Architectural Assistant (part 1)

Architectural Assistant (Part 1)

At Perkins&Will's London studio, we are seeking a talented Architectural Assistant (Part 1). As a Part 1 Architectural Assistant (RIBA-recognised undergraduate degree in architecture or international equivalent), you contribute directly to the creative process - bringing energy, curiosity, and care to every stage of a project. You play a valuable role in developing early ideas and supporting the detailed delivery of purposeful architecture.

You work closely with a collaborative team, building your technical foundation, developing your design voice, and learning how architecture contributes to lasting impact - rooted in our Living Design philosophy, which places people, place, and the planet at the centre of every decision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the development of concepts, sketches, diagrams and design narratives across all stages.
• Bring imagination and rigour to your work - helping to test ideas through physical models, digital studies, and visual presentations.
• Use physical making, modelling and prototyping as core tools for design development.
• Contribute to design reviews, pin-ups and collaborative working sessions, listening actively and asking questions that deepen the conversation.
• Use drawing and modelling tools to communicate clearly and creatively.

Project Delivery and Technical Coordination:

• Prepare architectural drawings and documentation under supervision.
• Research materials, systems and precedents to support design and technical decisions.
• Assist in coordination with consultants and collaborators to translate design intent into delivery.
• Prepare visual material, schedules, minutes, and reports to support project communication.
• Maintain awareness of how design decisions relate to project briefs, scopes, and contractual responsibilities.
• Review your own work for accuracy and completeness, and contribute to document standards and protocols.
• Build confidence through peer support, mentorship, and hands-on project work.

Business Development and Studio Representation:

• Contribute to competitions and proposals through drawings, models, and visuals.
• Build confidence in presenting ideas and engaging with client feedback.
• Support project teams in preparing materials that represent the studio's ethos.

Studio Culture and Team Contribution:

• Be an open, reliable member of the team - contributing positively to the day-to-day life of the studio.
• Take responsibility for your work, manage time effectively, and meet agreed deadlines.
• Ask relevant questions and show initiative in contributing to project and studio-wide activities.
• Participate actively in studio conversations, critiques, and collaborative forums that support creative exchange.
• Demonstrate initiative and curiosity in team settings.

• Architectural license (RIBA / ARB). Bachelors or Masters degree in Architecture.

Core Capabilities:

• Begins to contribute to BIM workflows and understands how design and data relate at a basic level.
• Demonstrates awareness of building regulations and life safety principles, with guidance.
• Carries out basic site analysis and contributes to interpreting place and context.
• Explores form, materiality and spatial experience through sketches, models, and conversation.
• Supports fieldwork and surveys with care and attention to detail.
• Engages with materials and construction systems to support design decisions.
• Assists in developing detailing and documentation under supervision.
• Communicates clearly through sketches, diagrams, and verbal contributions.

Tools and Technologies:

• Revit - used with guidance for basic modelling, drawings and documentation.
• Rhino - for design exploration and iterative development.
• Adobe Creative Suite - to support presentation layouts and visuals.
• Enscape and V-Ray - used to help visualise design intent.
• Microsoft Office - for organisation, documentation, and collaboration.
• 3D printing, laser cutting and physical model-making - used to explore and test ideas.
• Exposure to environmental tools (e.g. Ladybug) to begin building understanding of performance.

Growth and Development Goals:

• Builds fluency in Living Design as a foundational value in all aspects of project work.
• Begins recording PEDR experience and participates in studio learning activities, site visits, and peer reviews as part of early-stage professional development.
• Building a development path that reflects personal ambition and meaningful studio contribution.
• Contributing to the wider life of the studio - through design reviews, research, or collaborative initiatives.
• Learning through exposure, feedback, and peer-to-peer engagement.

What you'll find at Perkins&Will:

• A design-led studio that puts people and planet first
• A friendly, diverse and ambitious team
• A collaborative, supportive environment where good ideas grow
• Projects with purpose, depth, and complexity
• Mentorship, progression, and space to shape your own path
• A culture that values imagination, rigour, and making things real
• Opportunities to represent the studio externally and build trusted client relationships
• A belief that good ideas come from everywhere – and that diverse voices make better work
• A strong sense of community where everyone feels they belong
• Access to a wide variety of learning, training, and development opportunities, including financial support for study and membership fees.

Perkins&Will are an equal opportunity employer and supports talent from diverse backgrounds that bring experiences, viewpoints and solutions that best serve our clients, community and enrich our work environment.