At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design excellence on landmark projects and ensure health and safety in design.
- Company: Join a leading organisation known for prestigious UK projects.
- Benefits: Salary up to £80,000, comprehensive benefits, and flexible hybrid working.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape iconic developments and accelerate your career with autonomy and impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Principal Designer with strong design and stakeholder management skills.
Location: London (4 days per week in the office/site, 1 day remote)
Salary: Up to £80,000 + Excellent Benefits
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
We are partnering with a leading organisation renowned for delivering some of the UK's most prestigious and high-profile projects. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Senior Principal Designer to join their expanding team in London.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a design-led professional who is passionate about influencing projects from conception through to completion while working alongside industry-leading experts. You'll enjoy genuine autonomy, outstanding career progression opportunities, and the chance to contribute to landmark developments that leave a lasting impact.
The Opportunity
As a Senior Principal Designer, you will play a key role in supporting and leading Principal Designer duties across a diverse portfolio of major projects. You will collaborate closely with clients, design teams, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure health and safety considerations are embedded throughout the design process.
This role offers significant flexibility, with a 4-day office/site-based arrangement in London and 1 day working from home, with the freedom to choose your remote working day each week. You'll also have full autonomy to manage your own diary and workload.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver Principal Designer services across multiple projects.
- Advise clients, design teams and stakeholders on CDM regulations and design risk management.
- Coordinate with architects, engineers and project teams to eliminate or reduce risks through design.
- Facilitate design reviews, workshops and risk assessments.
About You
We're looking for a commercially aware and technically strong professional with a genuine design background.
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience as a Principal Designer or Senior Principal Designer.
- Strong design background within architecture, engineering, construction, or the built environment.
- Excellent understanding of CDM Regulations and health & safety in design.
- Experience working on complex or large-scale construction projects.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
Desirable
- Relevant degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction or a related discipline.
- Professional membership with a recognised industry body.
- NEBOSH Construction Certificate or similar qualification.
What's On Offer?
- Salary up to £80,000
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Flexible hybrid working (4 days London, 1 day home)
- Choose your preferred home-working day each week
- Full autonomy over your diary and schedule
Apply now for more information.
Senior Principal Designer employer: Shirley Parsons Ltd
Shirley Parsons Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises sustainability and compliance in the heart of Birmingham. Employees benefit from robust professional development opportunities, a collaborative environment, and the chance to lead impactful projects that contribute to environmental excellence. Join us to make a meaningful difference while advancing your career in a supportive and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Principal Designer
✨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 Shirley Parsons Ltd 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 Senior Principal Designer
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 Shirley Parsons Ltd!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Shirley Parsons 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 Shirley Parsons 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 Shirley Parsons Ltd.
