London, UK
Project architect
at Sarah Wigglesworth Architects
Sarah Wigglesworth Architects is seeking a project architect to become part of it team in London.
Sarah Wigglesworth Architects is a small, well established and highly-reputable practice, located in north London. We are based in an award-winning, ecological office, designed by Sarah Wigglesworth, our founding director, and as an environmentally-focused practice, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Our office represents many of the company’s core values, demonstrating an ethic of research, sustainability, low impact and respect for resources.
This is an exciting time to join the team as 2019 marked the 25th year of Sarah Wigglesworth Architects and throughout last year and extending into 2020 we held a number of events to commemorate this incredible achievement. As we move into this new decade, we begin to look ahead to what the next 25 years will bring for Sarah Wigglesworth Architects.
Job title: project architect
Contract type: nine months fixed-term, with the potential to go permanent
Working hours: core office hours are 9 am to 6 pm (Mon-Fri) and we operate a flexi-hour policy either side of this
Salary: £36,000-£42,000 – dependent on experience
Role specification
Sarah Wigglesworth Architects is looking for an experienced project architect, who is at least three to five years’ post their Part 3 qualification. Reporting to the director and associate, you will be expected to provide architectural support for a variety of projects across all different work stages. With plenty of technical and job management experience you will be equally comfortable in self-directed work as you are at working within a team.
You will have excellent design skills and be highly experienced in working through planning. The ability to lead a team, problem solve and use your own judgement, think creatively and work calmly under pressure are all essential skills to the role. You will also have knowledge of sustainable building, ecological principle and practice.
Required experience (not exhaustive)
Demonstrate ability to:
- manage a team to successfully deliver projects within financial budgets and deadlines
- research, test and develop solutions to architectural problems. Advise on most appropriate design response to satisfy all constraints and opportunities
- manage, produce and issue all project documentation including detailed drawings, reports, specifications, meeting minutes, applications and contracts
- create building designs and highly detailed drawings both by hand and in CAD
- develop fee proposals and project resourcing strategies in response to project programmes
- work closely with a team of other professionals such as building service engineers, construction managers, quantity surveyors and structural engineers as well as clients
- assess and comment on recommendations and information from other project consultants (e.g. MEP, structural)
- attend and report at site meetings as required and check on progress. Carry out site inspections, valuations, issue certificates and instructions as required
- liaise with statutory authorities as required at different project Stages. Ensure compliance with all statutory legislation. Apply for planning permission and advice from LPAs
- attend, report at and chair (as lead consultant) design team meetings with other project consultants, as required. Prepare meeting records and agendas
- manage project tender processes including attending contractor interviews, assessing tender returns and advising clients
- research materials and specifications, ensuring that where possible they adhere to SWA’s ethos and environmental policy
- manage design changes by adapting plans according to circumstances and resolve any related problems that may arise during construction
- maintain project files electronically and in hard copy, in line with project quality plan
- undertake post-completion assessment and de-brief for clients and building users
Desirable experience:
- a passion for and experience of designing sustainably. You will need to work with the director, project team and clients to define design concepts and environmental strategies for schemes
- assisting in bidding for new work, ITTs and competitions
- participating in the practices’ equality and diversity in architecture drive
- contributing to SWA’s publicity material including research, web updates, journal articles and award submissions
- supporting other team members in their training and development
- contributing to developing in house and external CPD activities and a research discourse
- preparing and leading engagement meetings with stakeholders and user groups
Person specification:
- three-five years’ experience after postgraduate certificate in professional practice (RIBA Part 3)
- registered with the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB)
- proficient in using Vectorworks, SketchUp, Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
- familiarity with 3D BIM
- a highly effective communicator, with excellent written and spoken English, and with strong interpersonal skills to manage clients and team members
- enjoy representing the practice externally and be a confident public speaker
- exceptional time management with the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
- strong attention to detail and visual awareness
- the ability and confidence to work under minimum supervision
- the ability to think ahead, anticipating problems and opportunities and find solutions
- be a positive and engaging force, with a real commitment to developing our studio culture and to act as an ambassador for SWA’s ethos
How to apply
To apply for this role, please follow the link to our website here and download the full job description.
Application time frame
Applications deadline Friday 20 March 2020. However, we welcome early applications.
We may invite suitable candidates to interview before the application deadline.
Additional information
We apologise that due to the high volume of applications, we will be unable to respond to unsuccessful candidates.
No recruitment agencies. Any applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
We ask that you do not contact us by phone at this time and if you have any queries please address to Cat Mullan.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Please submit applications using the ‘apply’ link below.