Part 3 architect

Critical Playground LLC; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

LXA London is seeking a Part 3 Architect to join our interiors-led team in London. You will bring architectural rigor to education and SEND refurbishment projects, applying strong Building Regulations knowledge across design and delivery.

You will collaborate with Interior Designers, Project Management and Cost Consultancy teams, contributing technical expertise while maintaining a practical, buildable approach. The role offers hybrid working within a close-knit multidisciplinary office.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years’ experience, post qualification.
• Experience in Education sector, ideally with SEND environments.
• Refurbishment, adaptation and existing-building project experience.
• Interest in Interiors-led design and collaboration with design teams.
• Strong knowledge of Building Regulations and compliance.
• Good understanding of fire and life safety requirements.
• Ability to review drawings and coordinate information.
• Experience with listed buildings consent and planning submissions.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and SketchUp.
• Excellent communication and collaborative approach.

Responsibilities

• Design collaboration with Interior Design team to develop concepts into coordinated, technically resolved designs.
• Provide architectural input throughout design, reviewing and developing drawings and technical information.
• Apply Building Regulations and compliance knowledge to ensure safe, compliant designs.
• Develop and coordinate technical design information and resolve challenges impacting program or cost.
• Review existing buildings and assess refurbishment opportunities and constraints.
• Support Education and SEND projects with appropriate technical considerations.
• Understand fire and life safety requirements as part of the design process.
• Coordinate information with clients, consultants, contractors and project team.
• Balance design intent with practicality and commercial considerations.
• Collaborate across Interior Design, Project Management and Cost Consultancy teams.

Skills

Architectural design

Education sector experience

Building Regulations knowledge

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Interiors experience

Team collaboration

Education

RIBA Part 3 qualification

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Job description

LXA is looking for an Part 3 architect to join its team in London.

About LXA

LXA was born from a desire to do things differently. We wanted to harness our passion for projects and create a multidisciplinary company that allowed us to do things our way. We offer no-nonsense, professional advice that our clients can rely on. We bring ideas to life, offering our clients a unique and extensive service. We can take care of everything from start to finish, or step in to support clients as and when they need us. Based on Bermondsey Street, near London Bridge Station, LXA London is a close-knit team of around 25 people working collaboratively across Interior Design, Project Management and Cost Consultancy.

Job overview

This is a role for an architect who is genuinely passionate about interiors and enjoys combining strong design thinking with technical expertise. You will bring an architectural perspective to our interiors-led projects, helping the team develop creative ideas into considered, compliant and buildable spaces. You will have a strong understanding of Building Regulations and statutory requirements and be confident applying this knowledge throughout the design and delivery process. Initially, there will be a particular focus on our growing Education and SEND portfolio, including refurbishment and adaptation projects within existing buildings.

We are an office-based company decision however we do offer a level of flexibility regarding hybrid working practices. As part of a small multidisciplinary team, you will work closely with our Interior Designers as well as our Project Management and Cost Consultancy teams, contributing your architectural expertise while remaining actively involved in the wider design process. You will be joining a dynamic, ambitious and friendly team who will support you in achieving your goals. We particularly welcome people with personality and a sense of humour.

Key responsibilities:

• design collaboration: work closely with the Interior Design team to develop creative concepts into coordinated technically resolved and deliverable designs
• architectural and technical expertise: provide architectural input throughout the design process, reviewing and developing drawings and technical information to support successful project delivery
• Building Regulations and compliance: apply a strong working knowledge of Building Regulations, statutory requirements and relevant standards to ensure designs are safe, compliant and appropriate for their intended use
• technical design and delivery: develop and coordinate technical design information, identifying potential challenges and helping to resolve them before they impact programme, cost or delivery
• existing buildings and refurbishment: review existing buildings and understand the opportunities and constraints associated with refurbishment, adaptation and change of use
• Education and SEND: support the delivery of Education projects, including SEND environments, with an understanding of the specific technical, accessibility, safety and operational considerations these spaces require
• fire and life safety: understand relevant fire safety requirements as part of the wider design and technical development process
• project coordination: coordinate architectural and technical information with clients, consultants, contractors and the wider project team
• design quality: help ensure that technical requirements support rather than compromise the overall design intent, balancing creativity, compliance, practicality and commercial considerations
• multidisciplinary working: collaborate across LXA London’s Interior Design, Project Management and Cost Consultancy teams, sharing knowledge and contributing to a joined-up approach to project delivery

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• minimum three years’ experience, post qualification
• previous experience working within the Education sector, ideally including SEND environments
• experience working on refurbishment, adaptation and existing-building projects
• a genuine interest in Interior Design and a desire to work closely with an interiors-led design team
• strong knowledge and practical understanding of Building Regulations, statutory requirements and compliance
• good understanding of fire and life safety requirements
• confident in producing, reviewing and coordinating architectural and technical information
• able to review drawings, identify potential technical issues and work collaboratively to develop practical solutions
• good knowledge of listed building consent and full planning submissions
• strong programme and software understanding, AutoCAD and SketchUp
• strong design awareness with an appreciation for materials, detailing and the relationship between architecture and interiors
• excellent verbal, written and visual communication skills, with the confidence to communicate effectively with clients, consultants, contractors and colleagues
• a collaborative and pragmatic approach, with the ability to balance design ambition with technical, commercial and programme requirements
• comfortable working across different sectors and project types as opportunities arise
• able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail

Additional requirements

As a Part 3 Architect, you will also be expected to contribute to the wider development of the team and LXA London.

You will:

• build and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants and members of the wider project team
• work collaboratively with the Interior Design team, sharing technical knowledge and supporting the development of design solutions
• support and mentor more junior members of the team where appropriate
• contribute the continual development and improvement of LXA London’s design processes, technical knowledge and ways of working
• participate in regular CPD to maintain and develop your professional and technical knowledge
• support the Directors and wider team in promoting LXA London and developing client relationships where appropriate
• have a good understanding of LXA’s services and be able to represent the business confidently and professionally
• be flexible and willing to contribute across different projects and sectors as the needs of the business evolve

Above all, we’re looking for someone who enjoys working collaboratively. Someone who can bring architectural rigour and technical knowledge to the team while sharing our enthusiasm for thoughtful, well-designed interiors.