At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design development for new gyms and refurbishments, from concept to completion.
- Company: Urban Gym Group, a fast-growing fitness brand with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, gym membership, pension plan, and mental health support.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for international collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on gym design and enjoy autonomy in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Part II or Part III qualified architect with UK project experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: London (primary), with regular liaison to The Netherlands
Fulltime (40 hours) Contract: Permanent
Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 per annum
To foster collaboration, coaching, and team energy, we expect our colleagues to work on-site (head office or clubs) at least 4 days per week (and up to 5 days depending on the role).
About the role
Urban Gym Group is growing fast. With 10 sites already live in the UK and an accelerating pipeline of new TrainMore openings and GymBox refurbishments across London, we're looking for an in-house Architect to help us build brilliant gyms, faster. This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of design quality and planning delivery for a UK portfolio, while plugging directly into a Netherlands-based design team already running 60+ sites internationally. You'll be the person who turns a great site into a great gym: from concept through to planning consent and completed build. And as our UK pipeline keeps growing, you'll be the one supporting what our in-house design function becomes next. If you want the pace and autonomy of an in-house role, real influence over brand standards, and projects you can see through from concept to opening day, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing
- Leading design development across all UK new build and refurbishment projects; from concept and feasibility through to planning consent and technical delivery.
- Preparing and managing planning applications, liaising with local planning authorities and coordinating specialist consultants.
- Owning and evolving our UK design standards for GymBox and TrainMore, so every site delivers a consistent member experience.
- Appointing and managing external architects and design consultants where needed, including briefs, fees, and quality oversight.
- Getting out on site regularly: checking design quality, unblocking issues, and keeping programmes moving.
- Acting as the link between design and construction teams, so information flows and queries get resolved fast.
You'll also feed into due diligence on new sites, contribute architectural input to board papers and cost plans, and work closely with our Netherlands design team to align standards across the international portfolio.
What we're looking for
Essential:
- Part II or Part III qualified architect (ARB registration preferred).
- Proven experience delivering both new build and refurbishment projects in the UK.
- Strong working knowledge of UK planning processes, Building Regulations, and CDM requirements.
- Confident with AutoCAD and/or Revit, with strong technical drawing skills.
- Experience managing or coordinating consultants and external architect teams.
- Comfortable juggling multiple projects at different stages at once.
- A clear communicator, equally at home presenting design ideas to a contractor or a board.
- Comfortable working with autonomy, and confident collaborating with colleagues based internationally.
- Right to work in the UK.
Desirable:
- Experience in leisure, hospitality, fitness, or retail fit-out.
- Familiarity with Netherlands construction or planning practices, and/or working knowledge of Dutch.
- Developer-side or client-side experience, rather than solely private practice.
- Familiarity with cost planning principles and NRM cost structures.
- BIM Level 2 workflow experience.
- Happy to travel internationally, including to the Netherlands, for design team collaboration.
How this role works
You'll report directly to the Development Director and sit within a small, close-knit Development team; this role carries real ownership, but you won't be running projects alone: external architects, consultants, and contractors support delivery on every project. It's a full-time role with hybrid flexibility, built around a mix of office, site, and occasional Netherlands travel.
What's in it for you
- 25 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 30 after 2 years — time to properly switch off.
- UK statutory workplace pension, managed to support your long-term financial wellbeing.
- Complimentary Urban Gym Group membership for you and one nominated person, across TrainMore and GymBox.
- Employee Assistance Programme, offering confidential mental health support and practical guidance for you and your immediate family.
About Urban Gym Group
We're the team behind GymBox and TrainMore; fitness brands built to give members an experience they'll actually look forward to. As we grow across the UK and internationally, our Development team is at the heart of that ambition, and this role sits right in the middle of it.
Architect employer: Gymbox - Head Office
Urban Gym Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative projects across the UK while working alongside a talented design team from the Netherlands. Our culture promotes professional development and a commitment to quality, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about shaping the future of gym and leisure spaces.
