Austin Design Works is a practice of Chartered Architects and Landscape Architects, based in
Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. Our business has been established in the area for over 20 years.
We are looking for a talented Senior Architect to join our team ideally to start in November
at our practice based in the beautiful Cotswolds.

We provide a supportive environment in which to work, develop skills and experience and
historically have provided good opportunities for promotion within the business. We see the
progression of this role to Associate Director within a short timescale for the right candidate.
We are committed to addressing the Climate and Biodiversity Emergency and apply
sustainable principles to all our projects across the private residential and commercial sectors,
both locally and nationally.

Our workload is varied and, we think, exciting – deep retrofit, Passivhaus co-housing design,
sports facilities and open spaces as well as listed buildings and high-end houses.
The ideal candidate must be a Part III Architect with a minimum of five years’ experience in
practice and be able to demonstrate experience of leading projects in all stages including
construction contract administration. They will be self-motivated, enthusiastic and have the
ability to deliver bespoke architectural projects throughout all work stages.

Essential:

• A minimum of a RIBA Part III Architecture qualification
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in practice post-part III
• Working knowledge of Passivhaus and AECB Building Standard
• Knowledge and understanding of the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge
• Clear in depth understanding of all RIBA work stage 0-7
• Knowledge of traditional construction techniques and materials
• Knowledge of timber frame and natural, breathable construction
• Well organised, target focused and able to hit deadlines
• Knowledge of airtight building methods, including understanding of moisture
management and ventilation
• The ability to create fee proposals, working strictly within budgets
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills with the ability to be able
to quickly build rapport with our clients, consultants, contractors and planners
• Strong graphic skills, design and creativity, drawing both by hand and CAD
• Confident use of the MS Office suite, Vectorworks and Adobe graphics programmes
• In depth awareness and knowledge of UK building methods and standards with an
affinity for sustainable and ecological construction and an interest in craftsmanship
• Demonstrable sound knowledge of the UK construction industry and its planning and
legal framework
• An ability and willingness to provide expert guidance and mentoring to Part 1 and 2
assistant architects
• Genuine team player – willing to actively support colleagues in a small practice, to
sometimes take a lead role and to contribute to our practice culture

Desirable:

• Experience of working across multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience of working across multiple sectors, including residential
• Experience of working with BIM
• Expertise in Passivhaus design
• Experience and interest in conservation architecture and listed buildings
• Qualified or interested in qualifying as a conservation register architect
• Experience of delivering low energy in use and in construction
• Knowledge of modern methods of construction
• Knowledge of designing for net zero carbon
• Interest in regenerative design
• Knowledge of low energy retrofit, for traditional and modern buildings
• Experience of leading project teams including external collaborators
• Interest in process-led working practices
• 3D Vectorworks
• Confidence in contract management
• Experience of delegating and quality assuring work of junior team members