Hybrid Architect / Design Manager (Client-Side)
Location: Essex / Hertfordshire Borders - Easily Commutable from North London
Residential, Mixed-Use + Regeneration Property Portfolio
Grõ Careers is partnering with another design-led property development business with an impressive pipeline of residential, mixed-use and regeneration projects across London and the Home Counties.
This particular opportunity is for someone who would like to join a genuinely forward-thinking in-house design team. A team that sits at the centre of the property development process, shaping both the creative direction and planning strategy of genuinely interesting and exciting schemes from the very earliest stages.
While many developers outsource early-stage design, this growing organisation made the decision to bring it in-house, giving their architects significant creative influence, daily interaction with senior decision-makers, and ownership of design quality.
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.
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!
The Opportunity…
Working directly within the in-house design team, you will help shape the design vision and planning strategy for a diverse portfolio that spans…
* Refurbishment and heritage-led conversions, including notable listed buildings.
* Urban regeneration and infill sites
* Multi-storey developments
* Mixed-use schemes blending residential, retail and community uses
* Brownfield and greenfield projects
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.
Key Responsibilities…
You will work across all early design + planning activities, including:
* Contributing creatively and strategically across RIBA Stages 0 to 3
* Developing feasibility studies, massing options and concept layouts
* Interrogating and developing early proposals, ensuring alignment with project objectives, site constraints and internal design standards
* Taking a leading role in planning applications, preparing submissions, coordinating inputs and liaising with local authorities
* Producing planning-stage drawings where necessary, Design & Access material and coordinated submission packages
* Working collaboratively with internal teams including Land, Development, Technical and Construction
* Representing the business in meetings with councils, consultants and key stakeholders
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.
What Makes This Role Different…
Compared with larger developers or architecture studios…
* You gain direct access to senior leadership, including decision-makers who shape the development strategy
* You influence design quality, planning outcomes and site strategy, not just produce drawings
* You work in a highly collaborative environment with short reporting lines and real visibility
* You become part of a small, growing design team where your ideas have impact and your development is actively supported
This is the sweet spot for architects who want creative ownership + strategic responsibility without losing hands-on design.
Who They’re Open To…
Our client is very open minded and welcomes applications from:
* ARB / RIBA Architects (Part 3)
* Experienced RIBA Part 2 Architectural Assistants (with demonstrable planning application ownership)
* Senior Architects seeking a more strategic or hybrid role
* Candidates with design management or planning coordination experience
Requirements / What You’ll Bring…
* Strong early-stage design skills (RIBA 0 to 3)
* Experience preparing or leading planning applications (preferably on residential or mixed-use projects)
* Ability to work confidently with internal stakeholders and consultants
* Revit (BIM) proficiency desirable, though flexibility offered for strong early-stage designers
* A valid UK driving licence (required for site visits and planning meetings)
Working Environment…
* Full-time office-based role (no overtime required – when you leave the office at 17.30 you leave your work there).
* Highly collaborative, design-focused team
* Weekly CPD’s, training and paid lunches
* Exposure to complex, multi-phase projects and unique developments and heritage-led conversions
* Opportunities to influence development strategy from day one
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.
Does this sound like you…?
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.