At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design development for new gyms and refurbishments across the UK.
- Company: Urban Gym Group, a fast-growing fitness brand with exciting projects.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, pension scheme, and complimentary gym membership.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for international collaboration and career growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of design quality and influence brand standards in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Part II or Part III qualified architect with experience in UK projects.
Location:London (primary), with regular liaison to The Netherlands
Fulltime (40 hours)Contract:Permanent
Salary:£50,000 – £60,000 per annum
To foster collaboration, coaching, and team energy, we expect our colleagues to work on-site (head office or clubs) at least 4 days per week (and up to 5 days depending on the role).
About the role
Urban Gym Group is growing fast. With 10 sites already live in the UK and an accelerating pipeline of new TrainMore openings and GymBox refurbishments across London, we’re looking for an in-house Architect to help us build brilliant gyms, faster.
This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of design quality and planning delivery for a UK portfolio, while plugging directly into a Netherlands-based design team already running 60+ sites internationally. You’ll be the person who turns a great site into a great gym: from concept through to planning consent and completed build. And as our UK pipeline keeps growing, you’ll be the one supporting what our in-house design function becomes next.
If you want the pace and autonomy of an in-house role, real influence over brand standards, and projects you can see through from concept to opening day, we’d love to hear from you.
What you’ll be doing
- Leading design development across all UK new build and refurbishment projects; from concept and feasibility through to planning consent and technical delivery.
- Preparing and managing planning applications, liaising with local planning authorities and coordinating specialist consultants.
- Owning and evolving our UK design standards for GymBox and TrainMore, so every site delivers a consistent member experience.
- Appointing and managing external architects and design consultants where needed, including briefs, fees, and quality oversight.
- Getting out on site regularly: checking design quality, unblocking issues, and keeping programmes moving.
- Acting as the link between design and construction teams, so information flows and queries get resolved fast.
You’ll also feed into due diligence on new sites, contribute architectural input to board papers and cost plans, and work closely with our Netherlands design team to align standards across the international portfolio.
What we’re looking for (Essential)
- Part II or Part III qualified architect (ARB registration preferred).
- Proven experience delivering both new build and refurbishment projects in the UK.
- Strong working knowledge of UK planning processes, Building Regulations, and CDM requirements.
- Confident with AutoCAD and/or Revit, with strong technical drawing skills.
- Experience managing or coordinating consultants and external architect teams.
- Comfortable juggling multiple projects at different stages at once.
- A clear communicator, equally at home presenting design ideas to a contractor or a board.
- Comfortable working with autonomy, and confident collaborating with colleagues based internationally.
- Right to work in the UK.
Desirable
- Experience in leisure, hospitality, fitness, or retail fit-out.
- Familiarity with Netherlands construction or planning practices, and/or working knowledge of Dutch.
- Developer-side or client-side experience, rather than solely private practice.
- Familiarity with cost planning principles and NRM cost structures.
- BIM Level 2 workflow experience.
- Happy to travel internationally, including to the Netherlands, for design team collaboration.
How this role works
You’ll report directly to the Development Director and sit within a small, close-knit Development team; this role carries real ownership, but you won’t be running projects alone: external architects, consultants, and contractors support delivery on every project. It’s a full-time role with hybrid flexibility, built around a mix of office, site, and occasional Netherlands travel.
What’s in it for you
- 28 days’ annual leave(including bank holidays), rising to 30 after 2 years — time to properly switch off.
- UK statutory workplace pension, managed to support your long-term financial wellbeing.
- Complimentary Urban Gym Group membershipfor you and one nominated person, across TrainMore and GymBox.
- Employee Assistance Programme, offering confidential mental health support and practical guidance for you and your immediate family.
About Urban Gym Group
We’re the team behind GymBox and TrainMore; fitness brands built to give members an experience they’ll actually look forward to. As we grow across the UK and internationally, our Development team is at the heart of that ambition, and this role sits right in the middle of it.
Architect employer: TrainMore
Urban Gym Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative projects from concept to completion while enjoying benefits like generous annual leave, a supportive pension scheme, and complimentary gym memberships. Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming fitness spaces and making a real impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Architect
✨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 TrainMore 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 Architect
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 TrainMore!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to TrainMore. 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 TrainMore
✨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 TrainMore.
