Senior Associate/Project Director

Carrington West; London; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architectural studio in London seeks a Senior Associate / Project Director to lead diverse architectural projects. The role involves design leadership, team management, and client development. Ideal candidates will be ARB-registered architects with strong project management skills, offering a competitive salary of up to £70,000 and hybrid working conditions.

Benefits

Professional development

Collaborative studio culture

Opportunity for major project leadership

Qualifications

• ARB-registered Architect with strong design and technical credentials.
• Proven ability to manage teams and lead complex projects.
• Strong communication and client-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive design concepts across various projects.
• Lead projects from briefing to completion.
• Manage team structures and provide leadership.
• Oversee commercial activities and manage risks.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards.

Skills

Design Leadership

Team Management

Client communication

Commercial awareness

Education

ARB registration

Tools

Design software

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Senior Associate / Project Director

Location: London (Hybrid - 2 days/week in-office)

Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum + benefits

About the Practice: Join one of the UK's leading architectural studios based in central London, with a distinguished track record delivering bold, sustainable, and future-ready design solutions. With offices across the multiple nations, this global practice is renowned for shaping complex and high-profile projects across sectors including aviation, transport, healthcare, education, retail, and hospitality. From major international airports to award-winning educational campuses and rail hubs, this studio combines technical precision, aesthetic clarity, and environmental responsibility to bring ideas to life—whether on home ground or abroad.

The Opportunity

We\'re seeking a talented and driven Senior Associate / Project Director to lead architectural teams and project portfolios across all RIBA stages. This is a strategic design, leadership, and business development role, offering significant scope to shape large-scale, technically demanding, and visually striking schemes.

You\'ll work directly from the central London studio (just a short walk from the Thames), with flexible hybrid working—balancing team presence and individual autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Design Leadership - Develop and drive design concepts across a diverse range of typologies and scales.
• Project Delivery - Lead projects from early briefing to completion (RIBA 0-7), ensuring efficient, profitable, and high-quality delivery.
• Team Management - Define team structures and provide clear leadership, mentoring, and line management.
• Commercial Oversight - Prepare and manage fee proposals; identify and mitigate commercial risks.
• Quality Assurance - Oversee audits, ensure compliance with best practice, and uphold industry-leading standards.
• Client & Business Development - Build and maintain networks that bring repeat business and new opportunities to the studio.

What We're Looking For

• ARB-registered Architect with strong design and technical credentials
• Demonstrated success managing teams and leading complex, multi-sector projects
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills
• Sound knowledge of UK building regulations and construction methodology
• Proficiency with sector-relevant design and management software
• A proactive leader with the ability to foster long-term relationships and identify commercial opportunities

What\'s in It for You

• Competitive salary up to £70,000
• Hybrid working with 2+ days in the Blackfriars studio
• Opportunity to lead major international and UK-based projects
• Professional development and clear career progression
• Collaborative, innovative, and supportive studio culture
• Be part of a global team shaping sustainable, people-centred environments

Apply Now

Ready to make your mark? Submit your CV and portfolio, along with a brief cover letter, to (url removed)