ASSISTANT ARCHITECT JOB DESCRIPTION

The work is technical before it is creative. An Assistant Architect translates approved design concepts into coordinated drawing packages, managing the gap between schematic intent and construction-ready documentation across phases from Conceptual through Detailed Design. Zoning compliance and building code conformance are daily concerns, not periodic checkpoints. On larger projects, this seat carries direct responsibility for monitoring contractor execution on site against the issued drawings, a standard that Part 1 or Part 3 qualification alone does not fully prepare for.

As the Assistant Architect, you produce and coordinate technical drawing packages, manage plan approval submissions, and observe construction compliance, contributing directly to the on-time, on-budget delivery of building projects. You work within a structured design team under the direction of a Principal or Group-level Architect, with scope spanning client-facing documentation through contractor liaison on-site.

Career Impact: Supporting the delivery of complex, multi-phase building projects, including permit submissions such as Development Orders and Building Plans, builds the technical depth that accelerates progression toward full registration or licensure.

Business Impact: Drawing package accuracy and code conformance directly affect whether construction proceeds without costly revision cycles, protecting both project budgets and client relationships.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to the full design-to-site arc of building projects, from programming and layout coordination through construction observation, positions you to step into a Project Architect role with demonstrated site and documentation experience.

• Develop and coordinate technical drawing packages across Conceptual, Schematic, and Detailed Design phases.
• Liaise with the Principal Architect to align design concepts with client specifications and project parameters.
• Manage plan approval submissions to relevant authorities, including Development Order and Building Plan filings.
• Conduct periodic on-site observation during construction to verify work conforms to issued design documentation.
• Attend client and consultant progress meetings, recording instructions and escalating approvals as required.
• Assist the Project Manager in maintaining project budgets, schedules, and revision logs.
• Produce 3D renderings and presentation materials for client review and design development.
• Archive project documentation at closeout in accordance with established procedures.

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited program, or equivalent professional qualification (Part 1 or Diploma in Architecture with demonstrated competency).
• 2 or more years of professional experience in building design, with direct involvement in technical drawing production.
• Thorough working knowledge of zoning regulations and building codes applicable to the project types served.
• Demonstrated ability to produce coordinated drawing packages, including plans, sections, details, and specifications.
• Experience attending and contributing to client consultations, contractor meetings, and site observation visits.
• Strong organizational skills with proven ability to manage concurrent deliverables across multiple project phases.

• Part 3 qualification or active progress toward architectural registration or licensure.
• Experience with planning application submissions and regulatory authority coordination.
• LEED AP accreditation or equivalent sustainability credential.
• Prior involvement in projects with construction values of $5M or above.

• Drawing package issue rate on schedule, measured against the project programme milestones.
• Plan approval submission accuracy, tracked by the number of resubmissions required per project.
• On-site non-conformance rate, reflecting how well issued drawings are interpreted and executed by contractors.
• Budget variance contribution, measured by change orders attributable to documentation errors or omissions.
• Client revision round count per design phase, indicating clarity and completeness of deliverables at each milestone.
• Typical tools: CAD drafting (commonly AutoCAD or Revit); rendering and visualization (commonly SketchUp or Rhino); documentation suites (commonly Adobe CS).

• Base Salary Range: $55,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on experience and market
• Bonus: Project-based or annual discretionary bonus, typically 3% to 8%
• Equity: Generally not offered at this level in AEC firms
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution standard
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, plus public holidays
• Common Perks: Continuing education support, licensure exam reimbursement, professional membership dues

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Successful completion of a background check is a condition of employment for this position. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and in the course of employment upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Assistant Architect delivers complex, program-driven facility designs from concept through construction administration, applying knowledge of zoning codes, building materials, and Revit-based documentation. Reporting to the Group Manager, this role coordinates engineering disciplines into unified design packages for client review, directly supporting project quality and schedule outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Researches, programs, plans, and designs building projects by applying knowledge of architectural design, construction detailing, construction procedures, zoning and building codes, and building materials and systems.
• Plans and programs the layout of projects.
• Coordinates and integrates engineering elements into a unified design for client review and approval.
• Utilises computer-assisted design software and equipment to prepare project designs and plans.
• Directs, supervises, and checks the activities of workers engaged in preparing drawings and specification documents for the Conceptual Design, Schematic Design, and Detailed Design phases of a project.
• Assists in developing, maintaining, and revising project budgets and schedules.
• Conducts periodic on-site observation of work during construction to monitor compliance with the detailed design.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited programme required.
• Advanced certification LEED AP preferred.
• Minimum seven years of related experience in building design required.
• Thorough knowledge and application of zoning and building codes required.
• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, and the Microsoft Office suite.

Embedded within a client-facing architecture practice, the Assistant Architect owns full technical package delivery across residential and commercial projects, from day-to-day client liaison and drawing production through to project close-out archiving. Working closely with internal and external clients, this role sustains service quality and advances sustainability and health and safety objectives across the organization.

Core Functions

• Delivers specified services in their entirety to meet client requirements.
• Delivers time, cost, and quality objectives set for projects within agreed parameters.
• Undertakes day-to-day client liaison, takes instructions, keeps records, reports as necessary, and obtains approvals.
• Archives documentation at project close-out in accordance with agreed procedures.
• Establishes good working relationships with internal and external clients and provides a high-quality service that meets their needs.
• Takes ownership of and contributes to internal and external communications activity, both in the job role and as part of overall strategic objectives.
• Promotes and develops individual and company-wide activities that support and enhance sustainability and health and safety objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Post-Part 3 qualification required.
• Experience within the residential sector required.
• Experience within the commercial sector is an advantage.
• On-site experience and proven delivery of full technical packages required.
• Strong drawing skills and experience in the production of drawing packages.
• Experience in the preparation of detailed drawings and a sound technical understanding of construction.
• Knowledge of planning application packages preferred.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Rhino, and the Adobe suite.
• Knowledge of Revit is an advantage.
• Excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, and a proactive, positive disposition.
• Ability to work both within a team and independently.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to liaise at all levels.

Reporting to the Principal Architect, the Assistant Architect shapes project design concepts and 3D renderings while managing plan approval submissions, including Development Orders and Building Plans. Partnering with client consultants and contractors on site, this role ensures works are executed in accordance with contract requirements and that design intent is accurately translated into construction.

Primary Duties

• Liaises with the Principal Architect on planning and design concepts to be employed for each project undertaken.
• Attends client consultant meetings and site progress meetings with contractors.
• Liaises closely with consultant representatives on site and ensures contractors obtain adequate information and reference to execute works in accordance with the contract.
• Develops designs based on client specifications or guidelines.
• Produces 3D renderings for projects undertaken.
• Manages and monitors plan approval submissions, including Development Orders, Building Plans, and relevant authority submissions.

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum Diploma in Architecture or Part 1 qualification required.
• One to two years of working experience required.
• Proficient in working drawings, CAD, and 3D rendering software.
• Independent, self-motivated, and disciplined.
• Good communication skills and the ability to multi-task.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.