Architect in Oxford

Purcell are expanding our team and are looking for an exceptional Architect to join our Oxford team. This role offers the opportunity to work 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 talented team and we are keen to talk to architects with excellent design and technical skills as well as enthusiasm for high quality work.

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 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
• Enhanced learning & development opportunities

The role will involve applying creative design skills within a project team as well as within the wider studio.

Responsibilities

• Support on successfully delivering exemplary design solutions on projects of all scales, assisting senior staff to ensure high quality project delivery.
• Contribute to design development and technical detailing, ensuring solutions are creatively derived, contextually sensitive and align with building regulations.
• Assist senior architects and associates in managing client relationships and preparing engaging and dynamic design proposals for stakeholders.
• Integrate sustainable and energy-efficient solutions into projects, applying innovative practices where relevant.
• Use BIM processes (Revit, AutoCAD, NBS) to support design coordination and documentation.
• Stay informed about industry trends and attend relevant events to build professional knowledge and networks.
• Being part of a diverse, inclusive and creative team of architectural professionals.

Qualifications

• Excellent design and drawing skills.
• The ability to communicate design ideas clearly and succinctly through a variety of media.
• Strong understanding of UK Building and Planning regulations.
• Experience working across all RIBA stages.
• Excellent skills in using technical software, including AutoCAD, Revit (essential), and NBS software.
• Conservation experience is desirable.
• Well-organised, proactive, and enthusiastic approach to work and projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong client-facing communication skills.
• 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.

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.