Principal Architect

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A nationally respected design consultancy is seeking a confident and experienced Principal Architect to play a key role in its growing architecture team in Bristol. This senior role is ideal for someone ready to lead, inspire, and help shape the next chapter of an ambitious, design-led organization. The ideal candidate will have RIBA Part III qualification and a strong portfolio across various project types, including residential and commercial.

Benefits

Hybrid working culture

Supportive multidisciplinary environment

Clear career progression

Wide range of employee benefits

Qualifications

• Significant post-registration experience in a design consultancy.
• Strong portfolio across RIBA stages.
• Knowledge of UK planning systems and building regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural projects from concept to delivery.
• Oversee internal teams and ensure design quality.
• Mentor junior colleagues and contribute to team growth.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Design Leadership

Technical Skills

Education

RIBA Part III qualification

Tools

Revit

Job description

Principal Architect

Location: Bristol

Salary: £45-60,000

Reference: SFBRS259

A nationally respected design consultancy is seeking a confident and experienced Principal Architect to play a key role in its growing architecture team in Bristol. Sitting at the intersection of planning, heritage and urban design, this multidisciplinary practice offers a unique platform for strategic design leadership. This is a senior role ideal for someone ready to lead, inspire, and help shape the next chapter of an ambitious, design-led organisation.

Benefits:

• A hybrid and agile working culture – valuing outcomes over location
• A supportive, multidisciplinary environment where architecture, planning and design intersect
• Clear career progression into senior leadership, with the autonomy to grow your own client base and project focus
• A wide range of employee benefits and wellbeing support

Responsibilities:

• Lead architectural projects from concept through to delivery, tailored to your strengths and regional focus
• Act as a primary contact for clients and stakeholders, nurturing strong relationships across projects
• Oversee internal design teams and external consultants to ensure quality and consistency across all RIBA stages
• Support business development through networking, proposal preparation, and pipeline engagement
• Champion design quality while helping shape a positive, collaborative team culture
• Take on a visible leadership role, mentoring junior colleagues and contributing to long-term team growth

Requirements:

• A natural collaborator and communicator, with a desire to take on strategic responsibility
• RIBA Part III qualified, with ARB registration
• Significant post-registration experience, ideally within a respected design consultancy
• A strong portfolio demonstrating experience across all RIBA stages, from early concept to delivery
• Sector experience in residential, mixed-use, regeneration or commercial work
• Excellent knowledge of UK planning systems and building regulations
• Strong design, technical and project leadership skills
• Proficiency in Revit is essential
• Experience acting as Principal Designer, with sound understanding of H&S legislation

To apply, please call Sophie on 01792 963134 or alternatively, send your CV and Portfolio across to [e-mail]. I look forward to hearing from you soon.