Conrad Consulting is delighted to be partnering with a highly respected, award-winning UK Architectural Practice as they look to appoint a talented and work-experienced Part 2 Architectural Assistant to join their newly established Leeds City Centre studio.
With an excellent reputation and established regional studios across Scotland and the South of England, our client is embarking on an exciting period of expansion across the North of England.
Best known for their work across the Education, Leisure, Justice and Residential sectors, the practice has ambitious plans to build upon its existing relationships and project portfolio in the region, establishing a thriving Leeds studio with a particular focus on Education and Leisure projects.
Following the successful appointment of an experienced Associate Director to lead the Leeds operation, the practice is now looking to make its next key appointment.
This represents a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Part 2 Architectural Assistant to become one of the founding members of a growing studio, working closely with an experienced and well-connected Studio Leader whilst benefiting from the resources, expertise and established reputation of a successful national practice.
Importantly, this position is aimed at Part 2 Architectural Assistants who have already gained meaningful experience working within an architectural practice, rather than those seeking their first professional appointment following completion of their Part 2 qualification.
The Opportunity
The successful candidate will work alongside the Leeds Studio Leader and collaborate with colleagues across the practice's wider UK studios, contributing to the design and delivery of high-quality, sustainable architectural projects.
With Education anticipated to form a significant part of the Leeds studio's workload, we are particularly interested in candidates who have gained practical experience working on schools, academies, colleges or other educational facilities.
However, the practice's diverse portfolio across Leisure, Justice and Residential sectors will also provide opportunities to broaden your experience and develop a well-rounded architectural skill set.
The role would suit a Part 2 Architectural Assistant who has already developed a sound understanding of architectural practice, gained exposure to multiple RIBA work stages and is comfortable contributing to live projects with a reasonable degree of independence.
Working within a developing studio, you will be encouraged to take ownership of your work, contribute ideas and become actively involved in both the design and technical delivery of projects.
As one of the first appointments into the Leeds studio, you will enjoy a level of exposure and responsibility that can sometimes be difficult to achieve within larger, more established teams.
You'll have the opportunity to work closely with senior decision-makers, further develop your technical and project delivery capabilities and play an important role in shaping the culture and future success of the Leeds operation.
The Ideal Candidate
We are keen to hear from Part 2 Architectural Assistants who can demonstrate:
- RIBA Part 2 qualification, supported by relevant professional experience working within a UK architectural practice.
- Ideally, a minimum of 12–24 months of practical experience following completion of Part 2, although candidates with substantial previous Part 1 experience will also be considered.
- Previous experience within the Education sector would be particularly advantageous.
- A strong architectural design appreciation supported by developing technical knowledge.
- Practical experience contributing to live architectural projects across various RIBA work stages.
- An understanding of UK Building Regulations, construction detailing and the technical design process.
- The ability to produce and coordinate architectural drawings and project information with appropriate supervision.
- Good communication skills and the confidence to collaborate with colleagues, consultants and wider project teams.
- A genuine interest in sustainable architecture and delivering high-quality, people-focused environments.
- A proactive, enthusiastic attitude with the confidence to contribute within a small, developing studio.
- Ambition to continue developing professionally, ideally with aspirations towards completing RIBA Part 3 and achieving Architect registration.
Please note: This is not an entry-level Part 2 Architectural Assistant position. Applicants should be able to demonstrate meaningful professional experience and previous involvement in the design or delivery of live architectural projects.
Whilst Education sector experience is preferred, applications from talented Part 2 Architectural Assistants with transferable project experience and a genuine interest in this sector are encouraged.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This is not simply another Architectural Assistant position within an established practice.
It's an opportunity to join a new studio at a pivotal stage of its development, working directly alongside an experienced Associate Director who has been appointed to establish and grow the business across Leeds and the wider North of England.
You'll benefit from the close-knit, collaborative environment of a developing local team, combined with the stability, resources and exciting project opportunities associated with a respected UK practice.
For a Part 2 Architectural Assistant who has already gained valuable industry experience, this position offers the opportunity to build upon that foundation, take on increasing responsibility and gain exposure to the wider aspects of architectural practice.
As the Leeds studio grows, there will be genuine opportunities to develop your technical and project-running capabilities, progress towards Part 3 qualification and establish a long-term career within the business.
Salary & Benefits
Alongside a competitive salary dependent on experience circa £28,000 - £32,000, our client offers an attractive benefits package including:
- 9-day working fortnight, providing an excellent work-life balance.
- Pension scheme with employer contributions matched up to 5%.
- Private healthcare.
- Structured CPD and professional development support.
- Paid professional memberships.
- Generous annual leave entitlement, including Christmas closure.
- Additional birthday day off.
- The opportunity to develop your career within an ambitious and growing studio.
Interested to Learn More?
For an experienced Part 2 Architectural Assistant looking to take the next step in their career, this represents a particularly exciting opportunity.
If you have already gained practical experience within an architectural practice, ideally working on Education projects, and would welcome the opportunity to join a growing Leeds studio from the outset, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
Please contact James Jackson at Conrad Consulting for an exploratory conversation in the strictest of confidence.
Alternatively, please apply with your updated CV and a sample portfolio.