At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to design affordable housing from concept to completion, gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Pelham Architects is part of NCHA, a top-rated workplace in the UK focused on quality housing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, career growth, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of housing while developing your skills in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: RIBA part 3 or newly qualified with up to three years' experience; CAD proficiency preferred.
- Other info: We encourage applications from under-represented communities to foster inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 35000 £ per year.
Are you an aspiring architect eager to work across all stages of the design and construction process? At Pelham Architects, we’re looking for a talented individual to join our team, contributing to the creation of well-designed, affordable and private housing. If you’re seeking hands-on experience, career growth and a collaborative environment, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
About the Role
You will work closely with a Senior Architect, developing designs from feasibility studies through to planning application, working drawings and up to project completion. Your responsibilities will include:
- Designing to meet economic, planning and technical constraints
- Preparing feasibility schemes, advising clients on briefs and evaluating sites
- Attending site meetings with contractors, developers and consultants
- Ensuring designs meet National Design Guide and NDSS criteria
- Producing scheme-specific CAD drawings and specifications
- Managing planning and building regulation applications
- Adjusting designs based on NHER/SAP and NHBC standards
- Coordinating project timelines, monitoring drawing schedules, and ensuring deadlines are met
- Conducting Designer’s Risk Assessments under CDM and Building Regulations
- Supporting Pelham Architects in delivering high-quality designs while maximising income opportunities from external clients.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking an architect who sees this role as an opportunity to move into the affordable and private housing sector. Pelham Architects provides the chance to oversee projects from concept to completion, allowing you to gain a wide breadth of experience.
The ideal candidate would be RIBA part 3 & seeking to gain full qualification as an Architect or newly qualified with up to three years of relevant experience. Must have a valid driving licence and access to a vehicle. We would prefer you to be proficient in Revit and AutoCAD however, other CAD proficiencies would not prevent us considering a candidate. The candidate must have a strong grasp of building regulations and architectural processes. Excellent communication, effective time management and alignment to NCHA’s CLEAR values are essential.
Why Work at Pelham Architects?
We are proud to be part of NCHA, recognised as one of the "Great Places to Work" in the UK, ranking 41st nationally. At Pelham Architects, you’ll be surrounded by a supportive team dedicated to designing high-quality homes and environments.
Working Arrangements
The role offers a flexible hybrid working environment, requiring a minimum of three office days over 35 hours per week (our core hours are 8am to 6pm). This is more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to shape the future of affordable housing while growing as a professional. If you’re excited to take the next step in your career, apply now!
NCHA strives to be a welcoming and inclusive employer as such we particularly welcome applicants from ethnic minority communities, LGBTQ+ communities, candidates with disabilities and women, as they are currently under-represented within our workforce principally in our people manager roles.
Locations
Architect employer: Nottingham Community Housing Association Ltd
Contact Detail:
Nottingham Community Housing Association Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific projects Pelham Architects has worked on, especially in affordable housing. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in their work during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Pelham Architects through platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Revit and AutoCAD skills, as proficiency in these tools is preferred. Consider taking a short online course or working on personal projects to showcase your capabilities in these software programs.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you align with NCHA's CLEAR values during your interview. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your commitment to collaboration, learning, excellence, accountability, and respect.
We think you need these skills to ace Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in architecture, particularly in affordable and private housing. Emphasise your proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD, as well as any experience with building regulations and architectural processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for architecture and your desire to contribute to Pelham Architects. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the role's responsibilities, such as managing planning applications or conducting risk assessments.
Showcase Your Design Skills: If possible, include a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your design capabilities. Highlight projects where you have worked from concept to completion, especially those that meet economic and technical constraints.
Prepare for the Interview: Research Pelham Architects and their projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their mission and values. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed timelines and collaborated with teams in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham Community Housing Association Ltd
✨Showcase Your Design Process
Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail. Highlight how you approach feasibility studies, planning applications, and project completion. This will demonstrate your understanding of the entire architectural workflow.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Standards
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the National Design Guide, NDSS criteria, and building regulations. Being able to reference these during your interview will show that you are knowledgeable and serious about the role.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since the role involves attending site meetings and collaborating with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients or team members in past projects.
✨Prepare Questions About the Company
Research Pelham Architects and prepare insightful questions about their projects and values. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.