Architect

Wendover Studio is hiring an experienced Architect to lead the design and delivery of architectural projects across the full RIBA spectrum, based out of our London office. This role will be dedicated to leading projects from concept through to completion — whether running full architectural services across RIBA Stages 1–6, or leading early-stage design as Design Architect through Stages 1–3 with ongoing design guardianship through later stages. The right candidate will bring a strong design sensibility from a design-focused practice background, a confident grasp of both architectural and interiors work, and experience across high-end private residential and commercial projects. This role offers the opportunity to shape projects end-to-end and to help define the design language of a growing, design-led studio.

Requirements

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience (3-5+ years PQE), with a strong track record leading architectural projects from concept through to completion
• ARB-registered, with strong working knowledge of the ARB and RIBA Codes of Conduct
• Background in design-focused architectural practices, with a refined design sensibility and strong attention to detail
• A mix of architectural and interiors experience, comfortable moving fluidly between the two disciplines
• Experience across both high-end residential projects for private clients and commercial projects (residential or office) for professional clients
• ArchiCAD essential — candidates must be highly proficient and able to work confidently within an ArchiCAD-based studio workflow
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead projects end-to-end across concurrent workstreams
• Strong drawing and technical detailing skills, with sound working knowledge of UK Building Regulations and applicable Approved Documents
• Proven experience coordinating multi-disciplinary consultant teams and managing contractor relationships through tender and construction
• Experienced in and capable of sophisticated client presentations and client management
• Ability to attend site visits and client meetings throughout London
• Passionate about architecture, design, and detail
• Highly organized, with excellent time management skills and the ability to triage work
• Pro-active problem-solver
• Polite, friendly, and diplomatic, with client management skills

Responsibilities

• Act as project lead on assigned projects, providing architectural services in accordance with the agreed scope of appointment, which may include full architectural services across RIBA Stages 1–6, or early-stage design services across RIBA Stages 1–3 followed by design guardianship through later stages
• Lead the development of architectural design during RIBA Stages 1–3, including concept design, spatial strategy, massing, materiality, and key architectural principles
• Where appointed for full services, lead the development of the design through RIBA Stages 4–6, ensuring design intent is carried through to technical design and construction
• Where the practice’s appointment is limited beyond Stage 3, provide design guardianship, artistic supervision, or architectural oversight during later stages, including reviewing third-party or contractor-prepared information for consistency with the agreed design intent, commenting on material selections and key details, and advising the client and project team on matters affecting architectural integrity
• Maintain and communicate clear statements of architectural intent to guide subsequent stages of work by others
• Lead interiors-related design decisions where projects call for integrated architectural and interiors thinking, ensuring a cohesive design language across both disciplines
• Ensure architectural information complies with relevant UK statutory and regulatory requirements, including the Building Regulations and applicable Approved Documents
• Coordinate architectural interfaces with consultants and specialists as required by the scope of appointment, leading consultant inputs across all stages where appointed
• Where appointed for full services, act as the primary architectural interface with contractors during tender and construction
• Where acting in a design guardianship role, attend design workshops, reviews, and site meetings as required to advise on architectural intent
• Act as a principal architectural contact for the client on assigned projects, presenting design proposals and strategies clearly and professionally to clients, authorities, and project teams
• Advise the client on design-related implications of programme, cost, and procurement decisions
• Support the preparation and administration of architectural scopes of service, fee proposals, and variations as required
• Lead and manage internal project teams, ensuring clarity of responsibilities and quality of architectural output across all stages of work
• Provide mentoring and professional guidance to junior staff in line with the practice’s standards and values
• Maintain registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and comply at all times with the ARB and RIBA Codes of Conduct
• Contribute to the development of office standards, design guidance, and quality assurance processes, particularly relating to ArchiCAD workflows
• Support broader practice initiatives, including research, sustainability, and business development, as reasonably required