At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Landscape team to gain hands-on experience on exciting projects.
- Company: Award-winning architectural practice with a collaborative culture across the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, mentoring programme, and an award-winning lifestyle package.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a dynamic design environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Landscape Architecture or related field; CAD familiarity is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are a UK & Ireland practice with strong connections across all of our studios in London, Sheffield, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast, Plymouth, Birmingham, and Dublin. We work collaboratively as one team structured by sector, sharing resources, knowledge and skills. Ranked as one of the top 25 largest practices in the UK this year, other recent accolades include:
- AJ100 List of UK’s Top Architectural Practices
- Best Companies Top 10 Best Mid‑Sized Companies to work for
- Shortlisted, AJ100 Awards – Employer of the Year
- Shortlisted, Architect of Year Awards – Social Value Architect of the Year
- Shortlisted, Architect of Year Awards – Employer of the Year
- Highly Commended, MMC Awards – Architectural Practice of the Year
Our Award winning schemes have included:
- The Wave, University of Sheffield – Design Excellence South Yorkshire Property Insider Awards 2023
- The Concourse, Public Realm, Sheffield – Civic Trust Awards Regional Finalist
- Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh
- The Movement Public Realm, Greenwich
- RIBA Home 2030 Design Competition- Finalist
About the Role
We are looking for a Year out Landscape Student to join our Landscape team in our Sheffield or London studio. This is an opportunity to gain hands‑on experience working on a variety of projects within a collaborative, multidisciplinary design environment alongside Architects and Interior Designers. Our projects vary in scale and complexity, offering valuable learning opportunities across sectors. You will support the team across different project stages, contributing ideas and developing your technical and design skills. You will work both independently and collaboratively in a supportive environment that encourages learning and growth.
About You
We welcome applications from individuals with a range of backgrounds and experiences. You may be a great fit if you have:
- A degree (BA, BSc, or equivalent) in Landscape Architecture or a related subject
- An interest in design and sustainable design approaches
- Familiarity with CAD tools such as Revit, ArchiCAD, or AutoCAD
- Experience using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
- Exposure to specification tools such as NBS Chorus or similar platforms (beneficial)
- Awareness of RIBA work stages (e.g. Stage 3 or Stage 4), though this is not essential
- Experience with tools such as PlantPartner, ArtisanRV, or environmental analysis software is advantageous but not required
- The ability to communicate ideas clearly in written, visual, or verbal formats (with adjustments or support if required)
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively
If you don’t meet every requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply.
Development Opportunities
If you have already started your Pathway to Chartership with the Landscape Institute (LI), we can support your progress through our mentoring programme. We offer a supportive and collaborative studio environment, an award-winning lifestyle package, and a commitment to your personal development through the HLM Academy. We are also an Employee Owned Trust, which means our employees have a sense of ownership, a say in our direction and are rewarded for the part they play in our future success. Diversity, inclusion and belonging (DIB) is at the core of our business. We advocate equal opportunities, creating an inclusive working environment for all. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different mode, please contact our HR team for assistance.
If you think this role could be for you, please send your CV, a covering personal statement, and examples of your work. Those shortlisted will be contacted. HLM Architects is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Landscape Assistant
✨Get Involved with Local Architecture Events
Join local architecture events and workshops happening in your area. It’s a fab way to meet industry professionals, showcase your passion, and maybe even snag an internship at a firm like HLM Architects! Keep an eye out for events hosted by architecture schools or organisations; they often have networking opportunities specifically for students.
✨Utilise University Career Services
Most universities have career services dedicated to helping students find internships. Book an appointment and ask about partnerships with local firms. They might even have exclusive openings at places like HLM Architects that you won’t find anywhere else!
✨Show Off Your Portfolio Online
Make sure your portfolio is up-to-date and find a way to showcase it online. Platforms like Behance or even a simple personal website can help your work stand out. Remember, a visually appealing portfolio can catch the eye of firms looking for interns!
✨Connect Via Architecture Social Media Groups
Hop onto social media platforms and join architecture-focused groups. These communities often share internship openings and valuable insights into the industry. Plus, engaging with others can help you build connections that might lead you to HLM Architects or similar firms!
We think you need these skills to ace Landscape Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:As you apply for an internship in architecture, make sure to include a solid portfolio showcasing your design projects, sketches, and models. We want to see your creative flair and understanding of design principles. If you’ve worked on any group projects or personal ventures, throw those in too!
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Architectural Knowledge:Highlight specific architectural software you’re proficient in, like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit on your CV. We love seeing relevant coursework or projects that align with the role, so include specific modules or experiences that have developed your skills in this field.
Craft a Passionate Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for architecture and your eagerness to learn. Remember, we’re looking for interns with potential—not just experience—so share what excites you about the field and how you can contribute to HLM Architects.
Research and Reflect:Before submitting your application, take time to research HLM Architects and their architectural style or recent projects. Reflect this understanding in your application to showcase your genuine interest in the firm. It’ll make you stand out and show that you’re not just sending out generic applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at HLM Architects
✨Showcase Your Design Skills
Bring along a well-rounded portfolio that highlights your design projects and sketches. Don't just show the final product – include the thought process and iterations that led you there. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively, which is key in architecture.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about architectural concepts and tools like AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp. Be ready to discuss your familiarity with these programmes and how you’ve used them in your projects. We want to see how you approach problem-solving in a design context, so brush up on design principles as well.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Learning
As an intern, they're looking for your motivation and eagerness to learn. Be prepared to talk about your favourite architectural styles or influential architects and how they inspire you. Share any recent architectural trends you've been following, showing that you’re always growing your knowledge in the field.
✨Engage in Site Visits and Real-World Scenarios
If you can, ask questions about ongoing projects or past ones the firm has worked on. This not only shows your interest, but it also gives you the chance to discuss how theoretical knowledge applies to real-world situations in architecture. Plus, it shows that you’re keen to get out there and see how things actually function on site!
