Senior Architect

Senior Architect

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
John Gilbert Architects

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead affordable housing projects from planning to delivery, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
  • Company: Join John Gilbert Architects, a leader in sustainable and community-focused architecture.
  • Benefits: Inclusive workplace culture, opportunities for professional growth, and impactful projects.
  • Other info: Encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds to enrich our team.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in communities through innovative housing design and sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Strong technical skills, project management experience, and a passion for housing design.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € 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.

Senior Architect employer: John Gilbert Architects

John Gilbert Architects is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to sustainability and community-focused design, employees have the opportunity to work on impactful projects that enhance affordable housing across Scotland. The inclusive culture fosters professional growth, ensuring that all team members feel valued and supported in their career development.

John Gilbert Architects

Contact Detail:

John Gilbert Architects Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Architect

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and meetups 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 you can share it during interviews or networking events.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their focus on community impact and sustainable design. We want to see your enthusiasm for their mission!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Architect

Technical Skills
Project Management
RIBA Stages
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Client Engagement
Team Coordination

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Housing Design:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for housing design shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our commitment to creating high-quality homes that positively impact communities.

Highlight Your Technical Skills:Make sure to showcase your strong technical and project management skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can lead projects through all RIBA stages, so don’t hold back on detailing your relevant experience!

Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your application specifically to our role at John Gilbert Architects. Mention our focus on sustainability and community-focused architecture, and explain how your background fits into that vision.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join 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

As a Senior Architect, you'll need strong technical skills. Prepare to talk about your experience with ArchiCAD/BIM workflows and how you've successfully managed projects through all RIBA stages. Bring examples of your technical drawing packages and specifications to demonstrate your expertise.

Emphasise Collaboration

This role requires working within a multidisciplinary team, so highlight your experience in coordinating with project teams and external consultants. Share specific examples of how you’ve effectively communicated with clients, contractors, and local authorities to ensure project success.

Passion for Sustainable Design

John Gilbert Architects values sustainability and community-focused architecture. Be prepared to discuss your passion for housing design and how you’ve incorporated sustainable practices in your previous projects. Show them that you’re not just about meeting standards, but genuinely care about making a positive impact.