Architect (Principal or Associate level)

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading national design team is seeking a Principal or Associate Architect based in Bristol to lead innovative projects. This senior role supports design excellence and strategic growth, offering an agile working model and strong team collaboration. Ideal candidates have RIBA Part III qualifications and proven leadership in architecture.

Benefits

Agile and flexible hybrid working model

Supportive culture with strong leadership backing

Collaborative environment across disciplines

Qualifications

• Post-registration experience within a respected design practice.
• Proven leadership in design and technical delivery across RIBA stages.
• Strong knowledge of UK building regulations and planning frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural projects through all RIBA stages, from concept to delivery.
• Act as a primary contact for clients, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Drive business development by maintaining and building client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Proactive Team Player

Design Excellence

Client Relationship Management

Education

RIBA Part III qualified

ARB Registration Preferred

Tools

Revit

Adobe Creative Suite

AutoCAD

Job description

Architect (Principal or Associate level)

Reference: KDBRI9890

Location: Bristol

Salary: £45-55,000 DOE

A leading national design team is seeking an ambitious Principal or Associate Architect to help lead and deliver thoughtful, contextual architecture from one of its regional hubs in London, Bristol, or Birmingham. This senior position involves close collaboration with in-house planning, heritage, and urban design professionals on a diverse range of projects, including residential-led regeneration, strategic urban extensions, retrofit schemes, and bespoke heritage developments. The role offers a platform for individuals who excel in design, delivery, or development strategy, and who are eager to contribute to a growing and creative architectural team. The successful candidate will take ownership of projects from concept to completion, build strong client relationships, and play a central role in shaping team culture, design quality, and strategic direction.

Key Benefits:

• Agile and flexible hybrid working model
• Offices in multiple UK locations with choice of base in London, Bristol, or Birmingham
• Supportive culture with strong leadership backing and room to grow
• Collaborative environment across planning, heritage, urban design, and architecture disciplines

Daily Duties:

• Lead architectural projects through all RIBA stages, from concept to delivery
• Act as a primary contact for clients, consultants, and stakeholders
• Oversee internal teams and manage external collaborators
• Drive business development by maintaining and building client relationships
• Prepare proposals and support strategic growth opportunities
• Promote design excellence and contribute to team development
• Support and mentor junior colleagues while advancing toward leadership responsibilities

Ideal Candidate:

• RIBA Part III qualified (or international equivalent); ARB registration preferred
• Over several years post-registration experience within a respected design practice
• Proven leadership in both design and technical delivery across all RIBA stages
• Sector experience in residential, mixed-use, commercial, regeneration, or education
• Strong knowledge of UK building regulations and planning frameworks
• High proficiency in Revit; familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and visualisation tools
• Effective communicator with excellent presentation and leadership skills
• Demonstrated experience as a Principal Designer with sound health and safety knowledge
• Proactive team player with the ambition to grow into a senior leadership role

To apply, please contact KAZ on 01792365003 OR alternatively, send your updated CV and Portfolio across to [e-mail] I hope to hear from you soon!