At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical design and delivery of architectural projects in a dynamic London studio.
- Company: Wendover Studio, a forward-thinking architectural firm with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior staff and contribute to sustainability initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting projects while honing your technical skills.
- Qualifications: 10+ years of experience in technical design and construction delivery, ARB registered.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Wendover Studio is hiring a senior Technical Architect to lead the technical design and on-site delivery of architectural projects, based out of our London office. This role will be dedicated to taking projects through RIBA Stage 4 technical design and overseeing delivery on site through Stage 5, with deep responsibility for construction detailing, contractor coordination, and resolution of on-site issues including RFIs. The right candidate will bring substantial, hands-on technical expertise — ideally with a design-led background — and, in particular, significant experience working with existing buildings, with listed building experience a strong advantage. This role is suited to an architect who takes genuine satisfaction in the rigour and craft of technical resolution and construction delivery, and who can be trusted to safeguard both the buildability and the design integrity of a project once it leaves the drawing board.
Requirements
- Substantial post-qualification experience with deep, hands-on expertise (10+ years) in RIBA Stage 4 technical design and Stage 5 construction delivery
- ARB-registered, with strong working knowledge of the ARB and RIBA Codes of Conduct
- Significant experience working with existing buildings, including refurbishment, retrofit, and extension projects; experience with listed buildings strongly preferred
- Strong working knowledge of UK Building Regulations, applicable Approved Documents, and the practical realities of construction detailing and buildability
- Proven track record managing the RFI process, contractor queries, and on-site technical decision-making through to resolution
- Confident leading site inspections, progress meetings, and contractor coordination throughout the construction phase
- ArchiCAD essential — candidates must be highly proficient and able to produce and oversee detailed technical drawing packages within an ArchiCAD-based studio workflow
- A design-led background is preferred but secondary to demonstrated technical depth and delivery experience
- Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and detailing appropriate to respective building typologies and heritage/existing building contexts
- Experience coordinating structural, M&E, and specialist consultant inputs through technical design and construction
- Capable of clear, confident client and contractor communication, including the ability to explain technical constraints and decisions in an accessible way
- Ability to attend site visits and client meetings throughout London
- Highly organized, with excellent time management skills and the ability to triage work
- Pro-active problem-solver
- Polite, friendly, and a good team-player
Responsibilities
- Lead the technical design and detailing of assigned projects through RIBA Stage 4, ensuring all architectural information is fully resolved, coordinated, and construction-ready
- Take responsibility for the technical robustness, buildability, and regulatory compliance of construction information, including compliance with the Building Regulations and applicable Approved Documents
- Lead on-site delivery through RIBA Stage 5, acting as the primary technical point of contact for contractors throughout construction
- Manage the RFI process from receipt through to resolution, providing clear, technically sound responses in a timely manner
- Lead and attend regular site inspections, progress meetings, and technical review meetings, identifying and resolving construction issues as they arise
- Review contractor submissions, shop drawings, and technical submittals for compliance with the design intent and technical specification
- Apply particular care and expertise to projects involving existing or listed buildings, including appropriate detailing for retrofit, refurbishment, and heritage-sensitive interventions, and liaison with conservation officers and heritage consultants as required
- Coordinate technical interfaces with structural, M&E, and other specialist consultants throughout technical design and construction
- Safeguard the design intent established during earlier project stages, working closely with the design lead to ensure technical resolution does not compromise architectural quality
- Advise the client and project lead on technical, programme, and cost implications arising during construction
- Support the preparation of technical specifications, schedules, and construction information packages
- Lead and mentor junior technical staff, providing guidance on detailing standards, technical drawing quality, and site practice
- Contribute to the development of the studio’s technical standards, detail libraries, and quality assurance processes, particularly relating to existing/listed building work and ArchiCAD workflows
- Maintain registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and comply at all times with the ARB and RIBA Codes of Conduct
- Support broader practice initiatives, including research, sustainability, and business development, as reasonably required
Contact Details:
Wendover Development Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Architect 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 Wendover Development Limited 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 Technical Architect in London
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 Wendover Development Limited!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Wendover Development Limited. 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 Wendover Development Limited
✨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 Wendover Development Limited.
