At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative higher education projects and shape transformative learning environments.
- Company: Join a globally recognised design practice with a focus on people-centred architecture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with clear paths for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the education sector and influence projects from concept to delivery.
- Qualifications: Experienced architect with a passion for education and strong design leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We have an opportunity for a talented Senior Architect to join a leading international design practice's award-winning education team in Manchester. The studio is currently delivering a number of exciting and transformative higher education projects across the UK and internationally, and we are seeking an experienced architect with a strong background in the education sector to take a senior role within the team.
The successful candidate will lead design development across a range of university and campus-based projects, work directly with clients and stakeholders, and contribute strategically to the continued growth of the higher education portfolio. This role offers the opportunity to shape innovative learning environments, support major estate strategies, and influence projects from concept through to delivery.
Our client is a globally recognised multidisciplinary design practice with a strong reputation for delivering innovative, people-centred architecture across education, workplace, healthcare, residential, and civic sectors. With studios across the UK and internationally, the practice brings together architects, engineers, urbanists, and designers to create sustainable, inclusive, and future-focused environments. Their collaborative approach places users and communities at the heart of every project, with a particular emphasis on design quality, social impact, and environmental responsibility.
The education team has an established track record in delivering award-winning higher education projects, including campus masterplans, research facilities, student experience buildings, teaching environments, and mixed-use academic developments.
Reporting directly to the Education Sector Lead, you will work within a highly collaborative and creative environment, helping to develop and deliver ambitious higher education projects and strategic studies. As a successful candidate, you will be able to demonstrate a range of skills and experience, including:
- Being a highly motivated Architect with substantial experience in the design and delivery of higher education projects.
- Experience working on universities, research facilities, student hubs, teaching buildings, or campus masterplans.
- A passion for the education sector and its ability to positively shape communities and society.
- Strong concept and design leadership skills, with a portfolio demonstrating innovative and high-quality design solutions across all project stages.
- Experience leading stakeholder engagement, user consultation, and briefing workshops with university clients and multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent visual, verbal, and written communication skills, particularly in presenting strategic studies and early-stage concepts.
- Confidence in leading projects and coordinating design teams through all RIBA work stages.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, consultants, and internal teams.
- Experience mentoring and supporting junior team members within a collaborative studio environment.
- A strong understanding of current trends, funding challenges, sustainability drivers, and legislation within the UK higher education sector.
- Experience contributing to campus strategies, estate planning, and long-term institutional visions would be advantageous.
- Proficiency in BIM workflows and design software including Revit and Adobe Creative Suite.
- The ability to produce clear reports, presentations, diagrams, and design deliverables to a high standard.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet project deadlines.
In return, our client offers the opportunity to work on nationally and internationally recognised education projects within a highly respected design practice. You will benefit from:
- A collaborative and supportive studio culture.
- Clear opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Access to mentoring, structured CPD, and internal learning programmes.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Private medical insurance, life assurance, and enhanced family leave policies.
- Employee wellbeing initiatives and social activities.
- Opportunities to work alongside leading designers and multidisciplinary specialists on high-profile projects.
Senior Architect for Higher Education. Job in Manchester LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Join a leading international design practice in Manchester, renowned for its innovative and people-centred architecture within the education sector. As a Senior Architect, you will thrive in a collaborative studio culture that prioritises professional development, offering clear pathways for career progression alongside competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. With access to mentoring and opportunities to work on transformative higher education projects, this role is perfect for those passionate about shaping impactful learning environments.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Architect for Higher Education. Job in Manchester LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! When you land that interview, make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work in higher education projects. Tailor it to showcase your innovative designs and how they positively impact learning environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with the role. Prepare to talk about specific projects you've led, your design philosophy, and how you engage with stakeholders. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to submit your details. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something great!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Architect for Higher Education. Job in Manchester LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Passion:Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for the education sector in your application. We want to see how your passion can positively shape communities and society through innovative design.
Tailor Your Portfolio:When you submit your portfolio, focus on projects that align with higher education. We’re looking for evidence of your experience with universities, research facilities, and teaching environments, so make those shine!
Communicate Clearly:Your written communication skills are key! Ensure your application is clear and concise, showcasing your ability to present strategic studies and concepts effectively. We love a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in Manchester.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've worked on, especially those related to higher education. Be ready to discuss your role in detail, the challenges you faced, and how you contributed to innovative design solutions.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves leading stakeholder engagement and user consultations, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Prepare to present your design concepts and strategic studies confidently, as strong verbal and visual communication is key.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Education
Express your enthusiasm for the education sector during the interview. Share examples of how your work has positively impacted communities and how you envision shaping future learning environments.
✨Be Ready for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect questions about teamwork and collaboration. Prepare examples that highlight your experience mentoring junior team members and working within multidisciplinary teams, showcasing your ability to build trusted relationships.
