Hertfordshire, UK
Part 2 architectural assistant
at JAC Architects
JAC Architects are hiring a Part 2 architectural assistant to join its team in Hertfordshire, UK.
About us
JAC Architects are a sustainability focused design studio in rural Hertfordshire. We specialise in sustainable design are experts in retrofit and Passivhaus certified. We primarily work on challenging sites across multiple sectors including: multi residential developments, heritage, commercial offices, hospitality, leisure, community and private residential. We are client focused offering a hands-on personal service and have a passion for high quality design.
The role
The role is to support the directors on a variety of projects across multiple sectors. The work will be varied and across all RIBA work stages from feasibility to construction. The role offers the opportunity to grow within an expanding design studio, we believe in a transparent office structure where staff are kept aware and involved in the day to day running of the business.
We don’t believe that working in architecture should be at the expense of your other interests and believe in a strong work life balance; as a result the role is offered on a four-day week basis (Monday to Thursday, 9 to 5.30). We believe in a strong studio culture, which fosters personal development and innovation. The role would be located 100 per cent in our Hertfordshire studio, which is based in Harpenden.
As a small practice we offer a strong mentoring scheme, with two highly experienced and award-winning directors on hand to assist as you develop within the office. The successful candidate will be supported through their Part 3 course.
Key responsibilities include:
- early stage design (RIBA Stage 1-3): context studies, concept designs, preparation of explanatory diagrams, visualisations
- production of planning application drawings proposals and associated design and access and heritage statements
- supporting the directors with a variety or projects during stage 4-6, producing details for building control approval and tender issue and attending site visits
- producing planning visualisations for projects, though these will be outsourced wherever possible and this will not be a key part of your role
Experience
The ideal candidate will have:
- minimum one years’ UK work experience post Part 1
- have good communication skills, verbal, visual and written
- be able to work well with project teams across the work stages
- passion for low carbon design and the circular economy
- be keen to develop within the organisation and provide suggestions for innovations to improve our offer to clients
Skills and abilities:
- desire to be innovative and bring new technology and ideas into the studio
- be able to maintain a professional attitude at all times offering our clients the highest level of service
- be confident in presenting your ideas to directors and project team members
- have a passion for materials, their detailing and provenance, to create truly low carbon design
- proficient in Vectorworks and SketchUp, though training in Vectorworks will be provided for the right candidate
- proficient in Adobe Creative Suite including InDesign and Photoshop
- proficient in Microsoft Office 365
- ability to learn new software programmes quickly and efficiently
Submission
Please submit your CV along with a portfolio (In total the attachments should be no more than 5Mb), in PDF format, by clicking on the apply for job button below with the job position title as the subject.
The deadline for submissions is 08/09/25. Any applications received beyond this point will not be considered. The interview process will be two stage with an informal online chat followed by a face to face meeting.
Please note that candidates must be able to demonstrate that they have the right to work in the UK to be considered for an initial interview.
JAC Architects are an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
Salary: £29,000+ p/a depending on experience.