Architect – 5+ years post Part 3 (Conservation Focus)
James Mackintosh Architects
Chipping Norton, Cotswolds
Full-time | 37.5 hours per week
Salary: Dependent on experience and in line with RIBA guidelines
James Mackintosh Architects is seeking an experienced ARB registered Architect to join our Chipping Norton studio.
We work exclusively with listed and historic buildings, supporting owners to sensitively repair, adapt and transform them for contemporary life. Our projects range from manor houses, old rectories and farmsteads across the Cotswolds to significant heritage assets requiring careful conservation, technical rigour and an exceptional attention to detail.
We do not have an in-house style. We listen carefully to our clients and develop imaginative, well-considered proposals that respond to the character of each building, balancing conservation principles with strong design judgement and thoughtful contemporary intervention where appropriate.
The role
This role is suited to an architect with at least 5 years’ post-Part 3 experience and significant experience working on listed buildings.
You will take responsibility for projects across all RIBA stages, from early feasibility and listed building consent through to technical delivery, contract administration and site inspection. You will be confident coordinating consultant teams, managing client relationships, and delivering high-quality drawing and information packages to a consistently high standard.
You will work closely with conservation officers, specialist contractors and craftspeople, ensuring that projects are delivered with care, clarity and a strong understanding of historic fabric.
Due to travel requirements, applicants must hold a full clean UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle (business mileage claimable through expenses).
Key responsibilities
* Lead and coordinate conservation projects across RIBA stages 0–6
* Develop design proposals and feasibility studies, responding to client aspirations and the character of each building
* Prepare and coordinate planning and listed building consent applications
* Produce and contribute to heritage statements and supporting documentation
* Deliver technical design and construction information to a high standard
* Attend site regularly, overseeing quality and resolving design and conservation challenges as they arise
* Support contract administration and contractor liaison throughout delivery
* Contribute to internal design reviews and the development of studio standards
* Support and mentor colleagues where appropriate
Essential skills & experience
* ARB registered Architect with 5+ years’ post-Part 3 experience
* Significant experience working on listed and historic buildings
* Strong technical ability and detailing skills, particularly in traditional construction and repair
* Experience coordinating projects across multiple stages, including site delivery
* A good working knowledge of heritage planning policy, significance and best practice
* Confident report writing and communication skills
* Ability to manage priorities, programmes and budgets across multiple projects
* Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite
* Full clean UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Desirable
* Conservation accreditation (AABC, RIBA CA or similar), or a clear ambition to achieve it
* Experience preparing heritage statements independently
* Experience undertaking condition surveys and quinquennial inspections
* Knowledge of NBS specification software
* Experience of sustainable retrofit and performance upgrades in historic contexts
* Interest in ecology, biodiversity and sensitive site-specific approaches
Support & development
We are committed to supporting long-term professional growth. Training and development opportunities within the role include:
* Support towards conservation accreditation (RIBA / AABC), including guidance in preparing applications
* Developing confidence in heritage planning policy, significance assessment and heritage documentation
* Training in condition surveys and quinquennial inspections
* Deepening technical knowledge of traditional construction materials, repair strategies and detailing
* Development of tender and construction information, including an understanding of procurement routes and advising clients
* Internal design reviews and structured CPD, alongside external CPD aligned with the RIBA curriculum
Benefits
* 25 days annual leave (including 3 mandatory days taken over Christmas), increasing with service
* Pension scheme (5% employee / 3% employer contribution)
* Payment of professional subscriptions
* Flexible working where possible (minimum 3 days in the studio)
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Private healthcare.
How to apply
To apply, please use the 'Apply Now' button attaching a covering letter explaining how your experience meets the role requirements, along with your CV and portfolio (PDF).
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