Associate Architect

Conrad Consulting Ltd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned architectural practice in Leeds is seeking an experienced Associate Architect to lead project teams and ensure delivery of high-quality design solutions. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, significant project experience, and a commitment to professional development. Salary ranges from 50,000 to 55,000, with additional benefits including pension and annual bonus.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Strong design capability and commitment to high-quality solutions.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale projects (10m+) with Tier 1 contractors.
• Experience leading small teams of Architects/Technologists.

Responsibilities

• Deliver all projects in accordance with IMS processes.
• Act as the primary client contact, managing expectations.
• Lead and motivate project teams, fostering a collaborative environment.

Skills

Team Leadership

Customer Focus

Commercial Acumen

Results Orientation

Education

Registered member of the Architects Registration Board (ARB)

Chartered Member of the RIBA (preferably)

Minimum 5-10 years post-qualification experience

Tools

Revit

Presentation software

Job description

Associate Architect required to join a Leeds (LS19) based nationally recognised, future focussed Architectural Practice offering award-winning cross sector building design services.

With modern established studios in Leeds and Nottinghamshire, our partnered client has more than 45 years' experience creating many types of buildings across a diverse range of sectors.

They undertake projects throughout the UK, ranging from commercial refurbishments to multi-million-pound new-build projects and ground-breaking regeneration schemes. Their cross-sector experience includes the areas of Learning, Retail, Commercial, Living, Regeneration, Industrial, Sport & Leisure & Transportation.

The Associate Architect will lead project teams, drive design quality, monitor professional development within the team, and contribute to the continuous improvement of the practice.

Key Associate Architect Responsibilities

• Deliver all projects in accordance with IMS processes, ensuring client files, documentation, and project workflows are consistently maintained.
• Oversee the organisation and delivery of all design and working drawing packages, ensuring technical excellence and design quality.
• Manage design and technical teams to ensure the timely release of information and achievement of programme milestones.
• Carry out project work within agreed timeframes and budget targets.
• Maintain strong awareness of evolving architectural knowledge, sustainability practices, new technologies, and design quality standards.
• Undertake Continual Professional Development (CPD) to uphold professional competence.

Resource, Performance & Financial Management

• Manage project resources to ensure appropriate allocation of staff based on skills, experience, and charge-out rates.
• Support Associate Directors/Directors in monthly reporting against key performance indicators including revenue, profitability, cost, quality, and risk.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of personal and project team timesheets to support effective budget and programme management.

Client Relationship Management

• Act as the primary client contact, managing expectations and fostering strong working relationships.
• Seek regular client feedback and ensure a high level of satisfaction throughout each project.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and motivate project teams, fostering a collaborative environment that supports high performance.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and objective advice to junior staff through regular one-to-one meetings.
• Encourage knowledge sharing and cross-team collaboration to continually enhance business performance.

Key Skills & Competencies

Team Leadership

• Able to create, communicate, and deliver a clear vision to motivate and guide teams towards excellence.

Customer Focus

• Demonstrates a strong client-centric approach, ensuring needs are understood and met effectively within project constraints.

Commercial Acumen

• Shows a strong understanding of the market environment, identifying opportunities and risks to support business performance and fee income growth.

Results Orientation

• Evaluates challenges, identifies opportunities, sets clear goals, and drives outcomes with confidence, ambition, and resilience.

Personal Development

• Proactively pursues personal and professional development opportunities.

Education, Qualifications & Professional Development

• Registered member of the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
• Preferably a Chartered Member of the RIBA.
• Minimum 5-10 years post-qualification experience.
• Commitment to ongoing CPD in line with professional requirement

Experience

• Strong design capability and commitment to high-quality solutions aligned with the practice's sector expertise, Education experience highly sought.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale projects (10m+) with Tier 1 contractors across all RIBA stages.
• Experience leading small teams of Architects/Technologists.
• Education/DfE sector experience desirable, including leading the CEM process and knowledge of the DfE DEIR.
• Strong technical knowledge, particularly in sustainable architecture and modern environmental design techniques.
• Proficient in current IT, presentation tools, and excellent Revit, illustration, and presentation skills.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary depending on experience 50,000 - 55,000
• Contributory pension scheme
• Death-in-service benefit
• Annual staff bonus (c.5%, subject to company performance)
• Flexible working hours (by agreement)
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Additional 5 long-service days (subject to eligibility)
• Professional subscriptions paid (ARB, RIBA)
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Spacious, modern working environment
• Free on-site car parking

Interested? Please hit apply and follow the instructions, or for further information please contact James Jackson at Conrad Consulting.