Architectural and Facades Lead

London - 1 day a week with travel to sites when needed

£85,000 - £90,000 + Package

Brief

Architectural and Facades Lead needed for a well-known Facilities Management organisation who are looking to employ an experienced and well-rounded Architectural and Facades Lead that takes pride in their work with an in-depth knowledge of leading facade design and retrofit projects.

The successful candidate must have a degree in Architecture, Facade Engineering, or Building Conservation (MArch/BSc/MSc or equivalent). As well as extensive experience in architectural detailing, envelope engineering, and materials performance. If you have a retrofit Designer Certification or equivalent qualification would be a plus!

Benefits

• Salary: £85,000 - £90,000 per annum
• 25 days holidays
• Variable annual bonus based 10%
• Company car / allowance
• Pension Plan
• Career Progression

What the role entails:

Some of the main duties of the Architectural and Facades Lead will include:

Architectural & Facade Design

• Lead the design development of the architectural elements particularly as it relates to building envelopes, ensuring compliance with structural, thermal, and aesthetic requirements.
• Drive sustainable solutions, integrating low-carbon materials, passive design principles, and advanced retrofit systems.
• Develop and oversee technical detailing, ensuring durability, airtightness, and thermal performance.
• Lead the design of retrofit schemes (aligning with heritage constraints and conservation guidelines, where applicable).
• Provide expertise in fire performance and regulatory compliance, ensuring facade designs align with Building Safety Act and relevant codes.

Design Management & Coordination

• Oversee RIBA Stages 2 to 4, ensuring seamless integration of architectural design with facades, structural, and MEP disciplines.
• Provide ongoing technical support across RIBA Stages 5 to 7, ensuring design intent is upheld during construction and post-occupancy.
• Lead BIM implementation, for architectural and facade elements, ensuring coordinated, data-driven design solutions.
• Develop and maintain 3D models and CAD documentation, ensuring alignment with multidisciplinary teams.
• Facilitate design reviews, risk assessments, and value engineering workshops, optimising performance and cost efficiency.

Retrofit Expertise

• Develop and implement retrofit strategies, including external-, cavity- and internal wall insulation, roof insulation and room-in-roof systems, over-cladding, and high-performance glazing.
• Engage with local authorities, and planning consultants (and heritage bodies where relevant) to secure approvals for facade interventions.
• Conduct condition assessments and material studies, ensuring sustainable preservation of existing building fabric.

Project Delivery & Technical Oversight

• Provide technical leadership throughout RIBA Stages 5 to 7, ensuring buildability, performance verification, and compliance with project specifications.
• Work closely with the project delivery teams, contractors and suppliers to resolve architectural and envelope-related challenges during construction.
• Support quality assurance processes, including on-site inspections, performance testing, and commissioning of architectural retrofit and façade systems.
• Develop and oversee post-occupancy evaluation strategies, assessing thermal performance, airtightness, and durability of architectural elements.

Sustainability & Innovation

• Champion modern methods of construction, low-carbon facade solutions, integrating circular economy principles, bio-based materials, and advanced fabrication techniques.
• Research and implement innovative technologies and modular construction.
• Stay updated with evolving regulatory and sustainability frameworks, ensuring compliance with UK Net Zero targets and energy efficiency standards.

What experience you need to be the successful Architectural and Facades Lead:

Experience

• Proven track record in leading facade design and retrofit projects.
• Extensive experience in architectural detailing, envelope engineering, and materials performance.
• Strong background in working across RIBA Stages 2 to 7, ensuring design integrity and technical delivery.
• Knowledge of climate-responsive facade design and energy-efficient retrofit strategies.
• Experience mentoring and developing design engineers.

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture, Facade Engineering, or Building Conservation (MArch/BSc/MSc or equivalent).
• Chartered status with RIBA, IStructE, or Society of Facade Engineering (SFE) preferred.
• Extensive experience in architectural design, facade engineering, and retrofit projects.
• Retrofit Designer Certification or equivalent qualification is highly desirable.

This really is a fantastic opportunity for a Architectural and Facades Lead to progress their career. If you are interested please apply as soon as possible as this position will be filled quickly so don't miss out!