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- Tasks: Support architectural teams in design drawings, models, and presentations.
- Company: Award-winning AJ100 architectural practice with a focus on quality and collaboration.
- Benefits: Structured mentoring, clear progression, wellbeing support, and lifestyle benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and learning.
- Why this job: Join a supportive studio and work on impactful projects that shape communities.
- Qualifications: Part 1 qualified or soon to graduate with a strong design portfolio.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 27000 £ per year.
Location: Darlington
Salary: In the region of £25-27,000 DOE
About the company:
This award-winning, AJ100 architectural practice operates from multiple studios across the UK and is recognised for delivering thoughtful, design-led architecture across residential, commercial, education, healthcare, and mixed-use sectors. With a strong focus on quality, collaboration and innovation, the practice is committed to creating places that positively shape communities while balancing social, environmental, and economic value.
The Darlington studio plays an important role within the wider North East presence, offering a supportive and collaborative environment for emerging designers. The team works across a range of regional and national projects, with a strong emphasis on design development, technical understanding, and professional growth. The studio particularly welcomes applications from local candidates based in Darlington and the wider North East region.
Benefits:
- Structured mentoring and support through RIBA Part 1 experience
- Exposure to a wide range of project sectors and scales
- Clear progression pathway within an AJ100 practice
- Supportive studio culture with regular design reviews and feedback
- CPD opportunities and in-house learning sessions
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
- Social and team-building events
- Cycle to work scheme and additional lifestyle benefits
Daily Duties:
- Support architectural teams in the preparation of design drawings, models, and presentations
- Assist in the development of Revit models and 3D visualisation outputs
- Contribute to design development across RIBA Stages 0-3 (and beyond where appropriate)
- Undertake research, feasibility studies and design option development
- Help prepare presentation materials for client and design team meetings
- Support drawing production for planning applications and design documentation
- Collaborate with architects, technologists, and consultants within the studio
- Attend internal design critiques and contribute ideas to project discussions
- Assist with general studio tasks and project coordination as required
Ideal Candidate:
- Part 1 qualified Architectural Assistant (or soon to graduate)
- Strong design portfolio demonstrating creativity and conceptual thinking
- Basic to intermediate experience using Revit and/or Adobe Creative Suite (Revit desirable but not essential)
- Good understanding of architectural design principles and UK planning process
- Strong visual communication skills, including drawing, modelling, and presentation
- Enthusiastic, proactive, and keen to learn within a collaborative studio environment
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to develop technical knowledge
- Ideally based in or within commuting distance of the North East, particularly Darlington and surrounding areas
- Passionate about architecture and committed to progressing towards RIBA Part 2
To apply, please contact KAZ on OR alternatively, send your updated CV and Portfolio across to
Part 1 Architectural Assistant in Durham employer: Penguin Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Part 1 Architectural Assistant in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local architecture events or workshops in Darlington to meet industry professionals. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a stunning portfolio that highlights your best work and showcases your creativity. Remember, we want to see your design process as much as the final product, so include sketches and models too!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends. Confidence is key, so know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to show your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Part 1 Architectural Assistant in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio: Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Make sure it showcases your best work and reflects your creativity and conceptual thinking. Tailor it to highlight projects that align with the types of work we do at StudySmarter.
Craft a Personalised CV: Don’t just send a generic CV. We want to see how your skills and experiences relate to the Part 1 Architectural Assistant role. Highlight relevant coursework, projects, and any experience with Revit or Adobe Creative Suite.
Be Enthusiastic in Your Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and why you want to join our team. Share what excites you about the role and how you can contribute to our collaborative studio environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Make sure you can talk confidently about your design portfolio. Highlight specific projects that showcase your creativity and conceptual thinking, especially those that align with the company's focus on thoughtful, design-led architecture.
✨Brush Up on Revit and Design Principles
Even if you're not a Revit whiz yet, having a basic understanding of it will impress your interviewers. Familiarise yourself with architectural design principles and the UK planning process to show that you're ready to contribute from day one.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions
Since the studio values collaboration, be ready to discuss how you've worked in teams before. Think of examples where you contributed ideas during project discussions or design critiques, as this will demonstrate your enthusiasm for teamwork.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the studio's projects, culture, and progression pathways. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the environment is the right fit for you.