Senior/ Principal Architect in London

Morson is supporting the delivery of one of the UKs most significant and transformative major rail infrastructure programmes. We are looking for an experienced Senior/ Principal Architect to join the client-side Design Team and play a key role in shaping the architectural quality of major infrastructure assets. This is an excellent opportunity for a registered architect with major infrastructure, transportation or complex multidisciplinary project experience to take on a highly influential client-side role.

You will work closely with the Lead Architect, engineering teams, Main Works Civils Contractors, Design & Build contractors and specialist consultants, providing architectural assurance and protecting design intent throughout detailed design and construction. You won't simply be reviewing drawings - you'll be helping to ensure that the architectural vision, technical requirements and long-term quality of major rail infrastructure are delivered.

The Opportunity

As Senior Architect, you will provide architectural expertise across major elements of the rail infrastructure programme, including:

• Headhouses
• Portals
• Bridges
• Viaducts
• Railway infrastructure and associated buildings
• Other architectural elements along the line of route

You will act as an important client-side design interface, working across multiple disciplines and contracts to ensure that architectural requirements are understood, coordinated and delivered. A key part of the role will be acting as a Design Concept Guardian, ensuring that the quality and integrity of the approved design is maintained as projects progress from detailed design through to construction. You will also act as a custodian of the programme's Design Vision, helping to ensure consistency, quality and design intent are maintained across multiple delivery areas and contracts.

What You'll Be Doing

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Lead Architect across architectural design assurance and project delivery.
• Providing specialist architectural advice to the client organisation and its delivery partners.
• Reviewing contractor and consultant design deliverables against project specifications, requirements and standards.
• Working closely with engineering and construction teams to resolve design issues and interfaces.
• Supporting procurement through technical scope development and tender assessment.
• Managing and responding to architectural Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Providing architectural input into planning submissions and the closure of planning conditions.
• Supporting design teams ahead of Independent Design Review Panel reviews.
• Coordinating responses to recommendations arising from design reviews.
• Integrating architecture with civil engineering, landscape, rail systems, environment, planning and construction disciplines.
• Working with Design & Build contractors through detailed design and construction to ensure project requirements are achieved.
• Supporting design approvals and technical sign-offs.
• Maintaining consistency of architectural design across different delivery units and contracts.
• Identifying and managing design risks and opportunities.
• Ensuring safety is embedded into design and delivery decisions.
• Championing the programme's Design Vision throughout the project lifecycle.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an architect who can combine design quality with technical assurance and stakeholder management. You'll ideally have:

• ARB registration and/or RIBA membership.
• Significant experience working as an architect within a multidisciplinary design and delivery environment.
• Experience on major infrastructure, transportation, rail or similarly complex projects.
• A strong understanding of architectural design development and technical delivery.
• Experience working with contractors, consultants and engineering teams.
• Knowledge of relevant architectural and engineering standards.
• The ability to interpret technical requirements within a transportation or railway environment.
• Experience managing multiple workstreams and competing deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence presenting to senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary audiences.
• Experience developing and delivering work packages.
• The ability to influence stakeholders and achieve successful outcomes across organisational and contractual boundaries.

Why Join This Project?

This is much more than a conventional architectural role. You'll have the opportunity to work on a nationally significant rail infrastructure programme, operating at the intersection of architecture, engineering, construction and transportation. You'll have genuine influence over the quality, consistency and long-term legacy of major infrastructure assets, working alongside leading engineering, construction and design organisations.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Work on one of the UKs largest infrastructure programmes.
• Shape the architectural vision of major railway infrastructure.
• Work directly with major contractors and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Operate in a senior client-side technical role.
• Contribute to the future of UK transportation infrastructure.
• Help deliver infrastructure with a long-term national legacy.
• Influence design from detailed development through to construction.
• Work within a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

The Working Environment

This is a complex programme involving numerous delivery contracts, organisations, disciplines and stakeholders. The successful candidate will need to be comfortable operating in a fast-moving and changing environment, managing competing priorities and finding effective solutions where technical, commercial, operational and design requirements intersect. You'll work as part of a matrix organisation and will be expected to build strong relationships across both the client organisation and supply chain.

Safety, Quality & Inclusion

Safety is at the heart of everything we do. You will be expected to take personal responsibility for working in accordance with the programme's health, safety and wellbeing principles and to actively contribute to a positive safety culture. We are also committed to promoting Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and expect all colleagues and partners to support an inclusive working environment.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you are an experienced Senior Architect looking for the opportunity to work on a nationally significant infrastructure programme - and you're passionate about delivering high-quality, technically robust and enduring design - we'd like to hear from you. Apply now through Morson to take the next step in your career and help shape the future of UK infrastructure.