At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting architectural projects from design to completion, ensuring quality and coherence.
- Company: Join Richard Parr Associates, a creative studio in London with a focus on modern traditional architecture.
- Benefits: Enjoy real project ownership, direct client engagement, and a vibrant studio culture.
- Other info: Work in a culturally engaged studio with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on high-end residential and hospitality projects across the UK and internationally.
- Qualifications: ARB registration and 2+ years post-Part 3 experience in UK architecture required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Richard Parr Associates is looking for a project architect to join its team in London. Experience – typically 2+ years post-Part 3, with strong UK delivery experience. Registration – ARB-registered architect, or eligible for prompt UK registration. Projects – exceptional UK work and international high-end residential and hospitality projects across Italy and multiple locations in Africa.
Join RPA Richard Parr Associates, a studio of modern traditionalists. We harness craft traditions and technology with contemporary design intelligence to create architecture that feels authentic, individual and inseparable from its setting. From our studios in London and the Cotswolds, we specialise in exceptional residential, hotel and restaurant architecture in the UK and around the world.
We are looking for a Project Architect who can take a strong idea and carry it with care through coordination, technical design and construction. You will have meaningful ownership of your work, direct contact with clients and collaborators, and the chance to help create buildings and destinations with lasting value.
How we work
For us, architecture encompasses context, landscape, people, materials and the legacy potential within every project. We draw on architectural heritage without imitation, combining enduring principles with new ways of living, making and building. Our role is also collaborative. We intelligently orchestrate the work of craftspeople, makers, consultants, contractors and conservation specialists. The process matters as much as the outcome: we want the client journey to be thoughtful, engaging and exceptionally well led.
What you will do:
- Lead day-to-day delivery of one or more projects, from developed design through technical design, construction and completion.
- Translate concept design into coordinated, buildable information without losing its relationship to place, material and landscape.
- Produce and oversee high-quality drawings, specifications, schedules and presentation material.
- Coordinate consultants, specialist designers, contractors and suppliers; identify issues early and drive practical resolution.
- Manage packages, programmes, information flow and key deliverables, keeping senior project leads clearly informed.
- Navigate UK planning, Building Regulations, procurement and contract administration requirements with confidence.
- Attend client, consultant and site meetings; communicate clearly and represent RPA with warmth and professionalism.
- Support and guide architectural assistants, contributing to a studio culture that is generous, curious and exacting.
- Travel within the UK and internationally when projects require it.
What will you bring:
- A strong portfolio demonstrating design judgement, technical rigour and an instinctive understanding of material, proportion and place.
- ARB registration and a professional qualification recognised in the UK; RIBA membership is welcomed but not essential.
- Typically, two or more years’ post-Part 3 experience, including experience on UK projects through RIBA Stages 4–6.
- Experience in high-end residential, hospitality, heritage, rural or landscape-led work is highly desirable.
- Sound knowledge of UK Building Regulations, construction detailing, procurement and contract administration.
- The judgement and organisation to coordinate many contributors while keeping the architectural idea coherent.
- Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD, with strong Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365 skills; Enscape, Rhino or equivalent visualisation skills are an advantage.
- Excellent spoken and written English, intellectual curiosity and a calm, collaborative manner.
Life at People’s Hall (our studio):
- Our London home is People’s Hall in Notting Hill, a Victorian former meeting hall that we have adapted as a new kind of workplace.
- It is a place to design, research, cook, eat and meet and a setting for events that bring clients, artists, craftspeople and the local creative community into the life of the studio.
- Real project ownership, with direct access to experienced architects and studio leadership.
- Close engagement with clients, craftspeople, consultants and construction teams—and the chance to see ideas through to completion.
- A culturally engaged studio that values sketching, research, materials, thoughtful debate and knowledge shared across disciplines.
- A clear route towards senior responsibility, shaped by design contribution, delivery, leadership and client confidence.
Project architect in London employer: Richard Parr Associates
Richard Parr Associates is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and culturally engaged work environment in the heart of London. With a focus on meaningful project ownership, employees benefit from direct access to experienced architects and the opportunity to see their ideas come to life through high-end residential and hospitality projects. The studio values creativity, craftsmanship, and professional growth, offering a clear path towards senior roles while encouraging a thoughtful and engaging client journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project architect in London
✨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 Richard Parr Associates 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 Project architect in London
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 Richard Parr Associates!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Richard Parr Associates. 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 Richard Parr Associates
✨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 Richard Parr Associates.
