Graduate Recruitment 2026: Architectural Assistant Part I in London

At Perkins&Will, our specialism spans across Architecture, Urban Design, Interior Design, Master Planning and beyond; allowing us to be a truly multi-disciplinary team whose range of perspectives and skillsets make us a uniquely resilient studio. We want to nurture our talent, ensuring that we are ready to tackle new design challenges as and when they occur. With a global team that spans across thirty-two studios, you will be surrounded by world leaders in design, technical excellence and digital innovation who are all driven to make an impact within the built environment and design exceptional spaces.

This role is part of our 2026 London Graduate Recruitment Scheme, so is only open to recent BA/RIBA Part I graduates who have completed their degree in 2025 or 2026. As part of this scheme, all successful graduates will be offered a permanent contract to work with Perkins&Will.

Who are we looking for? We are seeking emerging designers with curious minds, creative courage and a deep belief in the power of design to improve lives. You’re energised by the why as much as the how and driven to challenge assumptions, explore new possibilities, and shape thoughtful, imaginative solutions. You aspire to create places that are beautiful, sustainable, and meaningful - designs that enrich lives today and for generations to come.

What are our values? We value studio members with an entrepreneurial mindset - people who take initiative, make things happen, and find joy in sharing their ideas and expertise. We’re drawn to self-aware individuals who are committed to their own growth and generous in supporting the growth of others. We believe the best ideas are born through collaboration. Our studio thrives on diversity of thought and perspective, and our working culture is inclusive, open, and team-driven. Whether working within a design team or across disciplines, we foster a highly collaborative environment built on curiosity, experimentation, and shared purpose.

How do we work? Our design process is iterative and hands-on, grounded in exploration and constant refinement. Regular pin-ups, reviews, and open discussions are core to our way of working - creating space for every voice to be heard. Everyone is encouraged to present their thinking, critique constructively, and engage in shaping the collective outcome. We believe a creative spark can come from anyone, anywhere.

Overall responsibilities will include (but aren't limited to):

• Provides assistance throughout the design process under routine guidance; contributes to the overall success of the team by adhering to firm and project goals and standards of excellence in design, execution, and Living Design.
• Supports preparation of creative and innovative design ideas, concepts, and solutions while participating as an integral member of the design team.
• Assists in preparing presentation materials using design application skills and creative ideas.
• Proactively asks questions and expresses curiosity about the world of design and the industry at large.
• Uses a creative approach to perform tasks and responsibilities on projects in an organised, timely, and consistent way.
• Provides support to tasks within project teams (may focus on individual detailed tasks) and studio activities.
• Communicates ideas and thoughts in a way that inspires others.
• Participates in design reviews, charettes, and pin-ups.

Critical baseline skills, abilities and certifications:

• Personable, presentable and a clear communicator.
• Sound understanding of building codes, standards and regulations.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.
• Strong hand-sketching ability.
• Strong visual and graphic communication ability.
• Sound understanding of physical models tools.

Required software skills:

• Rhino
• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)

Desirable software skills:

• Revit
• Grasshopper
• Enscape/VRay

Essential Education Requirement: BA University Degree in Architecture/RIBA Part I Accredited course.

2026 Application requirements: Perkins&Will are following a blind recruitment process for all design applications for 2026. The selection process starts with a blind portfolio review by the hiring managers to shortlist candidates for interview. CVs will only be reviewed by the hiring managers ahead of the interview stage for shortlisted candidates. Only the HR team will have access to candidate details at the initial stage. Blind recruitment is a hiring strategy that involves removing identifying features and personal details from the portfolio. This method of recruitment promotes a more diverse and inclusive recruitment process which focuses on a candidate’s skills, rather than personal details.

To be considered for this opportunity, please ensure that you follow the steps below so that your application adheres to this year's requirements:

• When creating your online profile, please fill out all personal details, including your name, location and any contact details.
• Answer all screening questions.
• Submit your full CV. Please keep personal details on here. Include relevant educational information and any work experience, should you have this.
• When submitting your portfolio (which must be anonymised), please ensure that it does not include:

• Your name
• Your gender
• Place of education
• Names of any previous employers
• Anything that could be considered an identifying feature.

Please note: Your portfolio will still be linked to your personal details on your account. Removing the above information on your portfolio will enable our reviewing panel to assess work blindly in line with our equitability values. Portfolios with identifying details left in will not be considered.

If you are ready to take the next step in your architectural career and join our global team as part of this year's graduate cohort, we welcome hearing from you. Early applications are encouraged.

2026 Application timeline:

• Applications open: Friday 8th May 2026
• Application deadline: Sunday 28th June 2026
• Interviews: London, will be held summer 2026
• Start Date: End of summer 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly via email for interview. We carefully review every application, please keep an eye out for a status update via the application portal. If your application status on the portal has not been updated by the end of August 2026, unfortunately you have not been shortlisted for an interview. Please note, if you happen to require any further assistance or need us to make any adjustments for you during this process, then please let us know in your application. This way, our team can ensure we put added measures in place to support you during the interview process.

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.