At a Glance
- Tasks: Design bespoke metalwork and collaborate with a creative team to bring concepts to life.
- Company: Urban Skies, a forward-thinking design firm focused on innovative architectural solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow into project management roles while working on exciting projects.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and develop your skills in a fast-paced, creative setting.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in architectural design and strong CAD software skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Urban Skies is looking for an Architectural Designer to support the design and development of bespoke metalwork across residential and commercial environments. This role is ideal for someone with a strong design foundation who wants to deepen their technical expertise and gradually grow into broader project management responsibilities. You’ll work closely with senior designers, fabricators, architects and contractors to turn concepts into buildable, beautifully engineered solutions, and you should be able to demonstrate clear evidence of both technical capability and creative flair in your work.
Responsibilities
- Design & Technical Development
- Develop concept designs, technical drawings and detailed models for bespoke metalwork (brise soleil, balustrades, screens, pergolas, architectural features).
- Produce accurate drawings and specifications suitable for fabrication and installation.
- Translate design intent into practical, manufacturable solutions.
- Support site surveys, measurements and feasibility checks.
- Ensure designs meet structural, safety and building regulation requirements.
- Project Coordination
- Assist in managing projects from brief through to installation.
- Support the development of scopes, timelines and material schedules.
- Liaise with fabricators, suppliers and installers to keep projects moving.
- Help monitor quality during fabrication and installation stages.
- Communicate progress clearly to internal teams and external partners.
- As experience grows, take on more responsibility for leading smaller projects independently.
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Attend client meetings, design reviews and site visits with senior team members.
- Provide informed guidance on materials, finishes and technical constraints.
- Build strong working relationships with architects, designers and contractors.
- Represent Urban Skies with a professional, design‑led approach.
- Operational & Commercial Support
- Assist with preparing design proposals, quotes and project documentation.
- Help track project costs and ensure work stays within scope.
- Contribute to improving design processes, templates and workflows.
- Support continuous improvement across design, fabrication and installation practices.
Required Experience
- Design & Technical Skills
- 2+ years’ experience in architectural design, product design, bespoke fabrication, or a related field.
- Strong proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar).
- Experience producing technical drawings and fabrication‑ready packs.
- Understanding of manufacturing or construction processes (metalwork experience a bonus).
- Ability to balance aesthetics with practical buildability.
- Project Exposure
- Experience supporting or coordinating design‑led projects.
- Comfortable working with multiple stakeholders and managing competing priorities.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Willingness to learn and grow into full project ownership over time.
- Client‑Facing Skills
- Ability to interpret client briefs and translate them into actionable design outputs.
- Experience working with architects, designers or contractors.
- Clear, confident communication style.
- Personal Attributes
- Self‑motivated, organised and eager to develop.
- Strong problem‑solver with a practical mindset.
- Detail‑driven with a passion for craftsmanship and precision.
- Calm, collaborative and able to build strong working relationships.
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, design‑led environment.
Architectural Designer in Luton employer: Urban Skies
Urban Skies is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, perfect for an Architectural Designer looking to enhance their skills in a dynamic environment. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, employees are encouraged to take on increasing responsibilities while working closely with experienced designers and industry professionals. Located in a vibrant area, Urban Skies offers unique opportunities to engage with diverse projects, ensuring that every team member contributes to creating beautifully engineered solutions that make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Architectural Designer in Luton
✨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 Urban Skies 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 Architectural Designer in Luton
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 Urban Skies!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Urban Skies. 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 Urban Skies
✨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 Urban Skies.
