Part 1 Architectural Assistant in Darlington)
Part 1 Architectural Assistant in Darlington)

Part 1 Architectural Assistant in Darlington)

Entry level 25000 - 27000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Penguin Recruitment

At a Glance

  • 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: Ideal for local candidates in Darlington and the North East.
  • Why this job: Join a supportive team 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

Part 1 Architectural Assistant in Darlington) employer: Penguin Recruitment

As an award-winning AJ100 architectural practice, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment in our Darlington studio, where emerging designers can thrive. With structured mentoring, exposure to diverse project sectors, and a clear progression pathway, we are dedicated to nurturing talent while positively impacting communities through thoughtful design. Our commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth makes us an excellent employer for those passionate about architecture.
Penguin Recruitment

Contact Detail:

Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Part 1 Architectural Assistant in Darlington)

✨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 portfolio that highlights your best work and showcases your creativity. Make sure to include any Revit or Adobe projects you've done, as this will catch the eye of potential employers.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend practising common interview questions and having a few thoughtful questions ready to ask them. This shows you're genuinely interested in their work!

✨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 hesitate to follow up after applying to show your enthusiasm!

We think you need these skills to ace Part 1 Architectural Assistant in Darlington)

Revit
3D Visualisation
Design Development
Architectural Design Principles
UK Planning Process
Visual Communication Skills
Drawing and Modelling
Presentation Skills
Research and Feasibility Studies
Collaboration
Attention to Detail
Technical Knowledge
Creativity
Conceptual Thinking

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.

Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Customise it to match the job description, focusing on your relevant skills and experiences. We want to see how you fit into our collaborative studio environment and what you can bring to the table.

Craft a Personal Cover Letter: A cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re passionate about architecture and why you want to join our team in Darlington. Be genuine and let your personality shine through – we love to see enthusiasm!

Apply Through Our Website: Make it easy for us to find your application by applying directly through our website. 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

✨Show Off Your Portfolio

Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that showcases your best work. Highlight projects that demonstrate your creativity and conceptual thinking, especially those relevant to the sectors the company operates in. Be ready to discuss your design process and the decisions you made along the way.

✨Know Your Software

Brush up on your Revit and Adobe Creative Suite skills before the interview. Even if you're not an expert, showing that you have a basic to intermediate understanding will impress them. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools in your previous projects or during your studies.

✨Understand the Company Culture

Research the company's values and recent projects to understand their approach to architecture. This award-winning practice values collaboration and innovation, so be ready to talk about how you can contribute to their supportive studio culture and your enthusiasm for working in a team.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about their mentoring programme, opportunities for professional growth, or how they approach design critiques. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

Part 1 Architectural Assistant in Darlington)
Penguin Recruitment

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