Vacancy Title: Senior Architect (Higher Education)
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Manchester
Industry: Consultancies
Salary: Excellent salary package
Start Date: 2023-04-06
REF: J91987411
About the role
We have an opportunity for a talented Senior Architect to join a leading international design practice's award-winning education team in Manchester. The studio is currently delivering a number of exciting and transformative higher education projects across the UK and internationally, and we are seeking an experienced architect with a strong background in the education sector to take a senior role within the team.
The successful candidate will lead design development across a range of university and campus-based projects, work directly with clients and stakeholders, and contribute strategically to the continued growth of the higher education portfolio. This role offers the opportunity to shape innovative learning environments, support major estate strategies, and influence projects from concept through to delivery.
About the practice
Our client is a globally recognised multidisciplinary design practice with a strong reputation for delivering innovative, people‑centred architecture across education, workplace, healthcare, residential, and civic sectors.
With studios across the UK and internationally, the practice brings together architects, engineers, urbanists, and designers to create sustainable, inclusive, and future‑focused environments. Their collaborative approach places users and communities at the heart of every project, with a particular emphasis on design quality, social impact, and environmental responsibility.
The education team has an established track record in delivering award‑winning higher education projects, including campus masterplans, research facilities, student experience buildings, teaching environments, and mixed‑use academic developments.
About you
Reporting directly to the Education Sector Lead, you will work within a highly collaborative and creative environment, helping to develop and deliver ambitious higher education projects and strategic studies.
* Being a highly motivated Architect with substantial experience in the design and delivery of higher education projects.
* Experience working on universities, research facilities, student hubs, teaching buildings, or campus masterplans.
* A passion for the education sector and its ability to positively shape communities and society.
* Strong concept and design leadership skills, with a portfolio demonstrating innovative and high‑quality design solutions across all project stages.
* Experience leading stakeholder engagement, user consultation, and briefing workshops with university clients and multidisciplinary teams.
* Excellent visual, verbal, and written communication skills, particularly in presenting strategic studies and early-stage concepts.
* Confidence in leading projects and coordinating design teams through all RIBA work stages.
* Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, consultants, and internal teams.
* Experience mentoring and supporting junior team members within a collaborative studio environment.
* A strong understanding of current trends, funding challenges, sustainability drivers, and legislation within the UK higher education sector.
* Experience contributing to campus strategies, estate planning, and long-term institutional visions would be advantageous.
* Proficiency in BIM workflows and design software including Revit and Adobe Creative Suite.
* The ability to produce clear reports, presentations, diagrams, and design deliverables to a high standard.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet project deadlines.
What's on offer
In return, our client offers the opportunity to work on nationally and internationally recognised education projects within a highly respected design practice.
You will benefit from:
* A collaborative and supportive studio culture.
* Clear opportunities for professional development and career progression.
* Access to mentoring, structured CPD, and internal learning programmes.
* Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
* Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
* Private medical insurance, life assurance, and enhanced family leave policies.
* Employee wellbeing initiatives and social activities.
* Opportunities to work alongside leading designers and multidisciplinary specialists on high-profile projects.
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