London, UK
Senior architect
at Happy Building
Happy Building is looking for a senior architect to join its team in London.
Job description
Job title: senior architect
Responsible to: studio manager
Job level: senior executive
Salary: £45k – £50k
Location: Surrey, south London, 100% office based
Welcome
Happy Building, a pioneering architecture and construction organisation, offers a unique opportunity for an experienced ARB-registered architect to join our dynamic team.
Join us to independently manage projects from conception to completion, supported by seasoned professionals. Gain expertise in project management, budgeting, and specialisation opportunities while partnering with top engineers.
Experience a culture of high standards and support, developing mutual learning and growth. Expect vibrant projects from classic to contemporary, where your innovative ideas are valued and encouraged. Elevate your abilities with us at Happy Building – where customer-centric innovation meets progressive team culture!
Key responsibilities:
- deliver initial project consultation and vetting the client
- generate five-star customer ratings through the delivery of your clients’ journey
- manage between three to four high-profile projects simultaneously
- manage and control client expectations and communications through the journey of their project
- execute site-measured surveys with precision and efficiently
- develop concept design sketches and drawings
- produce accurate architectural drawings reflecting creative solutions whilst adhering to UK planning legislations to achieve maximum conversion on first submittal
- produce buildable designs with the use of your construction knowledge
- develop feasibility studies to manage your clients’ expectations
- prepare and submit planning applications, and manage the planning process
- coordination with the structural engineering team to ensure the project has buildability
- drive and inspire clients towards beautifully designed spaces that align with the company’s direction.
- mentoring/supporting of the design team executives to develop
- expected to diligently work towards achieving their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as outlined in your respective role
Qualifications and experience:
- educated to RIBA Part 3 (or equivalent); RIBA stages 1-4 are applied in the role
- detailed experience in UK Planning and working knowledge of UK Building Regulations
- a minimum of five years’ practical experience on UK residential projects under £1m value
- a minimum of one year’ experience conducting site-measured survey
- experience in a customer-facing role environment and taking direct briefs from clients
- high proficiency in AutoCAD and SketchUp would be an advantage
- detailed knowledge of UK Planning Regulations, including full understanding of Building Regulations (and their impact on design)
Position stakeholders:
- internal: leadership team, design team, construction team, marketing team
- external: clients, council planning officers, engineers and third-party professionals
Personal skillset:
- excellent design, creative and detailing skills
- self-sufficient and able to take initiative, with a proactive attitude and innovative mindset
- ability to move and deliver at pace, from concept to final execution
- excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including using hand-drawn sketches, AutoCad and presentation software
- demonstrate ownership, accountability, and delivery of end-to-end projects
- demonstrate clear planning and project management skills
- ability to work and deliver in a fast-paced environment and adapt to rapid change, working well under pressure
- strong digital/tech experience
What else can I expect?
- working within a structured, positive organisation with defined routes for career progression
- clear salary progression in line with the established Happy Building career path
- exposure to a broad spectrum of projects and scenarios
- be part of a fun, engaging, positive team; a team that shares a common vision and supports each other’s individual goals
- 25 days holiday plus your birthday day off
- enrollment into our employee benefits scheme
- one company off-site event per year as well as company days at our office
To apply
Happy Building is an equal opportunity employer. We offer dynamic career opportunities with growth potential. If you wish to apply, please send your CV and cover letter alongside a portfolio of residential design only between the value of £350k – £1m via the ‘apply for job’ button below.
Interview process:
- stage 1: phone interview – 10-minute phone call for your initial CV and cover letter screening
- stage 2: face-to-face – 45-minute interview at our office with the studio manager and senior architect
- stage 3: measured survey test – this will take place after the face-to-face should you be successful
- stage 4: final interview where a challenge/scenario will be set