Overview of the Role
A Project Architect – Defence & Commercial role is available with a design-led architecture practice based in Clerkenwell, London. This position is suited to an experienced Architect with strong technical design capability and proven experience delivering projects through technical design and construction stages.
The Project Architect – Defence & Commercial will join a specialist team delivering technically complex buildings within the defence and commercial sectors across the UK. Projects typically progress through multiple RIBA Stages, requiring close collaboration with consultants, contractors and client teams to ensure both design intent and buildability are maintained.
Working within a collaborative studio environment, the Project Architect – Defence & Commercial will take responsibility for coordinating project delivery, preparing technical drawing packages and supporting construction stage activities. The role offers involvement in projects where security, technical performance and coordinated delivery are critical to successful outcomes.
This opportunity would suit an Architect who enjoys technically challenging work, thrives in a collaborative delivery environment and is confident managing project information throughout the later RIBA Stages.
Practice & Project Information
The practice employs more than 120 architects, designers and creatives across three UK studios. Its multidisciplinary team works across sectors including commercial, defence, education, residential and healthcare.
Design quality and technical delivery are central to the studio’s approach. Architects and technologists collaborate from early concept design through to construction completion, ensuring that design ambition remains achievable and commercially viable.
Projects within the defence and commercial sectors often involve technically demanding requirements, secure environments and detailed coordination between consultants and contractors. This creates opportunities for architects to develop strong technical expertise while contributing to carefully considered design solutions.
The studio environment encourages knowledge sharing and collaboration between architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and urban design teams. Much of the practice’s workload is generated through long-standing client relationships, resulting in a high level of repeat business developed over more than two decades.
The Project Architect – Defence & Commercial will work closely with experienced architects and technologists in a team that values both design thinking and technical rigour throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the delivery of defence and commercial architecture projects through technical design and construction stages
* Coordinate project teams and consultant information across relevant RIBA Stages
* Produce detailed working drawing packages using Revit and BIM workflows
* Prepare NBS specifications and technical documentation
* Manage project coordination between consultants, contractors and internal design teams
* Ensure projects comply with UK Building Regulations and current legislative requirements
* Support construction stage activities including responding to technical queries and design coordination
* Maintain clear communication with client representatives and project stakeholders
* Contribute to design development while ensuring technical feasibility and buildability
Required Skills and Experience
* ARB registered Architect or CIAT qualified professional
* Minimum five years’ post‑qualification professional experience
* Demonstrable experience delivering projects through technical design and construction stages
* Strong technical design ability and experience producing detailed working drawing packages
* Proficiency in Revit and BIM‑based project workflows
* Experience coordinating consultant information across multiple disciplines
* Knowledge of UK Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act
* Understanding of CDM responsibilities and construction stage coordination
* Ability to manage project delivery while maintaining design quality
* Strong communication and collaboration skills within multidisciplinary project teams
Experience working within defence or commercial sectors would be advantageous but is not essential. Security clearance would be beneficial but is not required.
Benefits and Package
The role offers a salary of £45,000 – £52,000 depending on experience. Flexible working hours operate within a 7.5-hour working day, with hybrid working available up to two days per week following completion of the probation period.
Annual leave includes 23 days plus bank holidays, with the option to carry forward up to five unused days each year. Professional memberships such as RIBA or CIAT are covered by the practice.
Additional benefits include a discretionary annual bonus, pension contributions and structured CPD training to support professional development. The practice also provides employee wellbeing support including access to a virtual GP and mental health resources.
Further benefits include company social events, networking opportunities, life insurance cover of up to twice annual salary, a referral reward scheme and a loyalty bonus programme.
About Hunter Dunning
Hunter Dunning is a specialist property and built environment recruitment consultancy established in 2004, focused on quality and long‑term partnerships in the UK and Ireland property and construction market. We specialise in full lifecycle property recruitment, covering architecture, interior design, surveying, land and planning, fire safety and wider construction roles.
We offer informed and confidential discussions for both clients and candidates and welcome conversations about this opportunity and your wider career plans within the built environment. All applications are handled in strict confidence.
Apply
If you meet the criteria above, send us your CV and portfolio. We receive a large number of applications so if you do not hear back within 7 days consider your application unsuccessful this time. We will keep a copy of your details on file for future vacancies.
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Referral
Did you know we run a referral scheme? We pay a £1000 referral bonus if you introduce us to anyone who we then successfully place in a new job role. Just send us their information and we’ll do the rest. Terms: A candidate is deemed to have been successfully placed once they have started a new job as a result of an introduction made by Hunter Dunning and when they’ve successfully completed the probation period. See website for full terms & conditions.
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