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- Tasks: Lead projects at the iconic Palace of Westminster and inspire talented teams.
- Company: Join Purcell, an award-winning architectural consultancy with a focus on heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, study sponsorship, and a supportive environment for growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on historic landmarks while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 10 years' experience in architecture with strong design and communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
Few roles offer the opportunity to shape the future of such a historic landmark. At Purcell, we are a supportive and collaborative team, proud to be working on the Palace of Westminster - one of the UK's most important heritage sites. We are now looking for an Associate Architect to join us. This role combines the chance to lead projects at all stages, guide and inspire talented teams, and contribute to studio leadership and business development.
You will work closely with clients and consultants, helping to deliver projects of national significance, while also fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and mutual support. If you're seeking a rewarding role where you can make a lasting impact on both people and place, we'd love to hear from you.
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, sabbaticals, employee assistance programme, season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, virtual GP service, subscription fees, company day out, a volunteering scheme and enhanced learning & development opportunities.
We are keen to hear from architects with excellent design and presentation skills, a passion for high‑quality work, and proven experience in working with historic and listed buildings. As an Associate, you will balance project delivery with business development, helping to shape and deliver our long‑term strategy of working successfully with the Palace of Westminster. This will include identifying and pursuing opportunities for new architectural and conservation projects and maintaining strong relationships with both existing and prospective clients.
You will also play a key role in supporting and developing our talented people, fostering collaboration, and aligning with our practice culture and strategy – our Collective Ambition. As a confident and effective communicator, you will represent Purcell in a leadership capacity with clients, stakeholders, and consultant teams.
Skills and Qualifications:- 10 years’ experience post‑qualified
- Excellent design, technical and conservation skills and experience
- Strong understanding of the UK Building and Planning regulations
- Proven experience working on all RIBA stages
- Good client‑facing communication skills
- AABC or RIBA SCA/ CA accreditation desirable
- Experience with NEC4 contracts
- Qualification or experience with NEC Supervisor role desirable
- Proficiency in BIM/ Revit an advantage
- Project management experience
- Well organised, proactive and enthusiastic approach to work and projects
- Excellent communication skills both verbally and written
- Leadership experience managing a small to medium sized studio, business or team
- Experience of taking responsibility for the financial success of projects, and strong commercial awareness
- Strong experience in business development and work winning, including bidding experience
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.
Please submit a copy of your CV and portfolio by following the application workflow at the right of the page. Please include details of your Right to Work in the United Kingdom, as well as an available start date. 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.
Associate - Palace of Westmister employer: Purcell
Contact Detail:
Purcell Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate - Palace of Westmister
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the architecture and heritage sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at Purcell or similar firms.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s not just a collection of your work but tells a story about your design philosophy and experience with historic buildings. Tailor it to highlight projects that align with Purcell’s focus on heritage and conservation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Purcell’s recent projects and their approach to collaboration and innovation. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their mission and culture. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our vacancies regularly; new opportunities pop up all the time, and you want to be the first to know!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate - Palace of Westmister
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Associate Architect. Highlight your work with historic buildings and any leadership roles you've had, as this is key for us.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Your portfolio should not just be a collection of your work; it should tell a story. Include projects that demonstrate your design and conservation skills, especially those relevant to heritage sites like the Palace of Westminster.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to express your passion for architecture and how you can contribute to our team at Purcell. We appreciate directness!
Follow the Application Process: Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure to include your Right to Work details and available start date. Following our application workflow helps us process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Purcell
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with the Palace of Westminster and its architectural significance. Understanding its history and current conservation efforts will show your genuine interest in the role and the company’s mission.
✨Showcase Your Design Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best design work, especially projects involving historic or listed buildings. Be ready to discuss your design process and how you’ve tackled challenges in previous projects.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire collaboration and support team members, as this aligns with the company’s culture of mutual support.
✨Engage in Business Development
Think about how you can contribute to business development and client relationships. Prepare to discuss strategies you've used to win projects and maintain client satisfaction, as this is crucial for the Associate role.