At a Glance
- Tasks: Contribute to all project phases and create innovative architectural designs.
- Company: Join a leading architecture firm with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a strong emphasis on design and technical excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on diverse and exciting projects in social infrastructure.
- Qualifications: RIBA Part II or equivalent, with 3-5 years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Architectural Designer Responsibilities:
- Contribute to all project phases: project strategy, test fits, schematic plans and conceptual designs for schematic design, refine design solutions for design development, and produce tender and construction packages.
- Coordinate work of single or multidisciplinary teams throughout the project’s life cycle (from development and initiation to close‑out) under the supervision of a Project Manager.
- Prepare, develop and edit drawings, models, schedules, images and other documents relating to the design under the guidance of the project leader or nominated architect.
- Manage workload through project execution and complete deliverables on budget and schedule.
- Experience working within the UK planning and building regulations systems.
- Maintain a high level of design and technical awareness evidenced through a portfolio of project experience.
- Take responsibility for many aspects of diverse and complex social infrastructure and/or mission‑critical data centre projects.
Required Qualifications:
- RIBA Part II (or equivalent).
- A minimum of 3–5 years practical and industry experience in the UK (including social infrastructure projects such as health, science and technology, education and community projects).
- Passion for creativity and design.
- Initiative‑taking, with a proactive attitude and eagerness to learn.
- Excellent collaboration skills, good self‑organisation and strong ability to work in a team environment.
- Ability to multi‑task, prioritise and meet tight deadlines.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
- Intermediate knowledge of Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office.
- Working knowledge and experience of platforms including Rhino, Grasshopper, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator.
- Understanding of computational and parametric design.
- Graphic and visualization skills to communicate design ideas.
Primary Location: United Kingdom – England – London
Industry: Architecture
Schedule: Full‑time
Employee Status: Regular
Business Class: Gen Architecture
Job Posting: Jul 1, 2026
At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Architectural Designer
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from HDR who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Architectural Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at HDR!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to HDR. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at HDR
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at HDR.
