Associate Director of Architecture

A leading national consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate, Associate Director, or Director of Architecture to join its growing design team. This is a senior role within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment that integrates architecture with in-house planning, heritage, and urban design expertise.

Whether your strength lies in design, delivery, or development strategy, this position offers the platform to lead, inspire, and help shape the next chapter of a nationally respected practice.

About the Role
The architecture team delivers projects that are both commercially grounded and contextually sensitive, spanning residential-led regeneration, strategic urban extensions, infill and retrofit schemes, as well as bespoke heritage projects for private developers. Every commission is driven by a balance of creative vision and technical rigour, with a focus on delivering high-quality, viable outcomes for clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead architectural projects across all RIBA stages, tailored to expertise and regional focus.
• Act as a trusted client liaison, building and maintaining strong, lasting relationships.
• Oversee internal teams and coordinate external collaborators to ensure quality, consistency, and timely delivery.
• Support business development through nurturing client relationships, networking, preparing proposals, and facilitating new opportunities.
• Champion good design and actively contribute to the culture, ambition, and growth of the architecture team.
• Mentor junior colleagues and grow into a leadership role with increasing responsibility over time.

About You

• RIBA Part III qualified (or international equivalent); ARB registration preferred.
• 5+ years’ post-registration experience within a respected design consultancy.
• Proven capability across all RIBA stages, with both design leadership and technical delivery expertise.
• Strong project experience in residential, mixed-use, commercial, regeneration, or education sectors.
• High-level proficiency in Revit is essential; Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and visualisation tools beneficial.
• Significant experience in the Principal Designer role, with a sound understanding of health and safety legislation.
• Solid knowledge of UK building regulations and planning frameworks.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and presentation skills.
• Ambition to take ownership of projects and client relationships, with the support of a wider leadership team.

Benefits & Working Environment

The consultancy embraces agile working, offering flexibility in where and how people work. 

• Hybrid
• Enhanced pension
• Private healthcare
• Fantastic salary DOE
• Further benefits info can be provided