At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-end architectural projects from concept to completion, mentoring a creative team.
- Company: Own London, a design studio specialising in luxury residential and hospitality properties.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team where creativity and quality are paramount.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on unique projects that enrich lives in Prime Central London.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in high-end architecture, strong leadership, and technical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Own London Studio has an opportunity for a senior project architect to join its team in London.
About us
Own London is a design and development studio that specialises in high-end residential property in London. Our in-house multidisciplinary team consists of architects, interior designers, chartered engineers, craftsmen, project managers and property managers. By designing, constructing, developing and managing property in-house, our collaborative imagination and collective intelligence brings a creative edge of difference and the highest levels of detail. Our portfolio includes more than 30 projects in Prime Central London. Our expertise covers residences, hospitality and commercial spaces, all unified by a guiding vision to enrich the lives of the individuals who occupy them.
The role
This is a senior role with genuine creative and technical responsibility at a studio where quality is non-negotiable and no two projects are alike. You will lead the delivery of complex, high-value projects from initial concept through to construction completion, working closely with our Director of Architecture and Creative Director at every stage. You will also manage and mentor a small project team, helping to set the standard for how work is done across the studio.
The candidate must have a proven track record of designing and delivering interior architecture packages as well as leading a team, with a focus on high-end residential or hospitality projects. We are looking for someone who brings both design ambition and technical rigour, someone who can walk a client through a compelling presentation in the afternoon and resolve a tricky technical detail the same morning. Someone who thrives in an environment where cross-disciplinary thinking is the norm, and where the difference between good and exceptional always matters. The candidate will manage a small team for project delivery with confidence whilst managing their own time and project schedule.
Role responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of architectural and interior architecture packages from concept design through to construction across multiple projects, owning project programmes, deliverables, and deadlines, and keeping stakeholders informed and aligned throughout.
- Prepare and present design proposals to clients and directors with confidence and clarity, reflecting the studio’s exacting aesthetic standards.
- Develop and maintain design programmes throughout all project stages.
- Lead, mentor, and support a small project team, coordinating resources and monitoring progress.
- Oversee all design and technical aspects of projects, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timely delivery.
- Conduct site visits and coordinate with contractors and construction teams during project delivery.
- Collaborate closely with studio leadership on concept development, design development, and technical production across residential, hospitality and commercial commissions.
- Demonstrate strong design and technical capabilities with a detail-focused approach.
About you
You are an experienced architect with a strong portfolio in high-end residential or hospitality work and have spent over a decade learning. The role requires drive and initiative in a fast-paced, lively and creative environment. You take initiative, communicate clearly, and know how to hold a project together under pressure without losing sight of the design. You are curious, considered, and you care about the details because you understand why they matter.
You will bring a minimum of ten years’ experience, with a portfolio demonstrating high-end residential or hospitality projects in prime London locations, proven experience leading project teams and managing delivery across multiple RIBA stages simultaneously, strong technical competence; your drawings, packages and specifications are accurate, detailed, and produced to the highest standard, a genuine appreciation for materials, craftsmanship, and the layered, eclectic aesthetic that defines OWN London’s work, proficiency in AutoCAD, Photoshop, Adobe Creative Suite, and SketchUp or Blender, experience working with listed buildings, basement construction, and new-build developments with a strong understanding of the UK planning process, RIBA stages, and the wider development industry, experience preparing and submitting planning applications, excellent knowledge of interior materials and specifications within the luxury residential and boutique sectors, strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess challenges and identify practical solutions, a proactive, adaptable, and positive approach with the ability to remain calm under pressure, excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and confident client-facing communication skills, with the ability to build strong professional relationships.
Equal opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer, encouraging diversity and equality and inclusion amongst our staff. We welcome applications from all, regardless of personal characteristics or background.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior project architect
✨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 Own London Studio 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 Senior project architect
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 Own London Studio!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Own London Studio. 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 Own London Studio
✨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 Own London Studio.
