Project Architect - Leisure

Russell Taylor Group; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Russell Taylor Group, a Manchester-based architectural practice, is seeking an experienced Project Architect to join its Leisure sector.

You will lead delivery of leisure and community projects across the UK, work with clients and consultants, and take ownership through RIBA stages. ARB-registered, with strong Revit/AutoCAD skills, you will mentor others and help develop the leisure portfolio.

Qualifications

• ARB-registered Architect with strong post-qualification experience.
• Proven ability to deliver projects through multiple RIBA stages.
• Experience in leisure, sports or community project delivery is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural delivery of leisure and community projects from concept through to completion.
• Develop innovative and practical design solutions that are commercially viable.
• Produce and coordinate high-quality architectural information.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external consultants.
• Liaise with clients, contractors and other project stakeholders.
• Take responsibility for projects through relevant RIBA work stages.
• Mentor less experienced team members and contribute to portfolio growth.

Skills

Leadership

Client-facing

UK Building Regulations knowledge

Education

ARB-registered Architect

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

Vacancy Title: Project Architect - Leisure Contract Type: Permanent Location: England Industry: Consultancies Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 (dependent upon experience) Start Date: 2026-09-21 REF: J91988566 Project Architect Leisure Sector Greater Manchester

Are you an experienced Project Architect looking for the opportunity to work on exciting, design-led leisure and community projects?

We are currently working with an established and highly regarded architectural practice based in south Manchester, which is looking to strengthen its team with an experienced Project Architect to join its growing Leisure sector.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious architect to become part of a collaborative design team delivering high-quality leisure, health, wellbeing and community-focused projects across the UK.

The Opportunity

You will play a key role in the delivery of a varied portfolio of leisure projects, working alongside experienced architects, technologists and other built-environment professionals.

The practice has an impressive track record within the sector, having delivered projects including leisure centres, swimming facilities, fitness and wellbeing centres, sports facilities and community hubs. Its work is focused on creating buildings that have a genuine positive impact on the communities that use them.

You will be given the opportunity to take ownership of projects, contribute to design development and work closely with clients, consultants and contractors throughout the project lifecycle.

What You'll Be Doing

As Project Architect, your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the architectural delivery of leisure and community projects from concept through to completion.
• Developing innovative, practical and commercially viable design solutions.
• Producing and coordinating high-quality architectural information.
• Working collaboratively with internal design teams and external consultants.
• Liaising directly with clients, contractors and other project stakeholders.
• Taking responsibility for projects through relevant RIBA work stages.
• Supporting the development and coordination of technical design information.
• Helping to ensure projects are delivered to programme, budget and the required quality standards.
• Mentoring and supporting less experienced members of the architectural team.
• Contributing to the continued development of the practice's leisure-sector portfolio.

About You

We are looking for an experienced ARB-registered Architect / Project Architect who can demonstrate:

• Strong post-qualification experience within an architectural practice.
• Proven experience delivering projects through multiple RIBA stages.
• Experience working on leisure, sports, community, health, education or other complex public-sector projects would be highly advantageous.
• Strong design and technical knowledge.
• Excellent understanding of the architectural delivery process.
• Good knowledge of UK Building Regulations and relevant standards.
• Experience coordinating consultants and project teams.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills.
• Confidence taking responsibility for projects and making informed design decisions.
• Good working knowledge of Revit and/or AutoCAD.
• A proactive, collaborative and commercially aware approach.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys working as part of a team and wants to play an active role in delivering architecture that has a genuine social and community impact.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This isn't simply an opportunity to join another architectural practice.

You’ll be joining a people-focused, design‑led organisation with a strong reputation across the living, education, leisure, commercial and healthcare sectors. The practice promotes an open, responsive and inventive approach to projects and places significant emphasis on supporting its people.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Work on high-profile leisure and community projects.
• Take genuine ownership of projects and develop your career.
• Work alongside experienced architects and technical specialists.
• Join a collaborative and supportive studio environment.
• Develop your client-facing and project leadership skills.
• Contribute to projects that make a tangible difference to local communities.
• Benefit from a strong package of employee benefits and wellbeing initiatives.

The practice holds Investors in People Gold status and is a member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, reflecting its commitment to its people and workplace culture.

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