At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead architectural strategy and promote best practices for high-quality, sustainable design.
- Company: Join SNG, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to thriving communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible benefits, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community design and architecture while shaping the future.
- Qualifications: ARB registered architect with extensive UK housing design experience.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 82000 £ per year.
SNG is seeking a talented Head of Architecture to join our team, based from our Wembley office with flexible hybrid working arrangements. This pivotal role will lead the promotion of best practice across the organisation, working closely with stakeholders to drive consistency and excellence in design, and ultimately delivering high-quality, sustainable outcomes for our communities and the environment.
To achieve SNG’s vision to create thriving communities, over generations, through the provision of high-quality homes and places, the organisation needs to combine commercial and technical skills with an understanding of architecture, design and placemaking. SNG want not only to be a good practitioner, but the developer and promoter of best practice across the sector. It is against this backdrop that the role of Head of Architecture has been created.
The role will lead on the development of an in-house architecture strategy to deliver high-quality, commercially viable and regulatory-compliant projects across SNG’s portfolio, working closely with the Design Director to enhance design quality across our new build and urban regeneration programmes within three operating regions. The post holder will champion, support and promote high-quality design by building in-house design capability, requiring close liaison and proactive engagement with internal and external project teams.
Key accountabilities include:
- Shaping and driving SNG’s architectural vision, working alongside the Senior Leadership Group and Design Director to deliver standout housing typologies and masterplans.
- Be the go-to design expert for Development and Senior Development Managers across all regions.
- Leading the creation and evolution of high-quality standard house types, setting the benchmark for great design.
- Owning and delivering master planning studies that directly influence and strengthen our Homes and Place standards.
- Producing compelling, high-level feasibility studies in collaboration with Built Environment and Regional teams.
- Building strong, influential relationships across the business, raising the profile and impact of the design team.
- Taking the lead on consultant scopes, briefs, and appointments—ensuring clarity, quality, and consistency.
- Inspiring excellence through training, site visits, and place reviews—bringing placemaking and design best practice to life.
- Championing exceptional standards in architecture, urban design, and placemaking, driving a consistent, high-quality approach across every project.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Architects Registration Board (ARB) registered architect with a demonstrable track record of high-quality residential and mixed-use masterplans, working with commercial developers and housing associations.
- Extensive UK housing design and master planning experience across a range of densities, typologies, and tenures.
- Advanced Revit skills, including modelling, annotation, coordination, visualisation, management and setup.
- Extensive experience in RIBA work stages 1-3, with some experience in work stages 4-6.
- Excellent understanding of UK housing design building regulations.
- Significant project leadership experience.
- Clear conceptual design approach and excellent understanding of best practice housing design.
- Ability to be highly collaborative with multiple internal stakeholders at all levels.
We have some great benefits at SNG, including:
- 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays (with an extra day every year up to 30 days)
- Chance to buy or sell holiday as part of our flexible benefits package
- 3 additional wellbeing days and 2 paid volunteering days
- Generous matched pension scheme up to 12% and Life cover at 4x salary
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption pay
- Options for private medical insurance, dental insurance and critical illness cover
- Wellbeing discounts, including Gym Memberships and access to a 24/7 virtual GP service
At Sovereign Network Group, we are passionate about inclusion for all and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. We are committed to our Equality Diversity and Inclusion strategy and believe that you can truly be yourself at SNG. Take a look at our careers site to learn more about us and our values.
Head of Architecture in Wembley employer: Sovereign Network Group
Sovereign Network Group (SNG) is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees, offering a competitive salary and a flexible hybrid working environment from our Wembley office. With a strong commitment to high-quality design and sustainable outcomes, SNG fosters a collaborative work culture where innovation thrives, supported by generous benefits such as enhanced leave options, a robust pension scheme, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, making it an ideal place for passionate professionals to advance their careers in architecture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Architecture in Wembley
✨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 Sovereign Network Group 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 Head of Architecture in Wembley
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 Sovereign Network Group!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Sovereign Network Group. 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 Sovereign Network Group
✨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 Sovereign Network Group.
