Senior Architect

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.