Architect - Development Consultant (Part-Time)

ZipRecruiter; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 72,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in Central London is seeking an architecturally trained professional for a part-time, project-based role as a lead consultant on significant urban projects. The opportunity focuses on influencing strategic development decisions at the earliest stages, ensuring high-quality engagement and coordination across teams and sectors. Ideal for candidates who wish to expand their strategic impact without leaving their current roles.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in architecture, urban design, or development.
• Strong grasp of UK early-stage development.
• Confidence in leading teams and managing scope.

Responsibilities

• Lead early-stage development studies and strategy.
• Facilitate live 3D informed workshops.
• Coordinate inputs from planning, design, and commercial specialists.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Proactive approach

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job Description

Step beyond architecture. Shape the earliest, most influential decisions in development!

This is a standout opportunity for an architecturally trained professional to operate at the intersection of design, strategy, and commercial development.

If you’re curious about how major urban projects are shaped from day one, before design begins, this part-time, project-based consultancy role offers high-impact exposure and a low-risk route into strategic development.

The Opportunity…

Join a Central London firm working with some of the UK’s most forward-thinking landowners, developers, and city-makers. Specialising in the earliest stages of development, they guide clients through feasibility, capacity, investment strategy, and value-driven briefing… all before design teams are typically brought on board.

Working across complex urban sites, mixed-use schemes, and innovation districts, the team uses financial insight, planning expertise, and 3D thinking to help clients make smarter decisions, faster!

The Role…

You will be appointed to a single live project (4 to 12 weeks at a time), acting as lead consultant.

It’s a client-facing, strategic role….shaping briefs, running workshops, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.

Key responsibilities…

• Lead early-stage development studies and strategy
• Facilitate live 3D informed workshops with clients and consultants
• Coordinate inputs from planning, design, and commercial specialists
• Deliver high-quality reports and outcome-focused documents
• Monitor project performance, scope, and timelines
• Collaborate with analysts and tech leads

Who This Is For…

This role is ideal for a design-led thinker who wants to move upstream …. to influence vision and value before design begins!

You might be…

• An architect (or urban designer) with strong RIBA 0 to 3 experience
• Curious about planning, development or commercial strategy
• Equally confident with Excel and early-stage design thinking
• Looking to expand your impact without leaving your current role (yet)

What You Will Need…

• 5+ years’ experience in architecture, urban design, or development
• A solid grasp of UK early stage development and planning
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Working knowledge of appraisals, feasibility logic and spreadsheets
• Confidence in leading teams and managing scope
• A proactive, collaborative approach and attention to detail
• Availability to work 1 to 2 days per week, on-site in Central London

Project Structure…

• Engagement: Part-time, project-by-project
• Duration: 4 to 12 weeks per project
• Rate: £60,000 FTE (pro-rata)
• Location: Central London (office-based only)
• Start: July to September 2025 (flexible)

What Comes Next…

This project-based model is how the consultancy hires all team members… it ensures mutual fit and alignment before committing long-term. If things go well, you may be invited to continue on future projects or transition into a permanent role.

Many of the current team joined in exactly this way.

Why Apply?...

Because you want more…

More strategic influence. More creativity. More clarity on how big decisions get made.

This is a chance to gain rare, behind-the-scenes exposure to strategic development consulting, without stepping away from your career overnight.

It’s the perfect launchpad into something new… or perhaps simply a meaningful extension of what you already do!

Ready to explore it? Send your CV ASAP! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis…. early interest encouraged.