Senior Design Architect

Morson Talent; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A globally recognized design firm is seeking a Laboratory Design Architect/Architectural Technologist to join their dynamic UK-based team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on high-profile lab design projects across the UK and internationally. Candidates should have at least 6 years of experience in laboratory design, strong technical skills in Revit and AutoCAD, and a thorough understanding of regulatory compliance ensuring spaces support scientific innovation. The job entails a hybrid working model with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of post-qualification experience, specializing in laboratory design.
• Strong portfolio in laboratory design for life sciences, biotech, or pharmaceutical sectors.
• Ability to lead client meetings and design workshops.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and planning of state-of-the-art laboratories.
• Develop layouts that respond to complex laboratory workflows.
• Produce high-quality architectural drawings compliant with UK regulations.

Skills

Laboratory design experience

Proficiency in Revit

Strong communication skills

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Project management

Education

RIBA Part III qualified or Chartered Architectural Technologist

Tools

AutoCAD

BIM Level 2 workflows

Job description

Job Title: Laboratory Design Architect/Architectural Technologist - Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical
Location: London Office or Manchester or Cardiff
Job Type: Full-Time

Contract role with the potential for a permanent position if prefered

Hybrid minimum 3 days per week in design studio

A globally recognised design and technology firm with deep expertise in architecture, engineering, and planning. Within our Science & Technology sector, we are leaders in designing advanced laboratory environments that drive innovation in healthcare, life sciences, and pharmaceutical research.
We are currently seeking a Laboratory Architect/Architectural Technologist with at least 6 years of relevant experience to join our dynamic UK-based team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-profile lab design projects across the UK and internationally, within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

Role Overview
As a Laboratory Design Architect, you will assist in the detailed design and planning of state-of-the-art laboratories for clients in the life sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. You will work across RIBA Stages 2-4 - from concept design through to detailed design, technical coordination, and delivery - ensuring that every space supports scientific innovation, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities
- Reporting to the Life Sciences Lead you will act as a key member of a team focussing on the architectural design and planning of laboratories for science and pharmaceutical clients, including CL2/CL3 containment labs, cleanrooms, GMP manufacturing facilities, and research environments.
- Develop layouts and technical solutions that respond to complex laboratory workflows, equipment integration, and regulatory requirements
- Collaborate with internal teams and external consultants (including M&E, structural, and lab planners) to deliver coordinated and high-quality design solutions.
- Engage directly with clients, scientists, and end users to understand operational needs and translate them into innovative and practical design strategies.
- Produce high-quality architectural drawings and specifications in compliance with UK Building Regulations and industry standards.
- Support project delivery from RIBA Stages 2-4 with a focus on delivery of design information.
- Contribute to knowledge sharing and mentoring within the team, especially around lab-specific design methodologies and best practices.

Requirements
- Either RIBA Part III qualified and ARB registered Architect or, alternatively, Chartered Architectural Technologist.
- Minimum 6 years of post-qualification experience, with at least 4 years specialising in laboratory or science & technology sector projects.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating experience with laboratory design for life sciences, biotech, or pharmaceutical sectors.
- Sound understanding of UK planning, building regulations, and laboratory-specific compliance (e.g., GMP, ACDP etc. where relevant).
- Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD familiarity with BIM Level 2 workflows.
- Strong organisational and communication skills able to lead client meetings and design workshops confidently.
- Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and managing complex stakeholder groups.

Desirable
- Experience with containment level 2/3 laboratories and GMP facilities.
- Knowledge of sustainability in laboratory design, including energy-efficient systems and low-carbon materials.
- Experience on major UK infrastructure, NHS, or science campus developments.