Conwy, UK
Architect/Part 2 architectural assistant
at Donald Insall Associates
Donald Insall Associates is looking for a newly qualified architect or Part 2 architectural assistant to join its team in Conwy, UK.
About the practice
Donald Insall Associates has pioneered a creative approach to architectural conservation for over 65 years. A 140-strong practice of both architects and heritage consultants, it has led nationally significant projects including the ongoing repair works at the Palace of Westminster, the restoration of Temperate House at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the community-led revitalisation of Cleveland Pools which won the Europa Nostra Award in 2023. The practice currently operates from nine studios across the UK: London, Bath, Birmingham, Cambridge, Chester, Conwy, Manchester, Oxford and York.
About you
As a studio, we are interested in the person as much as your qualifications. We are looking for someone who, given guidance, will be comfortable liaising with clients, consultants, contractors and statutory authorities. As part of a well-supported team, the successful candidate will be allowed to take ownership of projects and drive them to a successful conclusion collegiately.
Knowledge, skills and experience required:
- full qualification as an architect from a RIBA-recognised university/architectural school or imminent commencement of Part 3 studies
- varied job-running experience (up to £5 million in budget), with sound knowledge of all UK planning and building legislation
- first-rate design and technical skills, strong knowledge and understanding of the role of technical packages (both written and drawn)
- a demonstrable interest in the issues and challenges associated with conservation/historic buildings, new design in the historic environment and the context of the climate emergency
- good overall knowledge of traditional construction (e.g. brickwork/lead/slate/timber)
- sound working knowledge of Revit, SketchUp, AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite to produce consistently high-quality and accurate work
- well-developed communication skills, both oral and written, including the ability to research and draft technically useful and concise documents
- able to operate effectively in the context of a small studio environment with its incumbent fluctuations in workload and a willingness to play a key role in helping identify and win new business for the studio
- ability to maintain focus on the big picture and achieve results (without losing sight of the details) through careful management of available time and resources to meet deadlines and maintain quality
- strong problem-solving skills: the ability to think ahead and spot potential obstacles, work effectively with ambiguity, devise appropriate solutions and see these through to ensure that projects remain on target both in terms of timescales and fees
- recognition of the importance of being able to deliver our work bilingually
Desirable:
- ability to speak and write in Welsh fluently
- previous experience of working with historic buildings
- relevant professional memberships, e.g. IHBC, SPAB, and/or AABC accreditation
- senior architect-level appointments will only be considered if accreditation at AABC ‘A’ or RIBA ‘SCA’ level is in place or submitted
Please submit your application by clicking the ‘apply for job’ button below.
www.donaldinsallassociates.co.uk