At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead affordable housing projects from planning to delivery, focusing on sustainability and community impact.
- 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 applications and offering excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities through innovative housing design and urban regeneration.
- Qualifications: ARB registered Architect with 5+ years of experience in UK housing projects.
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.
Projects will include:
- Affordable and mid-market housing
- Urban regeneration and infill developments
- Sustainable retrofit housing
- Passivhaus and low-energy housing
- Housing-led mixed-use developments
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.
To apply, please send your CV, portfolio, and covering letter, responding to the points above (maximum 10 mb), to recruitment@johngilbert.co.uk by 29 May 2026. If you wish to discuss the job, please email the above with your request, and we will book an appointment. No agencies or recruitment consultancies, thank you.
Senior Architect in Glasgow employer: John Gilbert Architects
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Architect in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the architecture field, especially those who might know someone at John Gilbert Architects. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for housing design! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for sustainable and community-focused architecture. It’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your project management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led projects through all RIBA stages, as this is key for the Senior Architect role. We want to see your experience shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at John Gilbert Architects. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Architect in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in affordable housing projects and showcases your technical skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on relevant details!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for housing design and sustainability. Let us know why you’re excited about the opportunity at John Gilbert Architects and how you can contribute to our mission.
Showcase Your Projects:Include examples of your previous work in your portfolio that demonstrate your ability to lead projects through all RIBA stages. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered high-quality homes that positively impact communities.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Gilbert Architects
✨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 that highlight your proficiency in ArchiCAD or Revit, and be ready to discuss how you've applied low-energy and Passivhaus principles in your designs.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, think of specific examples where you successfully coordinated with consultants and stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve fostered a collaborative environment in past projects.
✨Passion for Community Impact
John Gilbert Architects values community-focused design, so be prepared to talk about your passion for creating homes that positively impact communities. Share any experiences you have with community engagement or consultation activities, as this will resonate well with their mission.
