Project Architect – London
ML Projects | Luxury Retail Architecture & Project Management
ML Projects is a London-based architectural project management practice specialising exclusively in high-end luxury retail fit-outs for prestigious brands across the UK and Europe. We manage the complete journey through to store opening, delivering exceptional retail spaces through expert coordination of design development, regulatory approvals, construction delivery, and seamless client handovers.
Founded on principles of professional integrity and teamwork, we take pride in bringing our clients' creative visions to life through exceptional project management and execution. Our inclusive culture fosters an environment where professionals can thrive and develop their skills as part of close-knit project teams working on flagship stores, shopping malls, boutiques, and innovative retail concepts.
The Role
Sitting within the MLProjects design team and reporting to the Design Lead, you will take full ownership of projects across all RIBA stages 3-6.
You will be expected to manage your own project portfolio with confidence, building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, contractors, and consultants, and taking real ownership of outcomes rather than waiting to be directed. At the same time, you'll be a collaborative and supportive member of the design team helping to develop more junior members and contributing to the wider culture and capability of the practice.
This role suits someone who is proactive, highly organised, commercially aware, and equally comfortable at concept stage and on a detailed construction drawing. If you thrive in a fast-moving, delivery-focused environment and want to work on prestigious projects where your contribution is visible and valued, we'd like to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Technical
* Lead design development across all RIBA stages, producing high-quality proposals that respond to the brief, the client's brand standards, the budget, and the constraints of the site
* Prepare and manage comprehensive technical documentation including construction drawing packages, specifications, and schedules of finishes to a consistently high standard
* Coordinate consultant information across architectural, MEP, structural, and fire disciplines — reviewing, integrating, and managing design information throughout the project lifecycle
* Maintain a clear awareness of all project constraints — including budget, programme, brand standards, and regulatory requirements — and use this to guide design development in a way that keeps clients informed and confident
Project Management & Communication
* Manage all project correspondence proactively and professionally, keeping clients, contractors, and consultants fully informed throughout the project lifecycle and ensuring nothing is missed
* Prepare and lead design meetings, consultant coordination meetings, and client meetings — structured, efficient, and always outcome-focused
* Contribute meaningfully to project programming and resource planning across your portfolio, managing your time and priorities to ensure consistent and reliable delivery across all live projects
On Site
* Attend site regularly and take ownership of site visits, leading conversations with contractors, subcontractors, and site teams with confidence and clarity
* Manage the Architectural Instruction process where issues or changes arise on site, ensuring all decisions are properly documented, communicated, and recorded
* Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of construction sequencing, trades, and tolerances as they apply to high-end retail fit-out environments
Construction Programmes
* Develop and propose phasing strategies for construction where required, offering considered recommendations that support efficient delivery and minimise disruption to the client's trading operations
Essential Requirements
* Strong design ability combined with a solid and well-developed technical foundation — you are equally comfortable developing a concept and producing a complex construction detail
* Proficient in Revit to a production standard — this is our primary design and documentation tool
* Sound and current knowledge of UK Building Regulations and statutory approval processes, including planning, landlord consents, Building Control, and fire and life safety
* Confident and experienced in client-facing and contractor-facing situations, both in meetings and on site
* Highly organised, with a proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and competing priorities without losing quality or consistency
Highly Desirable
* Previous experience in a retail, hospitality, or commercial fit-out practice, either in employment or on placement
* Experience managing or contributing to landlord approval processes in a retail context, including Licence to Alter submissions
* Familiarity with luxury brand standards and the specific constraints and expectations that come with delivering for premium retail clients
* Experience with BIM coordination and multi-discipline consultant drawing integration
* Knowledge of contract administration processes and the PM/Architect division of responsibilities
* Exposure to heritage or conservation contexts within retail or commercial fit-out
What We Offer
* A genuine opportunity to grow and develop within a specialist, fast-scaling business where your contribution is visible from day one
* Direct exposure to live projects with prestigious international brands across the UK and Europe
* Mentoring and support from experienced senior members of the design team and leadership
* A structured development pathway with clear progression opportunities as the practice continues to grow
* A collaborative, inclusive team culture with a flat management structure and open leadership
* Competitive salary commensurate with experience
* London-based office with regular project travel across the UK and Europe