Technical Architect

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