Part 1 Architectural Assistants London 2023

Our London studio is looking for newly graduated, talented, and ambitious Part I architectural assistants to work with us on our high-profile projects across London, the UK and around the world. As a Part I architectural assistant you will work within interdisciplinary BDP project teams with architects, urbanists, engineers and designers to help deliver challenging projects, across a broad range of sectors, to the highest quality.

Our current projects range in scale, from temporary installations to inspiring public buildings, much of our work involves creative reuse of existing buildings and net zero carbon strategies to respond to the climate emergency. You will have the opportunity to work within teams, both small and large, to help shape the direction of all the projects you work on.

At BDP you will receive the support to help you learn and progress in your career, through relevant training, a dedicated mentor and support from across the studio. The London studio culture will encourage you to be an active participant in design with regular events and opportunities to engage with outreach opportunities with local schools.

About the role

You will be working closely with multi-disciplinary design teams helping in the creation of conceptual design proposals and in the production of presentation-style images, using a variety software media. Your responsibilities may include:

• Concept design production from briefing information to presentation images
• Physical model making and sketching to communicate design concepts and principles
• Creation of concept massing model options in a variety of software platforms
• Development of preferred concept option into presentation standard models
• Creation of Revit models from concept through to production of information stages
• Rendering of model images in specialist software (Primarily Revit/Enscape based)
• Development of masterplan and building plans and elevational and sectional drawings
• Post production work in Photoshop to Revit/Enscape generated CGI, elevation and section views
• Production of drawing packages, schedules, reports and other information required for design team coordination, planning applications and RIBA Stage reports

Knowledge, skills and personal qualities

To be considered you will:

• Have completed your RIBA part I or equivalent
• Have some experience of working within an architectural practice or be able to demonstrate similar, transferable skills from other work experience
• Have a well-presented portfolio of work consisting of projects completed during study and/or work placements
• Be skilled at drawing freehand and your portfolio will illustrate excellent design skills on a range of projects
• Have the confidence and ability to present and explain ideas
• Be able to communicate effectively with people at all levels and from all backgrounds both verbally and in writing
• Have good attention to detail and good problem-solving skills
• Be proficient in managing your workload to achieve tight deadlines
• Be creative and have a flair for design and a proactive approach
• Be reliable and punctual

Some experience of using all or some of the following software packages is desirable:

• Revit
• Adobe design suite (Photoshop is a must), InDesign + Illustrator are beneficial
• Rhino
• AutoCAD, SketchUp
• Microsoft Office

About us

BDP is a continuous collective of architects, engineers, designers and urbanists. We design at every scale from city masterplans, neighbourhoods, parks, streets and buildings to specialist, bespoke light and acoustic installations.

We are placemakers who work at every stage of the design process from visioning to briefing to design, delivery and operation. We respond to the demands of our dynamic and ever-changing planet with cross-discipline design thinking that spans all of life’s activities, protects the environment and enhances social value.

Harnessing our collective ethos, the spirit of BDP is about making places for people. Our structure and governance as a global network of federated city studios creates design hubs that are connected to the cities, regions and communities they serve.

As part of the Nippon Koei Group, we fuse our passion for architecture and engineering with user-centred design and large scale infrastructure projects to deliver world-class solutions for better, more prosperous places.

BDP offers

As well as an attractive remuneration package that includes a competitive salary, flexible pension allowance, private medical insurance, employee profit shares and voluntary health screening, we contribute towards professional subscriptions and provide a great working and social environment.

BDP will guide and support through your Year in Practice by contributing towards your RIBA PEDR and paid recall days in addition to holiday allowance and opportunities for personal development in a professional setting.

BDP also support for onward career development which is also available to candidates meeting the required criteria including apprenticeships and collaborative courses.

We have a Social Life committee which organises a wide range of social, sporting, and charitable activities and a communication committee for improvement and development ideas. Our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) network defines and drives forward cultural change.

To apply

Please click on the ‘Apply’ button below. You will then need to complete the online application form. Please attach a covering letter and current CV and small portfolio (up to 10MB) of work demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the position.

Due to the high volume of applications expected for these roles, we anticipate that our usual response time for processing applications may be delayed during this recruitment campaign. Please note that we may be unable to provide specific feedback for unsuccessful applications who have not been selected for interviews.

BDP is actively fostering an inclusive organisation where people can be themselves and everyone has a sense of belonging. We want our teams to be diverse at every level, reflecting the communities we design for. As designers, we will create spaces for all that promote equity, wellbeing, and participation within the built environment.

We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different skills, professional and life experiences, to join us and help us to achieve our aspirations. We also welcome applications from candidates who wish to work flexibly. BDP is an equal opportunities employer.