London, UK
Part 2 architectural assistant
at Kennedy Woods Architecture
Kennedy Woods is seeking an ambitious Part 2 architectural assistant to help on a range of education sector projects.
Who you are
You are a confident, driven, optimistic designer who sees the ability to work together with other people as the key to successful projects, and are interested in creating a positive impact in the world through built projects.
You are a free-thinker who takes initiative, enjoys autonomy within the framework of a brief, and can develop a line of conceptual thinking. You are a competent designer with an understanding of processes and construction, who enjoys grappling with different scales, and can work outside of their past experience.
You pride yourself on your ability to communicate ideas through images, drawings and writing and are highly particular about detail, but not precious. You are able to understand how to adapt communication to suit different audiences (most importantly, non-architects), and enjoy being inventive with the tools and media you use to make communication engaging and inspiring.
You aren’t tied to any particular style, instead, you like to find suitable responses grounded in real context, challenges, or tensions you discover in a brief. Despite this, you have a strong aesthetic sensibility and appreciate clarity, simplicity, and innovation in design.
Who we are
Kennedy Woods is the UK’s first B Corporation architecture studio, dedicated to supporting innovative, sustainable development through architecture, design strategy and storytelling for organisations that want to be mindful of their impact when they build. We work across sectors and scales, with current projects in education, affordable housing and mixed-use commercial developments. Our office is a light-filled studio in the Bussey Building, two minutes from Peckham Rye overground station, in south London.
We believe a strong culture is the key to achieving fulfilment, producing great work and building lasting relationships. Ours is based upon the following values, which are at the heart of everything we do.
Empathy
Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes. Thinking about how to clearly communicate with others. Approaching design decisions from a user perspective.
Tenacity
Bringing engagement, energy and intensity. Rolling sleeves up and taking a proactive role to get the job done. Be a Gyshido-san.
Questioning
Keeping an open mind, and exploring options. Reflecting critically across all aspects of the work and practice, and asking: ‘How else might we do this?’.
Spark
Seeking out moments of creative flair and impact that bring charm and playfulness across our work and in extracurricular activities.
What we can offer:
- starting salary in line with RIBA pay guides
- good work/life balance with no bullshit work-late culture
- support to quickly build up to job-running responsibility
- be part of an exciting, emerging studio
- join a thriving creative community in Peckham
Technical capabilities and experience:
Minimum criteria:
- highly proficient in AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
- ability to competently model in 3D (SketchUp preferable)
- one year UK office experience, ideally across planning and construction work stages
How to apply
Please submit a CV and portfolio of recent work using the ‘apply’ link below. Instead of adapting a generic cover letter, please provide four 140 character responses to the following questions:
- who are you? What is your story?
- what’s your favourite aspect of your current job and why?
- what interests you most in the world? (Except design/architecture! )
- what changes would you make to architectural education and why?
Referrals
If you aren’t interested but know someone who might be, we are offering a £250 sign-up fee to anyone who recommends a successful applicant.
Insta: @KennedyWoodsStudio