Senior Architect – Aviation & Rail

Design the Journeys of the Future. With a strong and growing pipeline of major aviation and rail infrastructure projects—including terminal redevelopments, station enhancements, transport hub design, airside operational facilities, and complex multi-disciplinary transport schemes—we have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Architect to join our expanding Architecture team in London.

This is your chance to influence some of the UK’s most recognisable transport environments. If you are passionate about high-quality design, complex technical delivery, and shaping public spaces that move people safely and efficiently, this role offers immediate impact and a long-term platform for progression within a collaborative and forward-thinking practice.

• Lead the delivery of architectural design across all RIBA stages, ensuring concepts, technical packages and construction information meet sector standards and client expectations.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of project teams, guide design direction, and act as a key liaison point for clients, consultants and contractors throughout the project lifecycle.
• Work across aviation terminal architecture, rail station design, operational and infrastructure buildings, and adjacent sectors such as industrial, logistics, energy and data centres.
• Shape design strategies, ensure compliance with statutory regulations, manage design reviews, and support the preparation of proposals, fee submissions and design programmes.
• Contribute to bid activity, develop project methodologies, and ensure that design delivery aligns with quality, sustainability and safety requirements across complex transport environments.

Your leadership will directly influence the functionality, safety and operational quality of major aviation and rail schemes. In the early stages, you will focus on delivering robust design outputs, strengthening client relationships and ensuring smooth coordination between disciplines. Over time, you will take on increased responsibility for project portfolios, mentor emerging talent, and contribute to the strategic development of our architectural capability within transport infrastructure. Your success will be judged on the consistency of your technical delivery, the strength of your client engagement, and your ability to balance design ambition with commercial and regulatory constraints.

At Tetra Tech RPS, we focus on capability and potential. Even if you meet around three-quarters of the criteria, we encourage you to apply.

• You will bring significant post-qualification experience and a strong understanding of the technical, operational and regulatory demands of aviation and rail projects.
• You will be highly proficient in Revit and BIM-led workflows and comfortable leading design development from concept to construction.
• A sound working knowledge of UK Building Regulations, relevant transport-sector standards and the practical requirements of operational transport environments will be essential.
• Experience across sectors such as industrial and logistics, data centres, healthcare or energy will be advantageous, complementing your core transport experience.

• You will be adept at planning workloads, managing design teams and coordinating inputs from multiple technical disciplines.
• You will ensure that design outputs are compliant, technically robust and ready for submission or construction review.
• You will contribute to fee proposals, programme planning and commercial discussions, supporting project directors in the effective and timely delivery of major commissions.

• Your communication style will be clear, confident and engaging.
• You will lead discussions with clients and stakeholders, represent the practice at meetings and workshops, and communicate design intent through written reports, presentations and well-structured documentation.
• You will build strong relationships across clients, consultants and internal teams, positioning yourself as a trusted and reliable project lead.

• You will champion sustainable, low-carbon and future-ready design approaches across aviation and rail infrastructure.
• You will support the adoption of digital innovation, encourage new ideas and contribute to an inclusive design culture that prioritises long-term value and resilience.

• You will understand the financial and programme-related aspects of project delivery, ensuring that risks, constraints and opportunities are identified early and managed appropriately.
• You will support work-winning activities by contributing to tender documentation and presenting compelling design narratives that align with client objectives.

• ARB-registered Architect with substantial post-graduate experience and a track record of delivering complex architectural projects. Chartered status is desirable.
• Proficient in Revit, comfortable managing competing deadlines, and familiar with the operational standards relevant to aviation and rail environments.
• A full UK driving licence is beneficial due to site-based work.

• Experience within specialist sectors will be highly valued.
• Knowledge of the Building Safety Act and its implications on design responsibility and compliance will strengthen your ability to operate confidently within regulated project environments.
• Additional experience across Industrial & Logistics and Data Centres will be advantageous.

At Tetra Tech RPS, our people are our success. We thrive on solving the problems that matter—whether in urbanisation, natural resources, or sustainability. With a collaborative culture, agile working, and access to some of the brightest minds in the industry, we empower our teams to deliver exceptional outcomes while building fulfilling careers.

In 2023, RPS became part of Tetra Tech, a global leader in consulting and engineering with 30,000 employees across 550 offices in 120+ countries. Together, we combine deep local expertise with global reach, delivering science-led solutions to complex challenges in water, environment, infrastructure, and clean energy. Join us and be part of a connected, forward-thinking community that’s shaping a better future.