Hybrid Architect / Design Manager (Client-Side)

Description

Working directly within the in-house design team, you will help shape the design vision and planning strategy for a diverse portfolio that spans…

• Representing the business in meetings with councils, consultants and key stakeholders
• Interrogating and developing early proposals, ensuring alignment with project objectives, site constraints and internal design standards
• You influence design quality, planning outcomes and site strategy, not just produce drawings
• Working collaboratively with internal teams including Land, Development, Technical and Construction
• Taking a leading role in planning applications, preparing submissions, coordinating inputs and liaising with local authorities
• Developing feasibility studies, massing options and concept layouts
• Producing planning-stage drawings where necessary, Design & Access material and coordinated submission packages

Requirements

Compared with larger developers or architecture studios…

Every project is bespoke, with no standardised house types and no “copy and paste” design solutions. You play an active, visible role in shaping design direction from day one.

If you’re an architect who thrives in early-stage design and wants a role where you can actively shape the direction of notable, design-led schemes, rather than simply respond to a brief, this is an exceptional next step.

Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint an Architect, Senior Architect or Architect / Design Manager hybrid who can take the lead on front-end design, planning applications, concept strategy and early-stage development work.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys shaping a project from the start and wants more influence than is typically possible in a traditional environment.

Location: Essex / Hertfordshire Borders - Easily Commutable from North London

• Candidates with design management or planning coordination experience
• Experienced RIBA Part 2 Architectural Assistants (with demonstrable planning application ownership)
• A valid UK driving licence (required for site visits and planning meetings)
• You work in a highly collaborative environment with short reporting lines and real visibility
• Ability to work confidently with internal stakeholders and consultants
• Contributing creatively and strategically across RIBA Stages 0 to 3
• Strong early-stage design skills (RIBA 0 to 3)
• Revit (BIM) proficiency desirable, though flexibility offered for strong early-stage designers
• Experience preparing or leading planning applications (preferably on residential or mixed-use projects)
• Exposure to complex, multi-phase projects and unique developments and heritage-led conversions

Benefits

Please note; this is a full-time, office-based role… with a genuinely healthy work/life balance. The team finishes at 17:30 and work does NOT follow you home. No overtime. No pressure past your contracted hours despite the very competitive salary on offer!

Salary & Benefits: Our client offers highly competitive packages, and previous candidates placed into the business have typically secured 10–20% salary increases, reflecting their commitment to securing strong design talent.

Residential, Mixed-Use + Regeneration Property Portfolio

• You gain direct access to senior leadership, including decision-makers who shape the development strategy
• Mixed-use schemes blending residential, retail and community uses
• Refurbishment and heritage-led conversions, including notable listed buildings.
• Full-time office-based role (no overtime required – when you leave the office at 17.30 you leave your work there).
• You become part of a small, growing design team where your ideas have impact and your development is actively supported
• Opportunities to influence development strategy from day one
• Multi-storey developments
• Weekly CPD’s, training and paid lunches

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance