Director Designate - Architecture

BPG Architects + Surveyors; England; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architectural practice in Dorking seeks a proactive Architect to join as Director Designate. This senior role involves contributing to business strategy and project leadership, with a pathway to Directorship. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for sustainable design. Competitive salary and benefits, including 30 days holiday, are offered.

Benefits

25 + 5 days holiday

Free town centre parking

Performance-related bonuses

Qualifications

• Must have strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience managing complex projects from inception to completion is essential.
• In-depth knowledge of UK building regulations required.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to overall strategy and management of the practice.
• Guide practice development in line with values and sustainability commitments.
• Provide design and technical leadership on multiple projects.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Technical expertise in sustainable design

Communication skills

Team mentorship

Software knowledge (Revit, AutoCAD)

Education

ARB registration (RIBA Part 3)

At least 10 years’ post-qualification experience

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join a Practice where Purpose, Sustainable Design, and Relationships come first. BPG Architects + Surveyors are seeking a proactive and experienced Architect to join our leadership team as Director Designate. This is a unique opportunity to take on a senior leadership role with a clear pathway to full Directorship, helping to run and develop an established, employee-owned architectural and building surveying practice with over 30 years of experience delivering responsible and sustainable design.

Working closely with the current leadership team you will contribute to business strategy and development while leading key projects from concept to completion. This is a rare chance to shape the future of a practice that values collaboration, sustainability and long-term relationships.

About the Role

Working alongside the current leadership team, you will take an active hand in both the day-to-day management of the practice and its long-term strategy.

• Business Leadership: Contribute to overall strategy, growth, and management, with a clear pathway to becoming a company Director.
• Practice Development: Help guide the practice in line with employee ownership values and sustainability commitments.
• Project Leadership: Provide design and technical leadership on multiple projects, ensuring high standards of quality and efficiency.
• Client Management: Nurture and expand client relationships, while driving new business development and bid proposals.
• Team Mentorship: Lead, mentor, and inspire our talented team of architects and assistants, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence.
• Operational Oversight: Manage project resources, budgets, and schedules, and take responsibility for overall project profitability.

About You

We are looking for a motivated and commercially aware individual who brings:

• ARB registration (RIBA Part 3) with at least 10 years’ post-qualification experience.
• A strong track record of leading teams and managing complex projects from inception to completion.
• Business acumen: experience in business development, financial management and strategic planning.
• Technical expertise: in-depth knowledge of UK building regulations, contracts and sustainable design solutions.
• Communication skills: exceptional written, verbal and presentation abilities.
• Personal attributes: proactive, resilient, collaborative, passionate about sustainable design, client service and team development.
• Software knowledge: Revit (preferred) or AutoCAD, NBS Chorus and Microsoft Office suite.

About Us

BPG Architects + Surveyors is a multidisciplinary RIBA Chartered Practice based in the heart of Dorking. Our office is in a 16th-century building - a characterful, collaborative environment that reflects our belief in the value of working together in person.

As an Employee-Owned Business, our team shares responsibility for the practice’s success and direction. With expertise across residential, commercial, healthcare and education sectors, we are trusted for delivering technically robust and sustainable solutions, with a consistent focus on fire safety, low-carbon design and future-ready environments.

Why Join Us?

• A leadership role in an established employee-owned practice.
• A clear and committed path to achieving full Director status within a set timeframe.
• The opportunity to shape both the business and its future development.
• Work within a supportive, close-knit team culture.
• Be part of a practice that values integrity, professionalism and sustainable design.
• A competitive salary with performance-related bonuses linked to business growth.

Benefits

• 25 + 5 days holiday
• Free town centre parking
• Salary: not disclosed and subject to experience and profile

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and help shape the future of an employee-owned practice, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a concise covering letter, explaining why you would be the perfect fit for our team.

Note: We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.