Architectural Designer in Saffron Walden

Design with purpose—shape vibrant communities from concept to planning. As an Architectural Designer at Hill, you’ll play a central role in turning ideas into exceptional places to live. Working within our in-house Design Team, you’ll lead feasibility studies, design briefs and planning applications—bringing creativity, clarity and compliance to every project. You’ll collaborate with teams across the business and external consultants to deliver well-considered, commercially viable schemes. With the chance to work on multiple developments at once, you’ll directly influence how our communities look, feel, and function for years to come.

What you’ll do:

• Prepare feasibility plans, design briefs and planning applications
• Coordinate with external consultants to align outputs with planning requirements
• Champion design quality, clarity and consistency across all schemes
• Produce and maintain CAD/BIM drawings in line with Hill’s digital systems
• Liaise with planning departments to optimise development potential
• Contribute to risk management through design audits and risk assessments
• Stay up to date with evolving planning policy, design standards and regulations
• Mentor junior team members and support their development
• Ensure each project balances great design with commercial and programme goals

What we’re looking for:

• Architecture-based degree with a strong residential design portfolio
• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong design coordination and communication skills
• Experience leading or contributing to planning applications
• Knowledge of CDM regulations and H&S design compliance
• A collaborative, proactive approach to managing multiple deadlines
• Experience mentoring others and managing external consultants is a plus
• A clear passion for thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable design

What you’ll get:

• 26 days holiday
• Private healthcare and wellbeing platform
• Hill Incentive scheme and retail discounts
• Volunteering days and continuous learning opportunities
• A high-performing and supportive team culture
• Competitive salary and package

Why Hill?

At Hill, we offer more than just a job — we offer the opportunity to make a real and lasting impact. Every person here contributes to delivering sustainable, high-quality homes and shaping vibrant communities across the UK. Our culture is underpinned by our values: Ambition – we set bold goals and support each other to exceed them; Impact – we focus on delivering meaningful outcomes; Agility – we move quickly, adapt confidently, and embrace change; Collaboration – we work together to achieve more, sharing success along the way.

As a privately owned business, we’re able to move with pace and purpose. We invest in people, support career growth, and empower individuals to lead from wherever they stand. Hard-working, driven people thrive here — and are recognised for what they deliver and how they deliver it. Join Hill and be part of a forward-thinking, values-led team. Together, we’re not just building homes — we’re building a lasting legacy. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and can provide adjustments throughout the recruitment process.