Architectural Assistant - Part 1 (Fixed Term Contract) in Brighton

Support the SHW Property architectural team to deliver design and technical information across RIBA stages 0–7. You will be joining a small but experienced architectural team within the SHW property business. Your level of responsibility will depend on experience, and we will be looking to involve you in as much of the project work as possible across the architectural workload where we cover a full range of RIBA stages from initial concept designs to completion on site. The range of work and responsibility will give you excellent experience and opportunity for progression through your architectural career pathway.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Produce clear drawings, schedules and presentation material to support concept, planning and technical design work across RIBA stages 0–6.
• Support project leads with research, site visits, surveys and precedent/context studies to inform design decisions.
• Contribute to design development through options, visualisations and material/finish research, helping maintain quality and consistency.
• Assist with coordination of information with consultants and contractors so outputs are accurate, timely and aligned with project programmes.
• Help prepare planning and construction information (often using BIM/Revit), ensuring document control and file standards are followed.
• Attend meetings and, where required, record actions/minutes to support effective communication and delivery.
• Undertake regular CPD and support progression toward professional qualification (including maintaining PEDR records where applicable).
• Work proactively as a reliable team member, managing your time well and seeking feedback to continuously improve.

Communications & working relationships:

• 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.

Key performance indicators:

• 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.
• Communication & Liaison: 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 judgment, initiative, and an understanding of the architect's role within the construction industry context, including procurement and legislation.

Person specification:

• 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.

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.