At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead conservation projects, develop design proposals, and oversee site delivery.
- Company: James Mackintosh Architects, specialising in historic buildings in the beautiful Cotswolds.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Support for professional development and conservation accreditation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on heritage conservation while growing your architectural skills.
- Qualifications: ARB registered Architect with 5+ years’ experience in listed buildings.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
James Mackintosh Architects is seeking an experienced ARB registered Architect to join our Chipping Norton studio. We work exclusively with listed and historic buildings, supporting owners to sensitively repair, adapt and transform them for contemporary life. Our projects range from manor houses, old rectories and farmsteads across the Cotswolds to significant heritage assets requiring careful conservation, technical rigour and an exceptional attention to detail.
The role is suited to an architect with at least 5 years’ post-Part 3 experience and significant experience working on listed buildings. You will take responsibility for projects across all RIBA stages, from early feasibility and listed building consent through to technical delivery, contract administration and site inspection. You will be confident coordinating consultant teams, managing client relationships, and delivering high-quality drawing and information packages to a consistently high standard. You will work closely with conservation officers, specialist contractors and craftspeople, ensuring that projects are delivered with care, clarity and a strong understanding of historic fabric. Due to travel requirements, applicants must hold a full clean UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle (business mileage claimable through expenses).
Key responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate conservation projects across RIBA stages 0–6
- Develop design proposals and feasibility studies, responding to client aspirations and the character of each building
- Prepare and coordinate planning and listed building consent applications
- Produce and contribute to heritage statements and supporting documentation
- Deliver technical design and construction information to a high standard
- Attend site regularly, overseeing quality and resolving design and conservation challenges as they arise
- Support contract administration and contractor liaison throughout delivery
- Contribute to internal design reviews and the development of studio standards
- Support and mentor colleagues where appropriate
Essential skills & experience
- ARB registered Architect with 5+ years’ post-Part 3 experience
- Significant experience working on listed and historic buildings
- Strong technical ability and detailing skills, particularly in traditional construction and repair
- Experience coordinating projects across multiple stages, including site delivery
- A good working knowledge of heritage planning policy, significance and best practice
- Confident report writing and communication skills
- Ability to manage priorities, programmes and budgets across multiple projects
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite
- Full clean UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Desirable
- Conservation accreditation (AABC, RIBA CA or similar), or a clear ambition to achieve it
- Experience preparing heritage statements independently
- Experience undertaking condition surveys and quinquennial inspections
- Knowledge of NBS specification software
- Experience of sustainable retrofit and performance upgrades in historic contexts
- Interest in ecology, biodiversity and sensitive site-specific approaches
Support & development
We are committed to supporting long-term professional growth. Training and development opportunities within the role include:
- Support towards conservation accreditation (RIBA / AABC), including guidance in preparing applications
- Developing confidence in heritage planning policy, significance assessment and heritage documentation
- Training in condition surveys and quinquennial inspections
- Deepening technical knowledge of traditional construction materials, repair strategies and detailing
- Development of tender and construction information, including an understanding of procurement routes and advising clients
- Internal design reviews and structured CPD, alongside external CPD aligned with the RIBA curriculum
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave (including 3 mandatory days taken over Christmas), increasing with service
- Pension scheme (5% employee / 3% employer contribution)
- Payment of professional subscriptions
- Flexible working where possible (minimum 3 days in the studio)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Private healthcare.
How to apply
To apply, please use the 'Apply Now' button attaching a covering letter explaining how your experience meets the role requirements, along with your CV and portfolio (PDF).
Architect in Chipping Norton employer: RIBA Journal
James Mackintosh Architects is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque Cotswolds, offering a unique opportunity for architects passionate about conservation and historic buildings. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from tailored training towards conservation accreditation, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture that values creativity and collaboration. The firm prioritises employee well-being with generous leave, private healthcare, and a pension scheme, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in architecture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Architect in Chipping Norton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow architects, conservation specialists, and even past colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it highlights your best work, especially projects involving listed buildings. Tailor it to showcase your experience with conservation and technical detailing, as that’s what employers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of heritage planning policies and conservation practices. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects, as this will show your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Architect in Chipping Norton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience with listed buildings and conservation projects. Tailor it to show how your skills align with our focus on sensitive repairs and contemporary adaptations.
Showcase Your Portfolio:We want to see your best work! Include a diverse range of projects in your portfolio that demonstrate your technical ability and attention to detail, especially those involving historic buildings. Make it visually appealing and easy to navigate.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your CV and cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points for key achievements and make sure to address all the essential skills we’re looking for. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to hit that 'Apply Now' button on our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at James Mackintosh Architects!
How to prepare for a job interview at RIBA Journal
✨Know Your Conservation Principles
Make sure you brush up on conservation principles and best practices before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your past projects, especially with listed buildings. This will show that you understand the importance of balancing modern design with historical integrity.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to talk about your technical abilities, particularly in traditional construction and repair. Bring examples of your work that highlight your detailing skills and proficiency in software like AutoCAD and SketchUp. This will demonstrate your capability to deliver high-quality drawing packages.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience managing projects across all RIBA stages. Highlight specific examples where you coordinated consultant teams and managed client relationships effectively. This will illustrate your ability to handle multiple priorities and budgets.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Research James Mackintosh Architects and their approach to working with historic buildings. During the interview, engage with their vision by discussing how your design philosophy aligns with theirs. This shows that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their unique projects.
