At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety in design for heritage projects while managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: Established architecture practice with a focus on heritage and conservation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25+ days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about architecture and seeking long-term career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while advancing your career in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in CDM regulations and strong leadership skills in design consultancy.
The predicted salary is between 59270 - 72442 £ per year.
Principal Designer Job South East London offers a leadership role within the architecture sector. This position is based in South East London and focuses on health and safety within design. You will lead Principal Designer duties across heritage and conservation projects.
The role involves advising on CDM regulations and managing pre-construction health and safety processes. You will work with multidisciplinary teams across varied project types. This Principal Designer Job South East London provides exposure to complex and high-profile schemes. You will support consistency in safety standards across project delivery. The position combines technical advisory responsibilities with team leadership. It suits candidates seeking progression within a design-focused consultancy environment.
About the Company
This established practice operates within the architecture and built environment sector. The organisation has delivered projects across the UK and internationally for several decades. Their portfolio spans heritage, conservation, and contemporary architecture projects. The team includes specialists across planning, surveying, and design disciplines. The practice is recognised for its expertise in heritage and conservation work. They maintain long-term relationships with public and private sector clients. The company promotes professional development and structured career progression. Employees benefit from a collaborative and technically focused working culture.
Role & Responsibilities
- Advise design teams and clients on health and safety risk management in line with CDM regulations
- Lead and develop the Principal Designer function across projects within the organisation
- Review designs and projects to ensure consistent pre-construction health and safety standards
- Coordinate and manage pre-construction information and client documentation requirements
- Oversee health and safety aspects during pre-construction phases across multiple projects
- Prepare and issue health and safety files upon project completion in line with regulations
- Develop internal guidance materials and deliver training across design disciplines
- Critically review design risk assessments and support teams in improving safety compliance
Skills & Experience Required
- Strong understanding of design and construction management methodologies within consultancy environments
- Proven experience delivering CDM and health and safety consultancy services across projects
- Background within architecture, construction, or related consultancy disciplines
- NEBOSH Construction Certificate or equivalent IOSH membership with APS affiliation
- Experience leading Principal Designer or CDM teams within project environments
- Degree qualified in architecture, architectural technology, construction, or engineering
- Strong communication skills to engage with clients, consultants, and project stakeholders
- Experience working on heritage or conservation projects is advantageous
Salary & Benefits
- Salary up to 65,000 depending on experience and level
- 25 days annual leave increasing with service up to 30 days
- Hybrid working arrangement to support flexible working patterns
- Life assurance and additional employee wellbeing benefits
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan options available
- Eyecare vouchers and optional healthcare cashback scheme
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay provisions
Who Is This Role Ideal For?
This role suits a Principal Designer seeking leadership within a design-focused practice. It is ideal for candidates with strong CDM and health and safety experience. Individuals who enjoy working on heritage and conservation projects will benefit from this role. The position suits professionals confident advising design teams and managing compliance processes. Candidates should be comfortable leading teams and developing internal standards. Strong organisational skills are essential for managing multiple project requirements. The role also suits individuals seeking hybrid working within a collaborative environment. This Principal Designer Job South East London supports long-term career progression within consultancy practice.
About Hunter Dunning
Hunter Dunning is a specialist property and built environment recruitment consultancy established in 2004, focused on quality and long-term partnerships in the UK and Ireland property and construction market. We specialise in full lifecycle property recruitment, covering architecture, interior design, surveying, land and planning, fire safety and wider construction roles. We offer informed and confidential discussions for both clients and candidates and welcome conversations about this opportunity and your wider career plans within the built environment.
Apply
If you meet the criteria above, send us your CV and portfolio. We receive a large number of applications so if you do not hear back within 7 days consider your application unsuccessful this time. We will keep a copy of your details on file for future vacancies. In accordance with GDPR, by applying for this position you give us your consent to process your data in-line with our Privacy and Data Protection Policies which can be read on the privacy policy page on our website.
Referral
Did you know we run a referral scheme? We pay a 1000 referral bonus if you introduce us to anyone who we then successfully place in a new job role. Just send us their information and we’ll do the rest.
Principal Designer - Architecture Job in South East London, London - 65,000 employer: Hunter Dunning
As a BIM Coordinator with us, you'll thrive in a dynamic work environment that values innovation and collaboration. We offer competitive salaries, flexible working hours, and a strong commitment to professional development, ensuring you have the resources to grow your skills in BIM and Revit. Join our team and contribute to impactful residential projects while enjoying a supportive culture that prioritises work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Designer - Architecture Job in South East London, London - 65,000
✨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 Hunter Dunning 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 Principal Designer - Architecture Job in South East London, London - 65,000
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 Hunter Dunning!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Hunter Dunning. 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 Hunter Dunning
✨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 Hunter Dunning.
