At a Glance
- Tasks: Support design teams on exciting architectural projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join Useful Studio, a B Corp and social enterprise making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team focused on sustainability and innovative design solutions.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years experience in architecture with strong Revit and design skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: London (hybrid working 3-4 days p/w in office)
Years of relevant experience: 2-4 years
Salary: £40,000-£48,000 per annum (DOE)
Hours: Full Time; 37.5h p/w
Contract Type: Permanent
The Role Overview
Useful Studio is an architectural practice, B Corp and Social Enterprise. We are committed to being a force for good in the built and natural environment. Our work focuses on retrofit and new build, with strong roots in circular principles and positive social outcomes. We are busy with exciting projects in education, workplace and infrastructure. We are looking for direct applications from outstanding architectural assistants or architects to join our team, to work on a range of workplace, residential, education and public realm projects. We are keen to meet candidates who are purpose driven with an interest in low carbon, reuse, and the circular economy with excellent design, production and communication skills. We are looking for driven, enthusiastic people who are keen to make a difference in the built environment and who will in turn challenge us to think differently and deliver our best.
Responsibilities
- Day-to-day project support to a design team on projects from inception through to project completion
- Production of design and construction information including drawings, reports and specifications
- Working to meet project deadlines and to the highest of standards
- Liaise with clients, contractors, and other professionals
- Working as part of a team and independently
Key considerations
- A minimum of 2-4 years’ experience in the UK.
- Experience in projects through technical RIBA work stages
- Good knowledge of construction detailing and technical skills
- Strong Revit skills to support design development and project delivery
- Evidence of relevant experience in workplace & education projects
- Ability to work autonomously
- Understanding of the UK statutory framework, including Planning and Building Regulations
- Excellent freehand sketching, visualisation and computer modelling skills
- Competency in Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office
- Personable, a team player, and generally a good all‑rounder
Revit-Specific Expectations
The successful candidate will:
- Deliver coordinated, issue-ready drawings and communicate design intent through clear 2D/3D views for documentation and client presentations.
- Set up and manage Revit models, views, worksets, phasing, design options, and templates in line with project and office standards.
- Extract accurate quantities and schedules from the model.
WHO WE ARE
Useful Studio is an award-winning architectural practice sitting within the Useful Simple Trust (UST), a wider group of professional design and consultancy practices driving change in the built environment and including sister brands Expedition Engineering and Useful Projects. We are addressing the significant issues of our time, including Net Zero carbon, circular economy, biodiversity gain, and social impact. Further to investing and growing our people as much as we do our business, we are a certified Carbon Literate Organisation and are committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Diversity statement
UST strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can all be ourselves. We are working to change the lack of representation of minority groups and are particularly keen to hear from anyone with relevant skills and experience who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We encourage people from culturally diverse backgrounds, women, people with different abilities, LGBTIQ+ community, gender, all age groups, and those with intersectional or multiple diverse characteristics to apply. We know that diversity makes us stronger, and we are committed to creating a working environment that is inclusive and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions.
What we offer
- An entrepreneurial environment; we're open to new ideas.
- Supported route to ARB registration, including enhanced learning and development opportunities
- Flexible and hybrid working, including the possibility to work a compressed 9-day fortnight.
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays.
- Service Recognition Awards.
- Working Nursery Scheme.
- Private medical insurance for you and your family.
- Annual Eyecare Plan.
- Life Assurance.
- Company Pension Scheme (grade dependent, minimum of 6%).
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Free access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family.
- Thriving Trust-wide social scene, including charitable activities.
Architect/Architectural Assistants employer: Useful Studio
Useful Studio is an exceptional employer located in London, offering a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment where creativity and innovation thrive. With a strong commitment to social impact and sustainability, employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, comprehensive support for professional development, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. The company prioritises employee well-being with generous leave policies, private medical insurance, and a vibrant social scene, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful difference in the architectural field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Architect/Architectural Assistants
✨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 Useful Studio 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/Architectural Assistants
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 Useful Studio!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Useful Studio. 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 Useful Studio
✨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 Useful Studio.