Senior Architect – Palace of Westminster in City of Westminster

The role Specific responsibilities will include:

• Manage multiple projects across all RIBA stages, ensuring timely, budget‑friendly, and quality delivery.
• Apply conservation principles to historic buildings, ensuring compliance with heritage regulations and guidelines.
• Oversee design development and technical detailing, ensuring solutions are contextually sensitive and compliant with building regulations.
• Assist the Partners and Associates in managing relationships and expectations with clients and presenting design proposals to stakeholders.
• Ensure designs meet UK building regulations and conservation standards, conducting site inspections and monitoring quality.
• Integrate sustainable and energy‑efficient practices within conservation projects, using innovative solutions where applicable.
• Manage project budgets, prepare fee proposals, and ensure projects are delivered profitably within budget.
• Implement and manage BIM processes, using Revit, AutoCAD, and NBS for design coordination and documentation.

We are looking for candidates who have the following skills and qualifications:

• AABC/SCA accredited, or willingness to work towards it, demonstrating a commitment to high standards in conservation architecture.
• Fully qualified Part 3 Architect with a minimum of 5 years’ post‑qualification experience in a UK‑based practice, ideally within conservation or heritage architecture.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, delivery, and coordination of projects across all RIBA stages.
• Proven ability to manage resources, timelines, and budgets effectively.
• In‑depth understanding and practical experience of conservation architecture, including working with listed buildings, heritage sites, and the application of the principles of conservation and restoration.
• Strong technical skills in design, detailing, and the ability to resolve complex technical challenges, especially in relation to conservation projects.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK Building Regulations and Planning Policy, including the special considerations involved in listed and historic buildings.
• Proven leadership experience, managing and mentoring small sized teams of Architects, Part 1 and Part 2 assistants, fostering a collaborative environment to ensure high‑quality project delivery.
• A well‑organised, proactive approach to managing multiple projects, with the ability to prioritise and handle competing demands efficiently.
• Excellent client management and communication skills, with a proven ability to manage client relationships, set expectations, and provide updates, ensuring satisfaction and successful project outcomes.
• Extensive experience working across all RIBA stages, from feasibility and design through to construction and post‑occupation.
• Demonstrated experience in producing high‑quality, detailed technical drawings and specifications, particularly within conservation and heritage contexts.
• Strong experience in using, and managing others using, industry‑standard technical software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and NBS for the development of accurate drawings, specifications, and project documentation.
• Experience with NEC3/4 contracts, with the ability to manage contract procedures and ensure project compliance with legal and contractual obligations.
• Experience managing project finances, ensuring the successful delivery of projects within budget and profitability targets.
• Ability to track project costs, prepare fees, and manage financial documentation.
• You have experience managing client relationships, confidently presenting design ideas, responding to feedback, and addressing concerns, while ensuring client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

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.

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.