Architectural Designer

Grõ Careers; England; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Discretionary bonus

On-site gym with personal trainer

Subsidised dining

Job summary

A leading design firm in the UK seeks an ambitious Architectural Designer to join their client-side team. This role offers the chance to work on high-profile projects and advance in a design-led environment. The ideal candidate will have 3-7 years of experience, strong leadership potential, and a creative yet pragmatic approach to design. Benefits include a substantial salary increase, private healthcare, and mentoring opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3-7 years’ post-Part II experience in a medium or large UK practice.
• Experience on complex, high-value projects (£30M-£500M+).
• Full driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage notable projects from site appraisal to planning submission.
• Collaborate with external architectural studios and foster partnerships.
• Coordinate pre-application engagement with consultants and planning authorities.

Skills

Understanding of UK planning processes

Leadership potential

Creative approach

Education

Qualified Architect or Experienced Part II

Job description

Architectural Protagonist: Guiding Architects to Alternative Pathways

Architectural designer role within a leading, award‑winning developer’s client‑side design team.

Client‑Side In‑House Design Team | High‑End Development

Location: East / North London

Salary: £46k‑£55k+ (basic salary) + £5k‑£6k (uplift from studio).

We offer a workplace that combines strategic influence, design autonomy, and an inspiring culture, with first‑class amenities including an on‑site gym and personal trainer.

You’ll be joining a close‑knit, entrepreneurial team that shapes some of London’s most exciting developments – from inception through to planning – while remaining hands‑on with design.

As part of the in‑house design team, you’ll be involved from feasibility and concept through planning (RIBA 0‑3), helping steer projects and programmes as they evolve from feasibility to technical stages. Reporting directly to the Development Director, you’ll gain direct exposure to leadership, playing an influential role in key design and project decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage notable projects from site appraisal and feasibility through to concept design and planning submission.
• Collaborate with external architectural studios – representing the client, contributing design ideas, and fostering strong partnerships to achieve exceptional results.
• Coordinate pre‑application engagement with consultants and planning authorities.
• Oversee the production and coordination of design deliverables, ensuring high quality and design integrity.
• Manage planning applications, conditions, and internal reporting to support informed development decisions.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Qualified Architect or Experienced Part II, with 3‑7 years’ post‑Part II experience in a medium or large UK practice.
• Strong understanding of UK planning processes, building regulations, and the design‑to‑planning workflow.
• Proven experience on complex, high‑value projects (£30M‑£500M+), ideally including retrofit, listed building, and new‑build schemes.
• Demonstrable leadership potential and the ability to manage teams, consultants, and stakeholders effectively.
• Creative yet pragmatic approach – able to balance design excellence with commercial and technical considerations.
• Full driving licence required.

What Sets This Role Apart

• Exclusive Client‑Side Transition – a genuinely rare chance to move into a strategic design role within a leading, award‑winning developer.
• Career Progression – work alongside senior leadership with clear routes to advancement and alternative career pathways.
• Mentorship & Professional Growth – structured guidance and continuous development.
• Work/Life Balance – regular working hours and a strong culture that discourages overtime.
• Exceptional Rewards – substantial salary increase from practice to client‑side, private healthcare, discretionary bonus, on‑site gym with personal trainer, subsidised dining, and extensive soft benefits.

Take the Next Step

If you’re an ambitious architect ready to influence high‑profile developments and advance your career within a design‑led client organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now

Send your CV to Grõ Careers via the apply button. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to share a portfolio, and full details will be shared discreetly with selected candidates.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Design, Strategy/Planning, and Project Management
• Industries: Real Estate, Housing and Community Development, and Architecture and Planning