At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead affordable housing projects from planning to delivery, making a real impact in communities.
- Company: Join John Gilbert Architects, a leader in sustainable and community-focused architecture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and the chance to work on award-winning projects.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace encouraging diverse applicants and offering excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of housing design while promoting sustainability and community well-being.
- Qualifications: ARB registered Architect with 5+ years in UK housing projects, strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 € per year.
John Gilbert Architects is seeking an experienced Senior Architect to join our growing team, leading the delivery of affordable housing projects across Scotland. The role will focus on new-build and retrofit housing developments, including urban regeneration and mid-market housing projects such as Spoutmouth and Tureen Street in Glasgow. We are looking for a talented architect with strong technical and project management skills, capable of leading projects through all RIBA stages while working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate will have a passion for housing design, sustainability, and delivering high-quality homes that positively impact communities.
JGA is recognised for its work in sustainable and Passivhaus-informed design, retrofit, and community-focused architecture. The practice operates to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards and has extensive experience delivering affordable housing across Scotland. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds, experiences, and identities feel valued, respected, and supported. We actively encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented within architecture and the built environment professions.
Role Overview
The Senior Architect will lead and coordinate affordable housing projects from feasibility through planning, technical delivery, construction, and handover. The role requires strong organisational and communication skills, the ability to manage project teams and consultants, and confidence in engaging with clients, contractors, housing associations, and local authorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead affordable housing projects across all RIBA work stages.
- Manage project programmes, deliverables, and resources to meet deadlines and budgets.
- Coordinate internal project teams and external consultants.
- Chair project meetings and maintain strong communication with clients and stakeholders.
- Support Directors in project planning, procurement, and delivery strategies.
Technical Delivery
- Produce and oversee technical drawing packages and specifications.
- Ensure compliance with Scottish Building Standards, Housing for Varying Needs, planning policy, and sustainability requirements.
- Coordinate planning, warrant, and construction information packages.
- Maintain quality assurance standards throughout project delivery.
- Work collaboratively using ArchiCAD/BIM workflows.
Design & Sustainability
- Contribute to thoughtful, people-focused housing design.
- Apply low-energy, Passivhaus-informed, and sustainable design principles.
- Support innovation in housing delivery, retrofit, embodied carbon reduction, and building performance.
- Assist with design reviews and technical problem-solving across projects.
Team & Client Management
- Mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative studio culture.
- Build strong relationships with housing associations, contractors, consultants, and community stakeholders.
- Support community engagement and consultation activities where required.
Requirements
- ARB registered Architect.
- Minimum 5 years post-Part 3 professional experience.
- Significant experience delivering housing projects in the UK, preferably affordable housing in Scotland.
- Strong technical knowledge of housing construction, detailing, and Scottish Building Regulations.
- Experience leading projects through planning, technical design, and construction stages.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and team leadership abilities.
- Experience coordinating consultant teams and managing client relationships.
- Proficiency in ArchiCAD, Revit, or similar BIM software.
- Experience with Passivhaus or low-energy housing design.
- Knowledge of Housing for Varying Needs, Glasgow Standard and other housing design standards.
- Retrofit and conservation experience.
- Experience working with housing associations and public sector clients.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work on meaningful, affordable housing projects across Scotland.
- Collaborative and supportive studio environment.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Continued professional development and support for accreditation.
- Exposure to award-winning sustainable housing and retrofit projects.
- Opportunity to contribute to research and innovation in low-energy housing design.
Dependent on experience Permanent Full time
Senior Architect in Glasgow employer: John Gilbert Architects Ltd
John Gilbert Architects is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive studio environment where creativity thrives. With a strong commitment to sustainability and community-focused design, employees have the opportunity to work on meaningful affordable housing projects across Scotland, while benefiting from flexible working arrangements and continued professional development. The practice values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that all team members feel valued and supported in their professional growth.
Contact Detail:
John Gilbert Architects Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Architect in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and meet-ups to connect with fellow architects and potential employers. Don't be shy; introduce yourself and share your passion for sustainable housing design!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your work! Create a stunning portfolio that highlights your best projects, especially those related to affordable housing and sustainability. Make sure it’s easy to access online, so employers can see your skills in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in delivering high-quality homes that positively impact communities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are excited about joining our team. Tailor your application to highlight your project management skills and experience with RIBA stages.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Architect in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with affordable housing projects and sustainability. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at John Gilbert Architects!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for housing design and community impact shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the built environment.
Highlight Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in ArchiCAD, Revit, or similar BIM software. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so show us your technical chops!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Gilbert Architects Ltd
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with John Gilbert Architects' recent projects, especially those related to affordable housing and sustainability. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their work on projects like Spoutmouth and Tureen Street.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your technical knowledge of housing construction and Scottish Building Regulations. Bring examples of your previous work, particularly any technical drawing packages or specifications you've produced, to highlight your expertise.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, be prepared to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with others in past projects. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve managed project teams and client relationships.
✨Passion for Sustainable Design
Express your enthusiasm for sustainable architecture and low-energy design principles. Discuss any relevant experience you have with Passivhaus standards or innovative housing solutions, as this will resonate well with the values of John Gilbert Architects.
