At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Architectural team to deliver high-quality projects across Lancashire.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council, a leader in sustainable building design.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape innovative environments and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: ARB-registered Architect with strong leadership and project management experience.
Salary £51,356 – £55,612 per annum (Pay award pending) | Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week | Preston, County Hall/Hybrid
About The Role
We are looking for an experienced and strategic Principal Architect to lead our Architectural team, within the Building Design Team. This senior leadership role has responsibility for delivering a diverse and high‑profile portfolio of projects across the county. You will take ownership of architectural services, ensuring that projects are delivered efficiently, cost‑effectively, and to the highest quality standards, supporting the Council’s priorities and statutory obligations. Working within a multidisciplinary Design and Construction Service alongside Surveyors, Engineers, Project Managers, QS’s and external partners, you will play a key role in shaping sustainable, innovative and inclusive environments for the people of Lancashire.
What You Will Do
- Lead and manage the Architectural/Structural Team, motivating and supporting staff to deliver high‑quality services
- Oversee the delivery of architectural and structural projects and programmes, ensuring alignment with budgets, timescales, and quality expectations
- Manage workload, resources and priorities to ensure effective service delivery
- Champion design quality, sustainability and innovation across all projects
- Provide specialist architectural and technical advice throughout all RIBA stages, including design, construction and defects
- Lead discussions and decision‑making on complex design and construction issues
- Monitor and manage project costs, budgets and reporting
- Work collaboratively across internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions
- Challenge existing practices and drive continuous improvement and efficiency
- Support senior leadership in delivering the wider objectives of the Property Service
About You
- Professionally qualified and ARB‑registered Architect (or equivalent), with substantial post‑qualification experience
- Member of a relevant professional body (e.g. RIBA)
- Significant experience managing architectural teams or multidisciplinary professionals at a senior level
- Strong leadership, organisational and people management skills
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management abilities
- Ability to make informed decisions, challenge performance and resolve complex issues effectively
- Proven experience in delivering building design and construction projects
- Understanding of budget management, project delivery and performance monitoring
Benefits
- A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
- 26 days of annual leave (increasing with length of service) plus 8 Bank Holidays and 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, with the option to buy additional leave each year
- Staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, providing discounts across a range of UK retailers
- Opportunities for training, development and career progression within Lancashire County Council
Principal Architect | Building Design Team employer: Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of architectural design. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and ample annual leave, and a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives, this role as Principal Architect provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of building design in Lancashire while advancing your career in a supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Architect | Building Design Team
✨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 Lancashire County Council 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 Principal Architect | Building Design Team
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 Lancashire County Council!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Lancashire County Council. 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 Lancashire County Council
✨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 Lancashire County Council.
