At a Glance
- Tasks: Support delivery of exciting capital construction projects and manage multiple workstreams.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, committed to innovative housing solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a difference in the community.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and contribute to impactful public sector projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Architecture with ARB registration and relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36900 - 45100 £ per year.
This project architect post sits in the Design Team of Portsmouth City Council's Capital Projects Service, within the Housing, Neighbourhoods and Building Services directorate. The role supports delivery of the council's construction programme, with schemes from about £100k to over £10m, reporting to the Senior Architect. The team works mainly for council departments but also for the NHS, charities and academy trusts, and applies Passivhaus principles on housing projects. ARB registration and the right to work in the UK are required.
What the job involves:
- Support delivery of the council's capital construction projects within the Design Team
- Support the Team Leader and Principal Architect on capital projects
- Manage multiple demands and workstreams arising from the service
- Communicate with internal and external clients, build relationships and keep them informed through each project
- Manage client expectations within available resources and prioritise workload
- Prepare presentation material and technical information
What’s required:
- Qualifications: Undergraduate honours degree in Architecture with RIBA Part 1 exemption; Postgraduate Masters degree in Architecture with RIBA Part 2 exemption; Pass in the RIBA Part 3 examination in professional practice
- Registration & licences: Registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) for a minimum of 5 years
- Experience: Working as part of a professional design team across design, procurement and contract administration of medium to high value projects, ideally in the public sector; Budget management and cost control on schemes from £500k to £10m; Working knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work 2020, demonstrated through a portfolio
- Skills & knowledge: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, in person, online and in writing; Positive attitude to public sector work, being resilient, embracing change and collaborating with colleagues; Working knowledge of construction legislation such as the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, CDM Regulations 2015 and Building Safety Act 2022; Excellent design and technical skills; Excellent working knowledge of Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD, Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite; Ability to manage customer expectations and prioritise workload
- Checks & eligibility: Right to work in the UK; Current driving licence and ability to travel around the city and surrounding areas efficiently
- Other: Commitment to keeping accurate, up-to-date CPD records on the council's online learning portal and the ARB CPD portal
Architect in Sunderland employer: Portsmouth
Slim Chickens Portsmouth is an exceptional employer, recognised as a Sunday Times Best Big Company to Work For in 2025 and 2026. With a vibrant work culture that prioritises integrity, hard work, and personal growth, employees enjoy generous benefits including discounts, flexible working options, and career advancement opportunities within a supportive team environment. Join us in creating memorable guest experiences while thriving in a fun and motivating atmosphere!
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Architect in Sunderland
✨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 Portsmouth 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 Architect in Sunderland
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 Portsmouth!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth
✨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 Portsmouth.
