Associate Director - Architect

ZipRecruiter; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has emerged for an accomplished Associate Director to join a long-established architectural practice in Glasgow. This role is ideal for an ARB chartered architect who combines design capability with technical fluency and proven team leadership. The successful candidate will manage a growing portfolio of projects while mentoring junior staff and contributing to strategic business development. The practice values integrity, humility, and professional pride, offering a clear pathway for progression in a supportive environment. This is a rare chance to step into a senior leadership position within a respected firm, balancing creativity with delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing public and private sector projects.
• Strong background in mentoring junior staff and contributing to business development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple projects while maintaining high standards.
• Contribute to design reviews, proposals, and client presentations.

Skills

Design Capability

Technical Fluency

Team Leadership

Commercial Awareness

Education

ARB Chartered Architect

Job description

Job Description

An exciting opportunity has emerged for an accomplished and driven Associate Director to join a long-established architectural practice in their Glasgow office. With a legacy rooted in delivering thoughtful, pragmatic, and context-sensitive design, the team is looking to strengthen its leadership in the West of Scotland and continue its trajectory of consistent, high-quality service across a broad spectrum of sectors.

This role is ideal for an ARB chartered architect who combines design capability with technical fluency and proven team leadership. The successful candidate will be expected to play a key part in managing a growing portfolio of public and private sector projects, while mentoring junior staff and contributing to strategic business development. The role offers genuine influence within a practice that values long-term relationships, considered architecture, and a collaborative ethos.

The studio operates with a flat structure, encouraging open communication and active involvement across all stages of a project. The Glasgow office works closely with colleagues across the wider practice network, fostering a shared approach to design development and client engagement. The team’s experience spans education, healthcare, civic, commercial, and residential work, and they have built a reputation for reliability, rigour, and care in both new-build and conservation contexts.

The Associate Director will be expected to contribute meaningfully to design reviews, proposals, client presentations, and project delivery. This includes responsibility for overseeing multiple projects simultaneously, often at different stages, and ensuring that the same high standards are maintained across concept, technical design, and site stages. Equally important will be a commercial awareness and ability to lead project teams efficiently and effectively, balancing creative vision with technical detail and programme requirements.

Cultural fit is important. This is a practice that places great value on integrity, humility, and professional pride. While a confident communicator and an experienced leader is required, success in this role will depend on the ability to work collaboratively, nurture internal talent, and foster strong external partnerships. The right candidate will see this not only as a job but as a chance to contribute to the future direction of the office and the wider practice.

In return, the role offers a clear and credible pathway to further progression within a supportive and well-managed practice environment. There is a strong belief in nurturing long-term careers, with a focus on meaningful projects and well-rounded professional development. The Glasgow office offers a friendly, focused atmosphere where senior leadership is hands-on and mentorship is taken seriously.

This is a rare opportunity for someone looking to step into a senior leadership position within a respected and stable architectural practice. It would suit a talented individual who enjoys balancing creativity with delivery and who thrives in a team that values professionalism, care, and steady ambition.

For more information get in touch with Sarah Hobson at Peace Recruitment.