Principal Architect

Principal Architect

Temporary 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Wood

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative architectural projects in energy and sustainability sectors.
  • Company: Join Wood, a global leader in engineering and consultancy.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on critical global challenges through sustainable design.
  • Qualifications: Degree in architecture with experience in energy transition projects.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Wood has an opportunity for a Senior Architect to be based in Reading on a contract basis. We work on a variety of projects including carbon capture, hydrogen power, waste to energy, biofuels, recycling, petrochemical, and oil & gas.

The architect must have good working knowledge of Microstation and familiarity with Revit and Bentley Open Buildings.

  • Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with Wood policies and procedures.
  • Ensure all work is carried out with a positive attitude towards safety, both in design and in the office environment.
  • Contribute to the group as a discipline technical Specialist as required.
  • Provide technical and architectural design support to Projects as Lead Architect where required.
  • Execute assigned work in accordance with Project Execution Plans, applicable Project Procedures and Standards within man-hour and cost budgets and Project schedule target.
  • Provide design and technical interface to project work with clients, other Departments, suppliers/vendors and consultants.
  • Coordinate and conduct Technical Audits and Technical reviews on projects as required by Chief Architect.
  • Review, support and agree project technical and design issues with the Lead Discipline Engineer, including dissemination and implementation of discipline ‘best practice’ on projects.

Qualifications:

  • Degree qualified architect with membership of a recognized international architectural professional authority.
  • Experience in oil and gas / energy transition projects.
  • Experience of client management and briefing activities.
  • Good conceptual design abilities.
  • Sound technical and international building construction knowledge.
  • Good project management skills within the Architectural discipline.
  • Understanding and experience in the adoption of ‘Green Buildings’ principles.

Wood is a global leader in engineering and consultancy across energy and the built environment, helping to unlock solutions to some of the world’s most critical challenges. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing around 40,000 people.

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Principal Architect employer: Wood

Wood is an exceptional employer that champions diversity and fosters a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for aspiring legal professionals. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from competitive salaries, flexible benefits, and opportunities for growth in the dynamic energy sector. The hybrid work model in vibrant locations like Aberdeen or Reading further enhances work-life balance, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally.

Wood

Contact Details:

Wood Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Architect

Get your portfolio ready!

When applying for that temporary architecture gig, make sure your portfolio is top-notch. Showcase your best projects, even if they were just uni assignments or side hustles. Include visuals and a brief description to show your design process and creativity.

Tap into local architecture events

Check out local architecture exhibitions, talks, and meetups. These events are brilliant for networking and you never know who might be looking for temporary help or just has a contact that could lead you to the right opportunity. Plus, it's a great way to stay updated on trends in the field!

Leverage temporary recruitment agencies

Consider registering with recruitment agencies that specialise in architecture roles. They often have access to temporary positions that aren’t advertised elsewhere. It's an easy way to find that next role without much fuss, plus they can help you polish your approach!

Show up where the architects are

Join online architecture forums or social media groups where professionals share opportunities. Engaging with these communities not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to job leads and collaborations. Don't underestimate the power of a simple message introducing yourself!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Architect

Microstation
Revit
Bentley Open Buildings
Technical Design Support
Project Execution Planning
Client Management
Conceptual Design Abilities

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Aesthetics:In the architecture game, your portfolio is your best friend. Make sure it showcases a range of your projects, highlighting both your design skills and technical ability. Don't just list what you've done – tell a story behind your designs, and show us how you think spatially!

Emphasise Collaborative Projects:Since this is a temporary role, showing you can work well with others is key. Highlight any collaborative projects in your CV or cover letter. Let us see how you’ve contributed in team settings – we want to know that you can hit the ground running alongside our crew at Wood.

Tailor Your Application for the Short Term:For temporary gigs, focus on your flexibility and how quickly you adapt to new environments. In your cover letter, mention your eagerness to learn and contribute immediately. We want to see that you’re ready to bring your skills to Wood without needing a long onboarding process!

Stay Up-to-Date with Trends:Architecture is constantly evolving, so make sure your application reflects your awareness of current design trends, software tools, and sustainable practices. Mention any relevant certifications or courses you've taken recently – it shows that you're serious about staying on top of your game for that temporary role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Wood

Showcase Your Creative Portfolio

When interviewing for a temporary role in architecture, it’s crucial that we bring along a strong portfolio that highlights our best projects. Make sure to include a variety of work that showcases your design skills, technical drawings, and even any 3D models or visualisations. This will help the interviewers at Wood see your creative process and your ability to tackle different challenges in architectural design.

Brush Up on Software Skills

Be prepared to answer questions about architectural software like AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp, since many firms, including Wood, heavily rely on these tools. If possible, brush up on your skills with quick tutorials beforehand, and be ready to discuss how you used these tools in past projects. This shows that you’re not just a pretty face but also technically savvy!

Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability

Temporary roles often require us to jump into projects mid-flow, so highlight experiences where you've quickly adapted to new teams or changing project scopes. Talk about your problem-solving strategies and how you handle unexpected challenges — this will show Wood that you can seamlessly integrate into their ongoing work without missing a beat.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect some scenario-based questions that test your critical thinking and design choices in real-time. Practice answers where you explain how you would approach specific architectural challenges or collaborate with different stakeholders. This will not only demonstrate our thought process but also show how we can contribute meaningfully to the team at Wood from day one.