At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting cultural projects and collaborate with a diverse team of architects.
- Company: Join Purcell, an award-winning employee-owned architectural consultancy in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, study sponsorship, and enhanced learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive, inclusive culture that values innovation and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant cultural projects while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 3-7 years post-qualification experience in architecture and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Location: On site / London, UK
Job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Architecture | Architecture
Annual Salary range: from £47,000.00 to £57,000.00
Purcell is looking for an exceptional Senior Architect to join our London Team to work on a number of significant central London cultural projects. This role offers the opportunity to be involved in cultural projects at all RIBA stages, working collaboratively with a broad consultant team. Candidates should hold 3-7 years post-qualification experience, and a knowledge of delivering innovative and complex interventions in historic buildings, ideally within the cultural sector.
This is an excellent opportunity to join our talented team, and we are keen to talk to architects with excellent technical and project running skills, as well as an enthusiasm for high quality work. You will play a key role in driving and delivering projects, liaising with clients and consultants. This position is ideal for a team player that is confident in managing multiple workstreams while delivering the highest standards of projects from inception till completion within tight timescales.
Purcell is an award-winning employee-owned architectural and heritage consultancy practice with a commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity. We have staff of approximately 350 talented architects, designers, heritage consultants and surveyors across 14 offices, in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. Proudly ranked No. 1 for Heritage in the World Architecture 100 for a fifth consecutive year.
Collaboration is central to our employee-ownership culture, providing opportunities to work on some of the finest buildings; from meticulous heritage and conservation schemes to bold contemporary design. We offer a rewarding and supportive environment for personal and professional development and our employee-owned ethos empowers everyone to use their voice. We believe in creating an equitable and inclusive culture, founded on our values, which celebrates knowledge sharing and our successes, to build an inspiring work environment.
Our benefits package includes:
- Agile, flexible and hybrid working (a minimum of 3 days in office, up to 2 days WFH)
- Annual leave increasing with long service
- Life assurance
- Study sponsorship with paid study leave
- Employee assistance programme
- Season ticket loans
- Cycle to work scheme
- Virtual GP service
- Company day out
- Enhanced learning & development opportunities
The role will involve applying technical design leadership within a project team as well as within the wider studio, working on significant cultural projects, each with broad consultant teams. Specific responsibilities will include:
- Support and assist the Associates and Partners on major cultural projects across all RIBA stages.
- Successfully lead effective teams of architects and assistants.
- Contribute to the seamless running of all architectural projects to the highest standards including the day-to-day management and leadership of projects (or packages within larger projects).
- Reporting to your team leader and wider studio leadership team.
- Successfully delivering positive design, client satisfaction and financial outcomes.
- Work to exceed the expectations of Clients to deliver successful projects.
- Working to continuously improve their own and their teams technical design and delivery skills, including undertaking technical reviews and upskilling technical competency within the team.
- Line management of up to three people.
- Knowledge share within the team and take a role in helping to improve the design, technical and conservation ability across it.
- Being a part of a diverse, inclusive and creative team of architectural professionals.
Qualifications, Accreditations, Memberships Desirable: AABC, IHBC, RIBA CA / SCA or working towards.
Skills, Knowledge, Experience (Expectations):
- Proven experience working on all RIBA Stages, especially Stages 2-6.
- Proficiency in using Revit, AutoCAD and NBS software.
- An effective and thoughtful manager of projects and people.
- Project management and contract administration skills and experience is desirable.
- An ability to listen and show team leadership skills.
- Effectively communicate and present at all levels (internal and external).
- Excellent technical design and detailing skills.
- Experience leading and contributing to the design of major projects.
- Equally at home leading the creative process or contributing to the wider team.
- The ability to take a strategic overview of complex design problems and devise elegant solutions.
- Have a strong understanding of the UK Building and Planning regulations.
- Have experience in working on existing buildings.
- Conservation experience is desirable, enthusiasm for historic buildings.
- Personable, confident and with a strong sense of team spirit.
- Be well organised, proactive and enthusiastic approach to work and projects.
- Able to receive feedback positively, even if different to own views or ideas.
This job description is a guide to the duties the post holder will be expected to undertake. It is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive and will be subject to change as working requirements dictate and to meet the organisational requirements of Purcell.
Don't meet every single requirement? That's okay. Research shows that women and people from underrepresented backgrounds can be less likely to apply unless they meet every criteria listed. At Purcell, we are committed to building an inclusive, transparent, and welcoming team. If you're enthusiastic about the role and excited to grow and learn with us, we warmly encourage you to apply.
When applying, please feel free to use your preferred name - we don't require full or birth names at this stage. We are proud to foster a culture of kindness, respect, and authenticity, where everyone can thrive and bring their whole selves to work.
Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unfortunately unable to provide individual feedback. If you have not heard from us within 6 weeks of your original application, then you have been unsuccessful. Please continue to look at our vacancies and apply where relevant. We wish you all the best in your job search.
As world leaders of Heritage and Conservation, Purcell is committed to embracing diversity and equal opportunity within our international teams, reflective of the society in which we work and live. We welcome people from all backgrounds and celebrate differences through our culture of employee ownership.
Senior Architect in London employer: Purcell Architecture
Purcell Architecture is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in the heart of Canterbury. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development while ensuring a supportive environment where your contributions are valued. Join us to be part of a team that not only prioritises efficiency but also encourages creativity and meaningful engagement in architectural projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Architect in London
✨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 Purcell Architecture 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 Senior Architect in London
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 Purcell Architecture!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Purcell Architecture. 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 Purcell Architecture
✨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 Purcell Architecture.
