Senior Design Architect – Prime Residential in London

Senior Design Architect – Prime Residential in London

London Full-Time 59400 - 72600 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Tarrant Howl

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of bespoke prime residential projects from concept to planning.
  • Company: Award-winning architectural practice known for exceptional luxury homes.
  • Benefits: Collaborative environment, mentorship opportunities, and a chance to shape prestigious projects.
  • Other info: Opportunity for long-term career growth in a creative and detail-oriented practice.
  • Why this job: Join a respected firm and make your mark on London's finest residential designs.
  • Qualifications: ARB Registered Architect with 5+ years in luxury residential or boutique hospitality.

The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.

We're working with an award-winning architectural practice renowned for delivering exceptional prime and super-prime residential projects for discerning private clients. The practice has built an outstanding reputation for creating bespoke homes that combine timeless design with technical excellence, working on some of London's most prestigious private commissions.

Due to continued growth, they are seeking a talented Senior Design Architect to lead the creative development of projects from initial client brief through to planning and developed design.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished designer who enjoys the early stages of architecture, transforming ideas into beautifully resolved design proposals. Working closely with the Directors, you'll take ownership of projects through RIBA Stages 0–3, leading the design process from initial briefing and concept development through to planning submission. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping the architectural vision, presenting ideas directly to clients and ensuring the integrity of the design is maintained as projects transition into the technical delivery stages.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading the design of bespoke prime residential projects through RIBA Stages 0–3
  • Developing creative concepts through hand sketching, diagrams and digital modelling
  • Working directly with clients to interpret and develop project briefs
  • Preparing and overseeing planning and Listed Building Consent applications
  • Producing compelling presentations and Design & Access Statements
  • Coordinating planning consultants, heritage specialists and external design teams
  • Mentoring junior architects and fostering a collaborative studio environment
  • Acting as the key design liaison between the Directors and the technical delivery team

About You

  • ARB Registered Architect with a minimum of five years' post-Part III experience
  • Proven experience designing prime residential, luxury residential or boutique hospitality projects
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional conceptual design ability
  • Excellent freehand sketching and presentation skills
  • Experience leading projects through the planning process and RIBA Stages 0–3
  • Confident presenting to high-net-worth private clients and senior stakeholders
  • Strong organisational and project leadership skills
  • Knowledge of UK planning processes, heritage projects or Listed Buildings would be advantageous
  • Experience with AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite is beneficial

Why This Role?

This is a rare opportunity to join one of London's most respected design-led residential practices, working on bespoke homes where creativity, craftsmanship and attention to detail are at the heart of every commission. You'll work closely with the Directors, taking a leading role in shaping the design direction of prestigious projects while collaborating with an experienced technical team to ensure your vision is successfully realised. For an architect who enjoys the creative process and values design quality above all else, this represents an outstanding long-term career opportunity within a highly regarded practice.

Senior Design Architect – Prime Residential in London employer: Tarrant Howl

Join a highly regarded architectural practice that champions design quality and technical excellence, offering you the chance to work on prestigious residential and luxury retail projects. With a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development, you'll have access to continuous growth opportunities and the chance to refine your technical skills in a supportive environment. This role not only allows you to contribute to exceptional projects but also positions you within a team that values craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Tarrant Howl

Contact Details:

Tarrant Howl Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Design Architect – Prime Residential in London

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 Tarrant Howl 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 Design Architect – Prime Residential in London

RIBA Stages 0–3
Concept Development
Hand Sketching
Digital Modelling
Client Brief Interpretation
Planning Applications
Design & Access Statements

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 Tarrant Howl!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Tarrant Howl. 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 Tarrant Howl

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 Tarrant Howl.