At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative architectural projects focused on sustainability and retrofit design.
- Company: Join an award-winning design practice in the UK's Retrofit sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with excellent career growth and regular social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing building efficiency.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in architectural design with strong teamwork and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The opportunity has arisen to join an industry leading, award-winning design practice within the UK’s Retrofit sector. Retrofit Design Services (UK) was established back in 2024 to offer a professional, independent, compliant, and diligent service in line with regulatory and statutory requirements. Fully compliant with Planning and Building Regulations, PAS 2035 and PAS 2030 standards.
We pride ourselves on being a diligent, passionate and motivated architectural design consultancy specialising in Retrofit and we drive sustainability and decarbonisation into everything we do, nationwide. Following our positive reputation, repeat custom and successful appointment of multiple large-scale contracts throughout the UK over the forthcoming years, we are looking for someone just as passionate as we are about reducing nationwide carbon emissions in line with the UK’s 2030 & 2050 Net Zero targets across the UK’s Residential & Commercial properties.
Our head office is in Salts Mill, central to the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Saltaire, where our contemporary offices offer a great central proximity to all the local amenities. Just a minutes’ walk to Saltaire Train station with regular links to Shipley, Leeds, Bradford, Skipton and beyond.
We specialise in Architectural and surveying services, Retrofit Design, Assessment and Coordination, PAS 2035 and everything else in between! Additionally, our designers and surveyors diversify within the business to ensure our clients across residential, retail and commercial sectors are also covered. We offer “lead consultant” services where we ensure a project is taken from inception to completion offering feasibility, planning, building regulations and construction phase design packages. Our work mainly covers existing property refurbishments, extensions, conversions, new builds, energy efficiency improvements, planning, building regulations, principal designer roles and much more.
Team culture within RDS (UK) is extremely important and you will be surrounded by a strong team, good people, who are just as passionate about their job and the role we play within the industry. Our diverse and thriving team comprises of experienced Retrofit Assessors, Retrofit Coordinators, Retrofit Designers, Architectural Technologists, Architects, Surveyors, Drone enthusiasts, Principal Designers (CDM 2015 & BR) & Health and Safety experts and more.
The role is for someone who can work independently, and as a valued member of a growing team, where quality is at the forefront of everything we do. Your role and responsibilities will be:
- Client Facing.
- Collaborating with the team and other external stakeholders.
- Able to produce technical drawing packages based on surveys/Retrofit Assessments carried out by yourself and/or others.
- Work with project managers and Retrofit Coordinators to ensure full compliance with PAS 2035.
- Work with other stakeholders following RIBA stages covering Planning, Building Regulations and Construction phase documentation.
- Lead design and technical delivery across multiple architectural and retrofit projects from inception to completion.
- Prepare/submit/monitor and coordinate Planning and Building Control submissions ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
- Undertake detailed U-Value Calculations, overheating calculations and thermal bridge calculations for existing and proposed building fabric.
- Liaise with clients, consultants, contractors, and statutory authorities, leading multidisciplinary teams where required.
Essential Criteria, Qualifications and Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years’ professional Architectural & Design related experience.
- Degree or similar in Architectural Technology or Architecture (minimum Part 2).
- Qualifications and Experience in Retail, Commercial, Residential and Retrofit (PAS 2035 / EnerPHit / Passive House / Energy Efficiency).
- Experience in Principal Design (CDM 2015 & BR).
- Excellent communication, time, coordination, and project management skills, especially leading design teams.
- Experience in project running, from feasibility to completion, including ability to carry out consultant coordination (steel/cladding/glazing packs etc.).
- Excellent knowledge of RIBA Stages, Planning & Building Regulations.
- Knowledge of building thermal performance analysis and U-Value calculations.
- Strong material knowledge, especially with energy efficiency measures and existing non-traditional constructions.
- Fully proficient in Autodesk applications including AutoCAD & Revit. (3D rendering packages is beneficial).
- Fully proficient in Microsoft Office & Adobe software.
- Strong teamwork orientation and leadership capability.
- Proactive, detail-oriented approach to problem-solving.
- Passion for decarbonisation of existing buildings.
- Passion for architectural technology, innovation, and built heritage.
Company Offering / Benefits:
- Competitive starting salary, reviewed annually, with a 6-month probation period.
- Annual (end of year) discretionary performance-based bonus. Flexi-time.
- Paid overtime during busy periods to the discretion of the director/s in line with your contract.
- 25 days holiday entitlement (January 1st to December 31st) + Bank Holidays.
- Training programme and regular CPD.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Hybrid working - 2 hybrid/3 office (unless site based).
- Birthday Leave (added to standard entitlement).
- Professional accreditation support and paid for.
- Long service rewards.
- Holiday buy-back scheme.
- Regular staff social events.
- A company that cares and understands the needs for hard working individuals.
Intermediate/Senior Architectural Technologist / Retrofit Designer in Shipley employer: Retrofit Design Services (UK) Ltd.
Join Retrofit Design Services (UK), an award-winning architectural design consultancy based in the heart of Saltaire, where sustainability and decarbonisation are at the forefront of our mission. We offer a supportive work culture with a strong emphasis on teamwork, professional growth opportunities, and a competitive benefits package including flexible working arrangements, annual bonuses, and comprehensive training programmes. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our generous holiday entitlement and regular social events, making us an excellent employer for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the Retrofit sector.
Contact Details:
Retrofit Design Services (UK) Ltd. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Intermediate/Senior Architectural Technologist / Retrofit Designer in Shipley
✨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!
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✨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 Intermediate/Senior Architectural Technologist / Retrofit Designer in Shipley
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 Retrofit Design Services (UK) Ltd.!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Retrofit Design Services (UK) Ltd.. 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 Retrofit Design Services (UK) Ltd.
✨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 Retrofit Design Services (UK) Ltd..
