Associate Architect

Akton are recruiting on behalf of a client who is looking for an Associate Architect. You will be responsible for architectural design; co-ordination of Design Team & contract administration for assigned projects; key commercial activities; and Business Development.

You will specialise in the application of building science and technology on architectural, interiors and construction projects and be recognised as having specialist skills that enable you to manage the design process and to use your technical knowledge & expertise to provide innovative and aesthetically pleasing solutions.

As a Qualified and ARB Chartered Architect, you will be continually working to further enhance your knowledge in the application of design, building science and technology on architectural and construction projects.

Responsibilities

Managerial Input

• Ensure that projects meet all relevant technical and professional standards on a regular and consistent basis
• Manage the delivery of architectural and multi discipline work to meet and generally exceed clients' expectations in terms of brief, service innovation, overall quality of work, value for money and delivery to planned timescales
• Plan & manage architectural and multi discipline resources on projects and proactively identify & resolve resourcing issues
• Determine when Supply Chain sub-consultants will be required on projects
• Manage and obtain agreement to project briefs, commercial and legal contracts with third parties
• Participate in and hold regular and formal team management meetings
• Actively participate in architectural team meetings.
• Control and monitor work, to ensure quality of service and service innovation are achieved
• Control and monitor work, to ensure clients' briefs and delivery programmes are achieved

Project Delivery

• Play a leading role in the technical delivery of the work by the architectural team and delegate responsibility for delivery of technical elements to other members of the architectural team.
• Delivering your "own" architectural and / or multi discipline projects (up to GBP30 million in construction value).
• Lead multi discipline project delivery teams on larger projects (above GBP30 million in construction value)
• Lead other senior and project architects on medium sized architectural projects (GBP5 million to GBP10 million).
• Project inception
• Project planning
• Design process
• Contract Management
• Professional Practice
• Technical Competence

Commercial Activities

• Maximise value by managing architectural & multi discipline team delivery of projects to achieve or exceed gross margin targets and generate cash flow by accurate and timely project client invoicing
• Understand and manage fees relative to RIBA works stages, and understand Workbench procedures and reporting on individual schemes, including profit and loss
• Take instructions from & liaise with clients, ensuring that relevant Change Control Forms are generated as required
• Ensure Change Control procedures are agreed with clients before Variations are carried out
• Assist the Group Director of Architecture and Architectural Commercial Controller in updating Board Reports, Sales vs Business Plan, Resource Schedules, PCM Sheets and WIP monthly as required

Business Development Activities

You will be pro-active in the development of new business opportunities, working closely with the Architectural Team, Group Director of Architecture, Group Managing Director, other members of the Design Leadership Team, other Group Managers and the Business Development Team to prospect for new clients.

Experience

You will have:

• Obtained a first & second degree and RIBA Part III (or equivalent approved).
• An enthusiasm to develop your design and technical skills and a real interest in the Architectural profession.
• A minimum of 15 years of professional practice post ARB Certification.
• An excellent understanding and thorough business knowledge of the Architectural field.
• Excellent experience in CAD / REVIT / BIM, in a recognised Industry Standard Format, including 3D graphics and presentation relevant basic software (update training will be given as required).
• A minimum of BIM Level 2 experience (training will be given as required).
• An established skill of maintaining excellent client relationships, becoming competent in key client management as a tool towards developing future business.