Architect (Principal or Associate level) in Bristol)

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

Job summary

A leading national design team seeks a Principal or Associate Architect to join their expanding firm. This role, based in Bristol, involves overseeing architectural projects from concept to delivery, collaborating with diverse teams, and contributing to a creative culture. Ideal candidates will be RIBA qualified with strong leadership abilities and relevant sector experience, eager to mentor junior colleagues while advancing their own career.

Benefits

Agile and flexible hybrid working model

Supportive culture with strong leadership

Collaborative environment across disciplines

Qualifications

• Several years post-registration experience in a design practice.
• Experience with residential, mixed-use, and commercial sectors.
• Proven leadership and communication skills in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural projects through all RIBA stages.
• Act as primary contact for clients and oversee internal teams.
• Drive business development and maintain client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Design Excellence

Technical Delivery

Collaboration

Education

RIBA Part III qualification

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