At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage exciting architectural projects from concept to completion.
- Company: Join Purcell, an award-winning employee-owned architectural consultancy.
- Benefits: Flexible working, study sponsorship, sabbaticals, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse, inclusive culture that values collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in heritage and contemporary design with a creative team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years experience as a Project Architect or Technologist with strong design skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Purcell are expanding our team and are looking for a talented, enthusiastic and experienced Architect/Technologist or Senior Architect/Technologist to join our Cambridge team.
This role offers the opportunity to be involved in, and lead projects at all RIBA stages, working collaboratively with clients, colleagues and consultants.
We offer a rewarding and supportive environment for personal and professional development.
This is an excellent opportunity to join our award-winning, friendly and inclusive team and we are keen to talk to experienced professionals with excellent design and technical skills and experience of running successful architectural projects.
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.
It is our distinctive employee-owned working culture that has contributed to our status as a World Architecture Top 100 Practice, renowned for our excellence in architecture and heritage consultancy.
- 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
- Enhanced learning & development opportunities.
- Role & Responsibilities
- Driving creative design proposals across all projects.
- Programming and planning technical design packages, defining outputs and deliverables.
- Day to day execution, management and leadership of projects (or packages within a larger project) successfully delivering positive design, client satisfaction and financial outcomes.
- Reporting to your team leader and wider studio leadership team.
- Liaison and coordination of design professionals within a multi-disciplinary design team.
- Regular communication with clients and project stakeholders.
- Undertaking technical design reviews/audits of projects and sharing feedback and lessons learned.
- Line management of up to three people.
- Being part of a diverse, inclusive and creative team of architectural professionals.
- We are looking for candidates who have the following skills
- At least 5 years of post-qualification experience working as a Project Architect or Technologist for a UK-based practice.
RIBA/ARB or an equivalent professional qualification, such as CIAT.
- Strong creative design skills.
- Excellent technical and detailing skills.
- Strong understanding of UK Building and Planning regulations.
- Proven experience working across all RIBA stages, particularly stages 3-7.
- Experience in using and/or managing others using technical software, including Auto CAD, Revit, and NBS software.
- Conservation experience is desirable.
- Project management and contract administration skills.
- Leadership experience in managing a small to medium-sized team.
- Well-organised, proactive, and enthusiastic approach to work and projects.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong client-facing communication skills.
- Experience taking responsibility for the financial success of projects.
- Enthusiasm for developing wider team skills and sharing knowledge and 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.
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.
Experienced Architect or Senior Architect in Cambridge employer: Purcell
Purcell is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in Manchester that fosters creativity and innovation in architecture. With a strong commitment to employee ownership, we empower our team members to contribute their ideas and grow professionally, supported by a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible working arrangements, study sponsorship, and enhanced learning opportunities. Our inclusive culture celebrates diversity and encourages personal development, making Purcell a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in the architectural field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Architect or Senior Architect in Cambridge
✨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 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 Experienced Architect or Senior Architect in Cambridge
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!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Purcell. 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
✨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.
