At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead architectural projects and mentor junior staff while delivering high-quality development solutions.
- Company: Join Planit Consulting, a dynamic multidisciplinary consultancy in Godalming.
- Benefits: Shape your career with leadership opportunities and work on diverse projects.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in architecture and influence business growth.
- Qualifications: ARB registered or RIBA Chartered Architect with 10+ years of experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
KDH Associates is proud to be working with Planit Consulting in Godalming, Surrey. Planit Consulting is an established multidisciplinary planning and development consultancy providing planning, architecture and development advice across residential, rural, commercial, sport and leisure sectors.
As the business continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced Architectural Consultant to lead and develop Planit's architectural service, working closely with the planning consultants to deliver high-quality development solutions for clients. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious architect who enjoys combining design excellence with client management, commercial awareness and team leadership.
You will lead the architectural function within the business, overseeing projects from initial feasibility through planning submission while supporting the continued growth of the architectural team. The role combines technical expertise, project leadership and business development within a collaborative multidisciplinary consultancy. As a senior member of the business, you will contribute to strategic growth, mentor junior colleagues and help shape the future direction of our architectural services. This role is suitable for someone who believes they are at Associate or Associate Director level. More senior/experienced candidates will also be considered.
Key responsibilities- Lead architectural projects from feasibility through planning approval.
- Undertake measured building and site surveys on smaller projects.
- Prepare concept designs and planning drawings.
- Produce high-quality presentation material, client reports and Design and Access Statements.
- Coordinate drawing work with planning consultants and external specialists.
- Ensure projects are delivered on programme and within budget.
- Lead, mentor and develop junior architectural staff.
- Allocate workloads and oversee project quality.
- Maintain high technical and professional standards.
- Participate in leadership meetings.
- Develop strong relationships with clients.
- Prepare fee proposals and project quotations.
- Identify new business opportunities.
- Represent Planit at networking and business development events.
- Support the continued growth of the architectural service.
- ARB registered or RIBA Chartered Architect.
- Minimum 10 years' post-qualification experience.
- Degree or postgraduate qualification in Architecture.
- Demonstrable experience leading projects through planning stages.
- Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong commercial awareness.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience within planning-led consultancy.
- Experience in rural, residential or mixed-use development.
- Previous team leadership or management experience.
- AutoCAD.
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and InDesign).
- UK Planning System.
- Building Regulations awareness.
- Microsoft Office 365.
- GIS experience.
- AI-assisted design and visualisation tools (e.g. ChatGPT).
We're looking for someone who:
- Is proactive and commercially minded.
- Enjoys leading and mentoring others.
- Enjoys working in a team.
- Has excellent attention to detail.
- Thrives in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment.
- Is adaptable and solutions focused.
- Can confidently communicate with clients, consultants and local authorities.
- Takes ownership of projects and delivers to high professional standards.
You will work across a diverse range of projects including:
- Householder development proposals
- Individual dwellings and multiple unit / small scale housing schemes
- Agricultural buildings
- Equestrian facilities
- Sport and leisure developments
- Rural diversification projects
- Commercial development
- Masterplanning
You'll have the opportunity to:
- Lead and shape a growing architectural team.
- Work alongside experienced planning professionals.
- Influence business growth and strategy.
- Work on varied and interesting development projects.
- Develop your leadership career within a supportive consultancy.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Willingness to undertake site visits and client meetings.
- Eligibility to work in the UK.
Associate Architect in Slough employer: KDH Associates
At Planit Consulting in Godalming, Surrey, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. As an Associate Architect, you will not only lead exciting architectural projects but also have the opportunity to mentor junior staff and influence the strategic direction of our services. With a commitment to professional development and a diverse range of projects, Planit offers a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the planning and development sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Architect in Slough
✨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 KDH Associates 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 Associate Architect in Slough
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 KDH Associates!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to KDH Associates. 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 KDH Associates
✨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 KDH Associates.
