Experienced Project Architect in Bristol

WIA are Hiring! Offering a warm and friendly environment, Willmore Iles are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Project Architect to join our team working on a series of award-winning design-led residential schemes around the UK.

About Us

Willmore Iles Architects is a RIBA chartered, BCorp certified practice based in Bristol specialising in the design of high-quality student accommodation, leisure and large residential development schemes across the UK. It’s our mission to create great-looking, flexible environments that build a real sense of community and well-being, making them much more than just a destination or place to live.

We are a medium-sized practice with a friendly, inclusive working environment, where individuals are known, supported, and encouraged to develop their careers. We are an Employee‑Owned Trust and an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and use blind recruitment practices at early stages, helping to create a fair and open process for all applicants.

About You

We are looking for someone to join and shape our growing residential team, working across new‑build housing as well as existing buildings, including retrofit and rectification projects where buildings are being brought back up to current technical standards. We are looking for someone organised, professional and self‑motivated, with strong communication skills and a collaborative, open‑minded approach that works well when priorities shift.

Key Responsibilities:

• Both lead and support the residential project team; coordinate design teams, manage briefs, programmes, work packages and contribute to the overall design and delivery process through all RIBA work stages.
• Ensuring compliance with UK Building Regulations and relevant standards.
• Production of clear and high-quality graphic and presentation material.
• Reviewing and managing all RIBA stage packages, resolving technical issues and responding to technical queries and sub-contractor information.
• Mentoring and supporting junior architects.

Your Skills and Experience:

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience in leading the delivery of production packages on multi-residential projects.
• Excellent communication, good listener, client-facing skills, and a collaborative approach to guiding and developing colleagues.
• Demonstrate strong design ability alongside technical capability in detail design, NBS specification, project documentation, construction supervision, commercial and contractual awareness.
• Experience liaising with Local Authorities and preparing statutory submissions (planning, building regs etc.).
• Strong digital skills, including competency in Revit and InDesign, and experience with SketchUp and Photoshop.
• Good knowledge of UK Building Regulations and construction detailing.
• Be able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Desirable:

• Experience of working in BIM environments.
• Experience working with AutoCAD and Viewpoint (4Projects), as well as familiarity with coordination platforms such as Navisworks and/or Solibri. Training can be provided where required.
• Experience working in the role of Principal Designer, or a genuine interest in developing this role, with training and support available.
• Specific interests or experience in low-carbon design and whole-life carbon analysis.

What We Can Offer You

At WIA, we care about the success of every team member and are guided by our values to create a supportive, inclusive and empowering workplace. We can offer:

• Salary £43,000 to £48,000 depending on experience.
• 37.5-hour working week.
• 21 days’ annual leave, plus public holidays and three additional days off between Christmas and New Year.
• A friendly, inclusive, and supportive culture where your ideas are valued.
• We support our staff with hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Structured professional development, mentoring and a dedicated ‘buddy’ system.
• Private Pension Scheme.
• Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) Bonus Scheme.
• Office socials, team trips and community-focused activities.
• Participation in social responsibility initiatives with local schools.
• Cycle to Work, Electric Car scheme and Home & Tech purchase schemes.

If you are interested in progressing your career with us we would love to hear from you. Please upload your CV, portfolio (no more than 5mb) and a short covering statement here by 15th May 2026. We are keen to hear about your relevant experience, what motivates you, and what interests you about this role and our work.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.