We're Hiring!
Part I / Part II Architectural Assistant
Michael Swords Studio is seeking a motivated Part I or Part II Architectural Assistant to join our growing three-person team and support a diverse portfolio of design, conservation and heritage projects. This is an opportunity to become closely involved in a small and growing architectural practice, contributing across a varied range of projects and work stages.
The successful candidate will work directly with the studio director and wider team, gaining practical experience in architectural design, surveys, technical drawing, planning applications, heritage documentation and project delivery.
The Role
The successful candidate will assist with:
- The preparation of architectural drawings.
- Design development for alterations, extensions, refurbishments and adaptations to existing buildings.
- Measured surveys, condition surveys and site inspections.
- The preparation of existing, proposed and technical drawing packages.
- Planning applications, listed building consent applications and faculty submissions.
- Heritage research and the preparation of heritage statements and conservation reports.
- Design and access statements, feasibility studies and pre-application submissions.
- The coordination of project information with clients, consultants and contractors.
- The preparation of presentation material, reports and client-facing documents.
- General project and studio support across a varied and developing workload.
The role will include a balance of design, technical and heritage-related work. Previous conservation or heritage experience is welcomed, but is not essential. More important is a genuine interest in working carefully with existing buildings and a willingness to develop specialist knowledge through practical experience and mentorship.
Role Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate strong architectural drawing skills, a thoughtful approach to design and a genuine interest in working within existing and historic contexts.
Essential
- Part I or Part II qualification in Architecture.
- Strong AutoCAD skills, or equivalent CAD experience.
- Good architectural design and graphical communication skills.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Organised, proactive and able to manage tasks independently.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a small practice environment.
- A genuine interest in architecture, conservation, heritage and existing buildings.
- Willingness to attend site visits and undertake measured surveys.
Desirable
- Previous experience within an architectural practice.
- Experience working on refurbishment, conservation or listed building projects.
- Familiarity with UK planning applications and architectural submissions.
- Experience assisting with measured surveys or building inspections.
- Knowledge of traditional construction and historic building materials.
- Interest in ecclesiastical architecture or church buildings.
- Experience using Revit, although this is not essential.
- Experience using Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp or other visualisation software.
Development and Mentorship
The position is intended to provide meaningful professional development for an early-career architectural assistant. The successful applicant will work closely with the studio director and team across a broad range of live projects. They will gain practical experience in architectural design, planning, technical documentation, conservation, heritage reporting and the adaptation of historic buildings.
The role offers scope to develop specialist expertise within a supportive studio environment while contributing directly to the continued growth of the practice.
Salary and Location
- Salary
- £28,000 to £36,000, depending on experience.
- Location
- Somerset House, London, with hybrid working combining studio, site and remote work.
- Start Date
- Late Summer 2026.
Benefits
In addition to salary, the role includes the following benefits:
- Employer pension contribution in accordance with statutory requirements.
- Flexible and remote-friendly working arrangements, subject to project and practice requirements.
- 25 days' annual leave, plus three days' studio closure over Christmas, providing 28 days in total.
- Five additional wellbeing days per year, separate from annual leave.
- Enhanced company sick pay in accordance with studio policy.
- Annual CPD allowance of up to £1,000 to support professional development.
- Annual book allowance of up to £250 for architectural and conservation-related publications.
- Payment of professional registration and membership fees, such as ARB and RIBA, following successful completion of probation.
- Company-provided laptop and digital survey equipment for use during employment.
- Provision of standard condition survey equipment, including a waterproof survey bag and inspection tools as required.
- Salary sacrifice cycle-to-work scheme available to employees.
- Paid membership of heritage and conservation organisations.
- Discretionary annual bonus, subject to individual performance and studio performance.
Applications
Applicants should submit:
- CV and portfolio in PDF format.
- A short cover letter outlining their interest in the role. Simple bullet points identifying key areas of interest are welcome.
- Portfolio examples demonstrating architectural design ability, CAD skills and, where applicable, an interest in historic buildings, conservation work or projects within existing contexts.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Applications should be sent to:
collaborations@swordsstudio.comPlease address applications to: Samantha Lopez, Studio Manager
Apply Now
Please email your CV, cover letter and portfolio as a single PDF to collaborations@swordsstudio.com, addressed to Samantha Lopez, Studio Manager.