Conservation Architect 5+ years PQE

Conservation Architect 5+ years PQE

Full-Time 45000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Planning Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and deliver bespoke residential projects across all RIBA work stages.
  • Company: Award-winning architectural practice specialising in traditional and contextual architecture.
  • Benefits: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and diverse projects.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work on prestigious projects and develop your skills in a supportive team.
  • Why this job: Join a respected studio and make your mark on high-quality, innovative designs.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years post-qualification experience and strong technical background in residential architecture.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.

Our client is seeking an experienced and talented Conservation Architect to join their established practice, working on exceptional bespoke private residential projects across the UK. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious, creative and motivated architect looking to develop a long-term career within a highly respected design‑led studio specialising in traditional and contextual architecture.

The successful candidate will have a strong technical background in residential architecture, with solid experience in traditional detailing and ideally exposure to high‑end bespoke projects. You will be confident delivering projects across all RIBA work stages and possess an excellent understanding of UK construction detailing, regulations and contract administration. The role requires someone capable of working independently, managing projects autonomously, and collaborating effectively within complex multi‑disciplinary teams. Experience using ArchiCAD would be beneficial, although full training can be provided. Previous experience in traditional or classical architecture is not essential; however, a genuine interest in this area of design is important.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and deliver projects across all RIBA work stages
  • Prepare detailed technical drawings and construction information
  • Coordinate with clients, consultants, contractors and stakeholders
  • Manage project programmes, budgets and resources effectively
  • Oversee contract administration and financial control of projects
  • Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget
  • Contribute creatively to high‑quality bespoke residential schemes

Key Skills & Experience

  • Qualified Architect with 5+ years post‑qualification experience
  • Strong technical residential detailing experience
  • Excellent design ability and attention to detail
  • Thorough understanding of UK planning policy, building regulations and construction methods
  • Good knowledge of building contracts and contract administration
  • Strong communication and people management skills
  • Practical and proactive problem‑solving approach
  • Ability to work independently and within collaborative teams
  • Experience managing workloads, priorities and deadlines effectively
  • Willingness to travel within the UK when required

About the Practice

Our client is an award‑winning architectural practice recognised as a leading specialist in traditional, classical and contextual architecture. With studios in Winchester and London, the practice delivers an extensive portfolio of high‑quality projects including bespoke country houses, listed building restorations, renovations, master‑planning, urban design and commercial developments. Their work combines exceptional design quality with technical excellence, offering architects the opportunity to contribute to a diverse and prestigious range of projects in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Conservation Architect 5+ years PQE employer: Planning Recruitment

Our client is an esteemed architectural practice that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, perfect for a Conservation Architect looking to advance their career. With a focus on traditional and contextual architecture, employees benefit from working on prestigious projects while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and collaboration within a talented team. The studio's locations in Winchester and London provide a vibrant backdrop for creativity and innovation, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about high-quality design.

Planning Recruitment

Contact Details:

Planning Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Conservation Architect 5+ years PQE

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 Planning Recruitment 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 Conservation Architect 5+ years PQE

Technical Residential Detailing
RIBA Work Stages
UK Construction Detailing
Building Regulations
Contract Administration
Project Management
Communication Skills

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 Planning Recruitment!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Planning Recruitment. 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 Planning Recruitment

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 Planning Recruitment.