, consultants, contractors, authorities, site), ensuring collaborative working and effective follow-up.
- Chair meetings and produce high-standard minutes/reports.
- Take lead responsibility for project delivery, managing changing priorities, maintaining focus on time, quality, and productivity, and ensuring projects remain on target against programme and fee.
- Lead site inspections, proactively address quality issues, and manage contract administration duties effectively.
- Take responsibility for ensuring appropriate appointment documents are in place and manage the application process for all necessary project permissions.
- Maintain project plans.
- Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks (technical, financial, programme, safety), devising appropriate solutions and seeing them through.
- Manage project profitability through careful management of time and resources, contributing to fee proposals and invoicing processes.
- Mentor Architects and Assistants effectively, delegating tasks appropriately and supporting their professional development.
- Actively contribute to winning new business, potentially leading contributions to design competitions or proposals.
- Lead internal design dialogues and “lessons learnt” sessions, sharing expertise and promoting best practice.
- Keep senior management informed of project status and contribute strategically to efficient team/practice operation.
- Act as a prominent ambassador for the studio and the practice.
What we think you need
- ARB Registered Architect with significant post-qualification experience (typically 5+ years) and varied, successful job-running experience.
- Sound and demonstrable knowledge of all UK planning and building legislation and their practical application in complex historic contexts.
- First-rate design and technical skills, with deep understanding and ability to lead the production of comprehensive technical packages.
- Demonstrable passion for and expertise in conservation, historic buildings, high-quality new design in historic settings, and addressing the climate emergency.
- Excellent knowledge of traditional construction methods and materials.
- Expert working knowledge of Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Awareness and potential application of BIM Level 2 protocols.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; proven ability to draft technically robust, concise, and persuasive documents.
- Proven ability to operate effectively under pressure, manage concurrent deadlines on major projects, and achieve results while maintaining focus on both the big picture and crucial details.
- Act competently as Contract Administrator (CA), CDM Principal Designer (CDM PD) and Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD), under the supervision of others.
- Maintains up-to-date H&S competency such as through RIBA H&S test or CSCS card.
- Demonstrable strategic thinking applied to project delivery and problem-solving.
- Strong, demonstrable problem‑solving skills: proven ability to think ahead, manage ambiguity effectively, devise appropriate solutions independently, and ensure project targets (timescales, fee, quality) are met.
- AABC or RIBA (SCA) accreditation is expected before further career advancement into either Associate or Technical Associate roles.
Key behaviours we seek
- Proactive Leader & Motivator.
- Commercially Aware & Quality Driven.
- Excellent Communicator & Ambassador.
- Resilient & Solutions-Focused.
- Mentoring & Collaborative.
Equal Opportunities
Donald Insall Associates is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries: Architecture and Planning
Senior Architect - Conservation Architecture (Oxford) employer: Donald Insall Associates
Contact Detail:
Donald Insall Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Architect - Conservation Architecture (Oxford)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in conservation architecture. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and visually appealing – first impressions count!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values and goals. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Architect - Conservation Architecture (Oxford)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience with Revit, AutoCAD, and other software mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your technical skills to the table, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for this role. Use keywords from the job description to show us that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into our vision.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate well-structured documents that get straight to the point, especially when it comes to your project management experience and problem-solving skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Donald Insall Associates
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK planning and building legislation, especially in relation to conservation architecture. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past projects, as it shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Since the role requires expertise in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, be prepared to talk about specific projects where you've used these tools. Bring examples of your work or even a portfolio that highlights your technical prowess and design capabilities.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Collaboration
As a Senior Architect, you'll need to lead teams and manage communication between various stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully led a project or mentored others. Highlight your ability to keep everyone on the same page and how you handle conflicts or challenges.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially under pressure. Prepare scenarios where you've had to think on your feet, manage changing priorities, or mitigate risks. This will show that you can maintain focus on both the big picture and the crucial details.