Architectural Assistant - Part 2

As a key member of our team, your level of responsibility will depend on experience, but you will be involved in every aspect of our projects, from initial concept design to completion on site. The range of work and responsibility gives excellent experience and opportunity for advancement to Part 3 and beyond.

You will assist with design and production of visual representations, material research and coordination of projects.

• Assisting with design and production of visual representations, material research, and coordination of project details.
• Assisting with project delivery from inception to completion, preparing technical drawings and specifications, and liaising with clients and consultants.
• Produce drawings in accordance with company guidelines and within project deadlines.
• Assist with appropriate research.
• Assist in the compilation of project reports and the production of models in line with project needs.
• Offer support to the project leader with general production, problem solving and design input.
• Carry out such other duties which are consistent with the nature and responsibilities of the role.
• Continual development of architectural understanding and awareness.
• Become involved in architectural studies and coordination meetings.
• To become involved with a variety of the aspects within a project, and become familiar with contracts, programme and project management.
• Gain an understanding of the expectations of the profession as well as gaining exposure to the overall industry.

• Become an effective and efficient team member, someone that the team can rely on.
• Possess a flexible working attitude and work well within the team environment.
• Proactively demonstrate knowledge and skills acquired at university.
• To undertake and record activities required to progress towards professional qualification, i.e. PEDR quarterly logbooks.
• Continue to add to your professional portfolio, ensuring to document the most impressive aspects of your contributions.

• Internal: Line manager – for support and to monitor progress; Departmental colleagues – to support each other and to ensure efficient service; Other department representatives – to develop cross‑servicing opportunities.
• External: Clients – be involved to keep advising of progress, to advise and to take instructions; Team Consultants & Contractors – to get involved in meetings and liaison; Professional bodies – to maintain and develop knowledge.

• Design Capability: Ability to generate design proposals with originality, applying appropriate theoretical concepts and integrating aesthetic and technical requirements.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in preparing comprehensive planning and construction drawing packages, including drawings, schedules, and specifications (often using BIM/Revit).
• Project Knowledge: Understanding UK building regulations, planning policy, construction technologies, and materials, and applying this knowledge to design proposals.
• Effective communication with senior architects / associates, design teams, clients, consultants (engineers, etc.), contractors, and planning authorities.
• Project Administration: Assisting with project management tasks, such as attending site meetings, taking minutes, conducting site inspections, and managing project information and documentation.
• Professionalism: Demonstrating problem‑solving skills, professional judgement, initiative, and an understanding of the architect's role within the construction industry context, including procurement and legislation.

• IT literate, with an ability to use all IT packages including effective use of database, websites, in‑house templates.
• Able to demonstrate ability to develop the skills necessary to generate new clients and jobs.
• Experience of the relevant commercial markets.
• Able to solve problems effectively and creatively.
• Ability to organise and manage time effectively.
• Report/letter writing – able to produce readable grammatically correct written reports and letters which are clear, logical and persuasive.
• Experience of utilising and maintaining internal and external comparable databases.
• Communications; in addition to I.T based communication, the ability to talk to colleagues, clients and other professionals/agents in a clear & positive manner.
• Influencing clients and applicants to achieve positive outcomes in relation to proposals, plans and working relationships.
• Persuasiveness – able to understand the needs of the client/audience and respond accordingly by modifying or changing the communication style accordingly (written or verbal).
• Initiate action – recognises, creates and seizes opportunities to implement plans and ideas to achieve business objectives.
• Tenacity – demonstrates perseverance over a period of time to achieve objectives, irrespective of obstacles.
• Attention to detail and accuracy to ensure that activities and tasks are handled correctly and completed on time.
• Responds constructively, enthusiastically and flexibly to changes in team, market and work.

To apply for this vacancy, please submit your CV through LinkedIn and email recruitment@shw.co.uk with samples of both design and technical work (file limit 5MB). Please do not send complete portfolios.

SHW is committed to encouraging respect, diversity and inclusion among our workforce and eliminating discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society, and for each employee and client to feel respected in an equitable environment.

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