Concept Eight Architects Limited is a vibrant practice dedicated to the creation of innovative new buildings, from smaller-scale residential settings to complex urban environments. We are a friendly practice offering a more connected and involved client experience. Our team has been steadily growing and we are now looking to expand the team to include a new project leader with support staff to assist the existing teams with the increased workload.
Our core team have been with us for many years, as the firm has grown, so has its design focus and customer service ethics, with much of our working coming from referrals. We pride ourselves on offering varied opportunities to all staff, aiding their professional develop and remunerating them well with a combination of a competitive salary and an annual bonus along with other benefits.
The practice is expert at working in sensitive prime central London sites, including the delicate management of high value dwelling houses and conversions. Our emphasis is on knowledge and research, combined with excellent architecture. More information on the practice’s work is available on our website. Our design studio is based in Weybridge with the majority of our projects across Surrey, south west and central London. We are also looking to create a small satellite office in south west London over the coming year. We expect to be taking on a greater number of high value multiple apartment schemes for which the new team member will be given the opportunity to run a few of them.
The right candidate will be joining the practice in a critical stage on it’s 10th year of business, with consolidation of existing sectors while looking to expand into new sectors and opportunities. The structure of the practice will mean the right candidate will form an integral part of the team and a key member for the future direction of the firm. The practice has an open and friendly structure with a very social and close knit team of talented individuals.
Duties and responsibilities:
The practice has a growing workload of projects both in central London and Surrey. The candidate would be responsible for working with the director and two associates in running a segment of the workload. Their tasks will be to be the creative nucleus of their projects, the main point of contact for the clients, as well as managing the workloads of their support staff to deliver their projects. The role will involve managing and designing projects as well as their support team.
The right candidate will have specific opportunity to see a number of prime central London, south west London and Surrey projects from inception through to completion. They will also have the opportunity to be offered a swift role into management.
Typical duties are set out below, but will vary from project to project.
Project delivery includes:
initial client meeting to agree and formalise the brief
preparation of concept design ideas and feasibility studies
review with other team members internally to further develop design ideas
concept and detail design work
conditions surveys, historic building appraisals, planning appraisals
develop presentation material for client workshops
briefing and managing team workloads
technical development of projects
delivery of production information
production of reports, drawings, schedules and specifications
submission of planning and listed building applications, including writing heritage impact assessments and design and access statements
submission of building regulation applications, including coordination of technical material
site coordination and building contract administration
review of other team’s projects
prepared to assist other members of the practice on key deadlines when required
Project management duties include:
report to director/associates on progress of project(s) and project risks
monitor project costs and profitability
planning, programming and monitoring of design work to meet deadlines
coordination of work produced by project team, including external consultants
ensure project QM, CDM/H&S files are maintained in accordance with practice standards
prepare agenda and minutes for project meetings and ability (where required) to chair meetings
General office duties include:
ensure office/practice standards adhered to
promote an environment where all team members can work to their strengths
identify own training needs
keep abreast of all regulatory development
attend regular team meetings
contribute to team successes
set a positive example
Company development duties include:
review of existing systems and protocol and suggest alternative
input into sector direction and identify opportunities
look to bring in new leads
set up CPD for suitable suppliers, legislation and reference projects
review of company design direction and suggest alternatives
form part of company expansion/development strategy
Person specification:
This section sets out the requirements, competencies, skills and qualities that are sought:
Basic requirements
a desire to develop themselves professionally
passed RIBA Part-III exam with minimum five years’ experience in the UK residential sector
have excellent design skills and have experience in high end residential projects and/or apartment schemes
an enthusiasm for both residential architecture and quality design solutions
an excellent command of English, both written and spoken
work within a small team
ability to get to various sites in London and Surrey preferably with own transport
ability to engage and nurture clients to aid in securing future commissions
IT and other competencies
ability to hand-draw and sketch to a decent standard
good command of CAD (Concept Eight Architects work in AutoCAD and Rhinoceros)
good command of office systems (Word, Excel) – essential
good presentation skills (Photoshop and InDesign desirable)
good modelling skills (SketchUp and/or other 3D modelling packages desirable)
Professional practice skills:
The candidate must be able to demonstrate competence in most if not all of the following areas:
ability to carry out duties of an architect as set out in the RIBA’s Job Book
excellent design skills, with the ability to explore and present thoughtful options for review and development
good detailing skills, with sound knowledge of building technologies, materials and how they are assembled
sound knowledge of technical standards, regulatory frameworks and CDM/H&S requirements
How to apply
If you are interested in the role please contact Mufajel Chowdhury BArch (Hons) B Arch ARB RIBA director/architect
Email: mc@concept8.co.uk
01932 809 444