Project Architect - Retail

Gensler; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Your Role

Due to increased project wins in the UK and Europe, Gensler’s London Studio is seeking a Project Architect to join our growing team. The Project Architect is an integral part of the team who specialise in the Retail & Lifestyle sector. You will be experienced in handling the technical process, with excellent communication and team relationship skills, and the ability to understand and interpret client, designer and contractor’s needs and requirements. It will be your role to lead the team through the delivery of a variety of project types, sizes, across all phases.

As Project Architect/Design Manager at Gensler, your role will be characterised by the 5 essential components: Client Engagement, Contract Compliance, Business of Design, Process Definition and Team Integration. This includes but is not limited to serving as the main point of contact for the client through the project design and delivery phases; managing the internal and external processes; and building efficient project teams while mentoring junior staff to encourage the highest level of design and client satisfaction.

What You Will Do

As a Project Architect, you will tap into your boundless creativity to design unique professional environments, providing technical support for completion and execution of projects, working on all project stages.

• You will be capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously working with the team to design and deliver major projects for clients.
• Experience in the design and delivery of Retail & Hospitality architecture projects is essential.
• Develop and nurture positive relationships with existing client contacts, optimising all potential opportunities.
• Maintain an awareness of existing clients’ business objectives, plans, target audience and market trends, and ensure that appropriate opportunities are identified to generate further demand for Gensler services.
• Prepare and review proposals, contracts and consultant agreements.
• Manage project lifecycle; estimating, bidding, project kick-off, weekly coordination, punch list, turnover, opening, and project close-out.
• Support communication between project team, clients, vendors, contractors, consultants, and building and permitting officials.
• Provide technical guidance and innovative solutions to resolve complex technical and design challenges.
• Maintain project manual and specifications.
• Conduct and document site visits, process submittals, substitution requests, and RFI’s during construction.
• Focus on the smooth management of the project process, ensuring clarity of requirements, deliverables, timelines, and visibility against fees through the project life cycle.
• Manage multiple aspects of client, team and project coordination, including full documentation with structural, MEP, lighting, AV, landscape, civil and other consultants.
• Actively take ownership of problems and successful resolution planning in consultation with our Retail Leadership and Studio Leader.
• Support and contribute to new business development with both current and potential clients.
• Contribute positively to Project reports and staffing meetings with concise and accurate information to continually improve the studio’s delivery and financial objectives.
• Review internal project accounting documents and process draft project billing.
• Work with the Design Director and the marketing team to ensure that the project story is documented and that photography/videography is arranged, as needed.

Your Qualifications

• RIBA or ARB registered Architect; preferably with experience in the Lifestyle/Hospitality/Retail industry.
• Experience in project leadership, excellent client liaison and team management skills.
• Experience with the full project lifecycle, through to delivery.
• Knowledge and experience in all phases of interior design / architectural projects.
• Knowledge of UK building regulations, standards and building structures.
• Ability to develop collaborative relationships across the firm, with clients, and with other key constituents.
• Ability to understand how buildings are constructed and to create technical documents that succinctly describe the work to be done.
• Experience managing consultant teams and resolving technical and design issues.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication and relationship-management skills.
• High level of design competence with knowledge of building codes.
• Proficiency in Revit desirable.

This job description reflects the core activities of the role although there will be changes in the emphasis of duties as required from time to time.

Please apply for this Project Architect role and submit your CV and brief portfolio for review.

Candidates who do not meet the criteria or provide work samples will not be considered.

Life at Gensler

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical and dental insurance, season ticket loans, pension, profit sharing and twice annual bonus opportunities.

As part of the firm’s commitment to professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional qualifications and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programmes or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.