Architectural Assistant (Part 1)

At Perkins&Will’s London studio, we are seeking a talented Architectural Assistant (Part 1). As a Part 1 Architectural Assistant (RIBA‑recognised undergraduate degree in architecture or international equivalent), you contribute directly to the creative process – bringing energy, curiosity, and care to every stage of a project. You play a valuable role in developing early ideas and supporting the detailed delivery of purposeful architecture. You work closely with a collaborative team, building your technical foundation, developing your design voice, and learning how architecture contributes to lasting impact – rooted in our Living Design philosophy, which places people, place, and the planet at the centre of every decision.

Design and Creative Thinking

• Support the development of concepts, sketches, diagrams and design narratives across all stages.
• Bring imagination and rigour to your work – helping to test ideas through physical models, digital studies, and visual presentations.
• Use physical making, modelling and prototyping as core tools for design development.
• Contribute to design reviews, pin‑ups and collaborative working sessions, listening actively and asking questions that deepen the conversation.
• Use drawing and modelling tools to communicate clearly and creatively.

Project Delivery and Technical Coordination

• Prepare architectural drawings and documentation under supervision.
• Research materials, systems and precedents to support design and technical decisions.
• Assist in coordination with consultants and collaborators to translate design intent into delivery.
• Prepare visual material, schedules, minutes, and reports to support project communication.
• Maintain awareness of how design decisions relate to project briefs, scopes, and contractual responsibilities.
• Review your own work for accuracy and completeness, and contribute to document standards and protocols.
• Build confidence through peer support, mentorship, and hands‑on project work.

Business Development and Studio Representation

• Contribute to competitions and proposals through drawings, models, and visuals.
• Build confidence in presenting ideas and engaging with client feedback.
• Support project teams in preparing materials that represent the studio’s ethos.

Studio Culture and Team Contribution

• Be an open, reliable member of the team – contributing positively to the day‑to‑day life of the studio.
• Take responsibility for your work, manage time effectively, and meet agreed deadlines.
• Ask relevant questions and show initiative in contributing to project and studio‑wide activities.
• Participate actively in studio conversations, critiques, and collaborative forums that support creative exchange.
• Demonstrate initiative and curiosity in team settings.

Core Capabilities

• Begins to contribute to BIM workflows and understands how design and data relate at a basic level.
• Demonstrates awareness of building regulations and life safety principles, with guidance.
• Carries out basic site analysis and contributes to interpreting place and context.
• Explores form, materiality and spatial experience through sketches, models, and conversation.
• Supports fieldwork and surveys with care and attention to detail.
• Engages with materials and construction systems to support design decisions.
• Assists in developing detailing and documentation under supervision.
• Communicates clearly through sketches, diagrams, and verbal contributions.

Tools and Technologies

• Revit – used with guidance for basic modelling, drawings and documentation.
• Rhino – for design exploration and iterative development.
• Adobe Creative Suite – to support presentation layouts and visuals.
• Enscape and V‑Ray – used to help visualise design intent.
• Microsoft Office – for organisation, documentation, and collaboration.
• 3D printing, laser cutting and physical model‑making – used to explore and test ideas.
• Exposure to environmental tools (e.g. Ladybug) to begin building understanding of performance.

Growth and Development Goals

• Build fluency in Living Design as a foundational value in all aspects of project work.
• Begins recording PEDR experience and participates in studio learning activities, site visits, and peer reviews as part of early‑stage professional development.
• Building a development path that reflects personal ambition and meaningful studio contribution.
• Contributing to the wider life of the studio – through design reviews, research, or collaborative initiatives.
• Learning through exposure, feedback, and peer‑to‑peer engagement.

What you’ll find at Perkins&Will

• A design‑led studio that puts people and planet first.
• A friendly, diverse and ambitious team.
• A collaborative, supportive environment where good ideas grow.
• Projects with purpose, depth, and complexity.
• Mentorship, progression, and space to shape your own path.
• A culture that values imagination, rigour, and making things real.
• Opportunities to represent the studio externally and build trusted client relationships.
• A belief that good ideas come from everywhere – and that diverse voices make better work.
• A strong sense of community where everyone feels they belong.
• Access to a wide variety of learning, training, and development opportunities, including financial support for study and membership fees.

Perkins&Will are an equal opportunity employer and supports talent from diverse backgrounds that bring experiences, viewpoints and solutions that best serve our clients, community and enrich our work environment. Perkins&Will greatly appreciates your interest in our firm and the time you have taken to apply for this position; we look forward to reviewing your application. We will aim to contact successful candidates within four working weeks but depending on the time of year and number of applications, this timeline might vary. As per GDPR Guidelines, Perkins&Will will keep your application documents on file for six months after you submit your application to us. After this time frame, if you would like us to additionally remove your contact details from our internal system, please reach out to us directly via the email London.recruitment@perkinswill.com.