Architectural Assistant / Architect: Rare Path to Design Management

Job Description

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to step away from the drawing board and into the driver’s seat of world-class design projects?

This is your chance to transition from architecture to design management – an extremely rare and rewarding opportunity that will transform your career.

At Grõ Careers, we specialise in helping ambitious architects make bold moves. Whether you’re an Architectural Assistant (RIBA Part 2) with a few years of experience under your belt, or a recently qualified architect (up to 5 years post-Part 3/ARB), this role is your pathway into the dynamic and strategic world of design and project management, where no two days are the same.

It’s a position where strategic thinking, proactive leadership, and creative problem-solving all come together to deliver some of the world’s most exceptional projects.

Why Make the Move?

• Expand Your Skills: Develop expertise in managing contracts, programming, client relationships, and consultant teams – essential skills for career progression.
• Work on Major Projects: Contribute to significant cultural, masterplanning, hospitality, mixed-use and urban developments with budgets exceeding £75-£750+ million.
• Accelerate Your Career: Gain practical experience in design management with structured mentorship and opportunities to lead.
• Opportunities for Travel (optional): Manage international projects, gaining valuable experience and exposure to different architectural perspectives.

A Day in the Life: What You’ll Be Doing as a Design Manager

• Setup Project Vision and Strategy: Kickstart projects by defining objectives, aligning with clients and architects, and creating a clear, actionable project brief to guide the design process.
• Lead Meetings: Facilitate workshops with clients, architects, and consultants to establish roles, responsibilities, and strategies, ensuring everyone is aligned.
• Plan and Manage Design Schedules: Create and maintain tailored Design Route Maps, schedules, and design programmes, mapping out milestones and ensuring the project stays on track while addressing evolving needs.
• Oversee Design Quality: Review deliverables from sub-consultants, manage client feedback, and ensure projects adhere to the highest standards of design and delivery.
• Transparent Reporting: Produce concise, impactful reports, presentations, and progress dashboards to keep all stakeholders informed and ensure alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Resolve Challenges and Manage Change: Lead discussions to handle scope clarifications, role discrepancies, or unexpected project changes, providing clear guidance to keep everything on course.
• Shape Team Success: Collaborate with the design team to refine workflows, communication protocols, and document management.
• Support Strategy: Guide clients through competition submissions with strategic planning, team coordination, and advice to deliver winning proposals.
• Mentor and Develop Expertise: Work closely with experienced design managers, gaining insights into complex design management challenges while furthering your own leadership skills.

Who We’re Looking For

• Experience: Architectural professionals with 1+ years experience (post-RIBA Part 2) working on large-scale projects (£20+ million) in a leading UK-based design studio (WA/AJ100 highly desired). Familiarity with lead consultant roles is a bonus.
• Organisation Skills: You’ve led design team meetings, managed project timelines, and understand the basics of creating design programmes/route maps (Excel / MS project or other software).
• Software Skills: Proficiency in MS Office and Adobe CS. Familiarity with additional management software (MS Project) is advantageous, though training will be provided.
• Understanding of Design/Project Management: Knowledge of workflows, documentation, and client or consultant coordination.
• Communication: Strong organisation, collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ambitious and Collaborative: You’re ready to step up, take responsibility, and grow into a leadership role with mentorship and guidance.

Why Now?

The opportunity to transition from architecture to design management doesn’t come along often. By stepping into this role, you’ll be ahead of the curve, shaping your career in ways most architects only dream of. With access to global projects, leadership training, and opportunities for travel, this move will redefine your future.

What’s in It for You?

• Salary & Benefits: £34k–£49k (depending on experience/entry level) plus an attractive benefits package (bonus, private healthcare, and much more).
• Mentorship That Matters: One-on-one guidance from industry leading design managers, alongside extensive training and development opportunities.
• Career Longevity: Build skills that go beyond architecture and open doors to leadership roles across industries.

This opportunity is uniquely supported by Grõ Careers, specialists in guiding architects through the transformative career shift into design/project management, with tailored insights and expertise to maximise your success.

Submit your CV to Reece at Grõ Careers today for your chance to begin a journey into design management. This exclusive opportunity is not available anywhere else – don’t miss your chance!

Note: Due to high interest, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding.

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