Architect - FTC

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO); City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in the UK is seeking an ARB Registered Architect to lead designing and building new embassies in various locations. The role involves coordinating teams, producing high-quality technical drawings, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills and a proven record in RIBA stages 2-4. This position offers a competitive salary and various benefits, including a pension scheme and 25 days of annual leave.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Defined Benefit Pension scheme

Annual leave starting at 25 days

On-site gym

Free shuttle bus

Qualifications

• Experience in new build and refurbishment projects.
• Well-developed knowledge of RIBA Works Stages (0-7).
• Current knowledge of UK Planning and Health & Safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead designer for new build projects in international locations.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to meet client briefs.
• Produce high-quality technical drawings and specifications.

Skills

Communication skills

Team coordination

Technical drawing proficiency

Education

ARB Registered Architect

Tools

Revit

Adobe InDesign

MS Project

AutoCAD

Job description

Overview

Designing and building brand‑new embassies in bustling cities and remote locations. Collaborating with architects, engineers and surveyors to design and reconfigure a high commission's office space. Developing a secure site's new CCTV system. This work is as varied and as vital as it gets.

Responsibilities

• Lead designer for new build and refurbishment projects across international locations.
• Coordinate multi‑disciplinary teams to deliver design outputs that meet client briefs, regulatory requirements and organisational standards.
• Facilitate design outputs across disciplines, support Project Managers with programme coordination and help prepare fee proposals and scopes of work.
• Deliver presentations and collaborate with customers and stakeholders at senior levels, including Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Overseas Security Advisors.
• Produce high‑quality technical drawings using Revit, specifications using NBS and RIBA Stage Reports using InDesign.
• Ensure all deliverables are peer‑reviewed, delivered on time and to the highest professional standards.
• Act as CDM Principal Designer and Building Safety Act Principal Designer when required.

Qualifications

• ARB Registered Architect with experience across new build and refurbishment projects at varying scales.
• Well‑developed knowledge of all RIBA Works Stages (0‑7) and proven experience of Stages 2‑4.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to organise meetings and coordinate diverse stakeholders.
• Independent and collaborative in fast‑moving, multi‑disciplinary environments.
• Current knowledge of UK Planning, Building Regulations and Health & Safety legislation.
• Highly proficient user of Revit, MS Word, Excel, Adobe InDesign with some understanding of AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, NBS and MS Project.
• Desirable: experience of CDM and BSA Principal Designer roles, practical knowledge of heritage buildings and sustainability practices, including BREEAM projects.
• Foreign language skills and experience working in the security sector are an advantage.

Technical Skills

• Strong communication and facilitation of meetings with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven experience of RIBA Stages 2‑4, including both drawings and specifications.
• Current UK Planning, Building Regulations and Health & Safety legislation knowledge.

Security and Vetting

All applicants must meet the security requirements before appointment. Successful candidates must achieve Security Check (SC) clearance and complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £48,801 with a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme contribution of £14,137.
• Annual leave starting at 25 days.
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• Culture encouraging inclusion and diversity; Disability Confident employer.
• On‑site gym, nursery, café and restaurant.
• Interest‑free loans on season tickets and bikes.
• Free shuttle bus between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park.

Application Guidance

Your CV should include no personal identifying details, career history with key responsibilities, skills and experience, achievements and qualifications. Your personal statement should outline your interest in the role. Candidates will only be sifted on answers provided to the job specific questions outlined in the application form. Those that are successful will be invited to a MS Teams or face‑to‑face interview. At the interview you will be asked a blend of questions on technical skills and behaviours. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.