Part II Architectural Assistant - Luxury Retail in London

About ML Projects

ML Projects is a London-based architectural project management practice specialising exclusively in high-end luxury retail fit-outs for prestigious brands across the UK and Europe. We manage the complete journey through to store opening, delivering exceptional retail spaces through expert coordination of design development, regulatory approvals, construction delivery, and seamless client handovers. Founded on principles of professional integrity and teamwork, we take pride in bringing our clients' creative visions to life through exceptional project management and execution. Our inclusive culture fosters an environment where professionals can thrive and develop their skills as part of close-knit project teams working on flagship stores, shopping malls, boutiques, and innovative retail concepts.

The Role

Sitting within the ML Projects design team and reporting to the Design Lead / Senior Members of the Design Team, you will primarily produce technical drawing packages in Revit, support the coordination of consultant information, and assist with statutory approval submissions. You will work across multiple projects at varying RIBA stages, typically from Stage 3 through to Stage 5, and will be expected to develop your understanding of retail construction delivery over time. This role suits someone who is proactive, organised, and genuinely interested in the commercial and technical side of architecture — not just the design.

Key Responsibilities

• Drawing Production & Technical Design
  • With guidance produce high-standard, construction-level drawing packages in Revit, including plans, sections, elevations, and details, based on the design intent provided by the Project Architect or PM.
  • Model architectural elements accurately from existing templates, briefs, and consultant information.
  • Develop and maintain drawing registers, ensuring documents are accurately named, issued, and filed in accordance with ML Projects' document control protocols.
  • Support the preparation of tender and contract drawing packages.
  • Produce design development drawings at earlier RIBA stages, translating brand design intent into technically sound proposals.
• Statutory Approvals Support
  • Assist in the preparation of Building Regulations submissions, coordinating architectural drawings with consultant packages (MEP, structural, fire).
  • Support Licence to Alter applications, including drawing preparation and schedule of works documentation.
  • Help compile landlord approval packages and ensure drawings meet the requirements set by the relevant authority or freeholder.
  • Understand and apply UK Building Regulations in the context of retail fit-outs, particularly Part B (Fire Safety), Part M (Access), and Part L (Conservation of Energy).
• Design Coordination
  • Coordinate with the project architect and PM to ensure design information is complete, current, and aligned across all disciplines.
  • Assist with BIM coordination and clash detection between architectural and consultant models.
  • Maintain awareness of project constraints including client budget, construction programme, landlord requirements, and brand standards, reflecting these in your design decisions.
  • Track and respond to design queries from contractors and consultants in a timely manner.
• On Site
  • Attend site visits with the project architect or PM, developing your understanding of construction sequencing and site conditions.
  • Build confidence in leading site conversations over time, with appropriate support and mentoring.
  • Assist with snagging coordination during the construction and handover phases.
• Construction Programmes
  • Develop a working understanding of contractor programmes, learning to identify sequencing risks or unrealistic timelines.
  • Support the project team in understanding phasing implications from a design perspective.
• Materiality & Specification
  • Develop knowledge of key suppliers and materials used in luxury retail fit-outs, including lighting hardware, security, and finishes.
  • Support the production of specifications and schedules of finishes, understanding how material choices interact with statutory requirements and CDM 2015.
• Project Correspondence & Documentation
  • Maintain accurate and organised project files, ensuring all correspondence, drawings, and reports are properly stored and accessible.
  • Assist in keeping external stakeholders — including contractors and consultants — informed of drawing status and design updates in a timely manner.
  • Support the production of Architectural Instructions and design change documentation as required.
• ML Projects Contribution
  • In discussion with the Design Lead, take ownership of a defined area within the ML Projects design team — becoming the recognised point of contact and internal champion for a specific deliverable. This could include document control, Revit templates and BIM standards, visualisation, technical detailing, or building standards.

Essential Requirements

• Part II qualification (MArch or equivalent) from an ARB/RIBA-recognised school of architecture.
• Proficient in Revit — this is our primary production tool and non-negotiable.
• Experience producing construction drawing packages, either through academic work, Part I placement, or post-Part II employment.
• Organised, reliable, and able to manage your own workload across multiple concurrent projects.
• A genuine interest in the commercial and retail architecture sector.
• Comfortable working at pace in a fast-moving, delivery-focused environment.

Highly Desirable

• Previous experience in a retail, hospitality, or commercial fit-out practice (either employed or placement).
• Familiarity with UK Building Regulations and statutory approval processes.
• Experience with BIM coordination and consultant drawing integration.
• Knowledge of CDM 2015, even at a foundational level.
• Exposure to site and construction phases.

Skills & Competencies

• Technical: Revit proficiency to a production standard; ability to read and coordinate across architectural, MEP, and structural drawings; working knowledge of UK Building Regulations as they apply to retail; understanding of luxury retail finishes, materials, and installation methods.
• Design in Context: You make considered design decisions that balance aesthetic intent with commercial reality — keeping proposals deliverable within budget, achievable within programme, and aligned with brand standards and project constraints.
• Communication: Clear, professional written communication. Proactive in keeping the project team and external parties informed. Organised in the way you manage information and correspondence.
• Demeanour: Maintains a calm and professional approach under pressure, responding to new information and challenges in a measured and considered way.
• Collaboration: Works openly and constructively with the design team, project managers, and external consultants. Takes direction well and asks the right questions at the right time.

What We Offer

• A genuine opportunity to grow within a specialist, fast-scaling business.
• Direct exposure to live projects with prestigious international brands from day one.
• Mentoring from experienced Senior Architects.
• A structured development pathway toward the Part III qualification and beyond.
• A collaborative, inclusive team culture with a flat management structure.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• London-based office with project travel across the UK and Europe.

ML Projects is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive team.