Equans is looking for a Architectural Technician (Retrofit Designer) to join our team in London or Manchester. This is a full-time role. On offer is a competitive salary, company vehicle, and benefits package.
The Architectural Technician supports the technical development, detailing, and coordination of building envelope and architectural elements. Working under the guidance of the Architectural and Facades Lead, the Technician assists in preparing high-quality technical drawings, specifications, and BIM models, ensuring compliance with planning, sustainability, conservation, and regulatory requirements.
This role is instrumental in delivering sustainable retrofit strategies - particularly Warmer Homes projects - supporting innovation in material use and maintaining the design intent throughout project delivery.
What will you deliver?
Architectural and facade design
- Manage the design process and design development of the architectural elements of retrofit projects, aligning with heritage constraints and conservation guidelines, where applicable, and ensuring compliance with structural, thermal, fire and aesthetic requirements.
- Support the implementation of sustainable solutions, integrating low-carbon materials, passive design principles, and advanced retrofit systems.
- Develop technical detailing, ensuring durability, airtightness, and thermal performance using BIM and CAD platforms.
- Assist in developing specifications, schedules, and technical reports.
Design management and coordination
- Support design development across RIBA Stages 2–4, ensuring accurate and coordinated outputs.
- Provide ongoing technical support across RIBA Stages 5 to 7, ensuring design intent is upheld during construction and post-occupancy.
- Assist with technical reviews, clash detection exercises, and model validations.
- Update technical documents in line with client feedback, regulatory updates, and project developments.
- Develop and maintain 3D models and CAD documentation, ensuring alignment with multidisciplinary teams.
Retrofit expertise
- Assist in the preparation of retrofit strategies including external-, cavity- and internal wall insulation, roof insulation and room-in-roof systems, over-cladding, and high-performance glazing.
- Conduct condition assessments and material studies, ensuring sustainable preservation of existing building fabric.
- Engage with local authorities, and planning consultants (and heritage bodies where relevant) to secure necessary approvals.
- Aid in integrating circular economy principles and sustainable construction techniques.
Project delivery
- Work closely with the project delivery teams, contractors and suppliers to resolve architectural and envelope-related challenges during construction.
- Support technical site queries, RFIs, and minor design adjustments during construction phases.
- Attend site inspections and assist in the preparation of inspection reports.
- Support quality assurance processes, including on-site inspections, performance testing, and commissioning of architectural retrofit and façade systems.
What can we offer you?
On offer is a competitive salary, and benefit package, which includes;
- 24 days annual leave (+ public holidays)
- Life Cover equivalent to 1.5 times annual salary
- Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Holiday purchase scheme
- 2 corporate social responsibility days per year
- Broad range of learning opportunities, such as professional qualifications, collective/individual training, and personalized support programmes
- Attractive Employee Referral Rewards Scheme
- Access to our growing employee networks
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
Who are you?
Experience
- Exposure to architectural projects, particularly Warmer Homes (SHDF) projects requiring PAS 2035 Retrofit Designer duties.
- Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary design team.
- Experience with retrofit, refurbishment, and sustainability-led projects involving external-, cavity- and internal wall insulation, roof insulation and room-in-roof systems, over-cladding, and high-performance glazing.
- Knowledge of climate-responsive energy-efficient retrofit strategies.
Qualifications
- HNC/ HND or Degree in Architectural Technology, Architecture, or related field.
- CIAT membership (Associate or Technician level) desirable.
- Retrofit Coordinator/ Designer certification or willingness to achieve it is advantageous.
Who are we?
In the UK & Ireland, Equans is a provider of sustainable facilities management and regeneration, and cutting-edge energy and digital services. Our 15,000 employees combine these activities to deliver decarbonisation across the built environment and help businesses, communities, public sector organisations and government to accelerate the transition to a low carbon, resilient world.
Globally, Equans is a world leader in the energy and services sector with operations in 20 countries, 90,000 employees working on 5 continents and a turnover of 19.2 billion euros in 2024. Equans is a subsidiary of the Bouygues group.
Our ambition
At Equans, we are driven by our ambition to be recognised for our operational excellence and as the best place to work for our employees. This commitment extends to achieving global and sustainable performance through Impact, ensuring that everything we do aligns with our core values—Accountability, Respect, Team Spirit, and Service Focus.
We take ownership, act with integrity, and set high standards. We listen, support, and care for one another. We collaborate and build trust to achieve shared goals, always striving to meet our customers' needs in a proactive and pragmatic way. These values shape our culture, strengthen our community, and inspire us to deliver excellence every day.
What's next?
If this role is of interest to you, please click below to register, apply, and track your progress! A member of our Resourcing Team will review your application and be in touch.
As part our commitment to better reflect the markets within which we operate, we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010.
At Equans we’re committed to delivering a culture where everyone’s voice is heard and supported. We know the value a diverse workforce creates, delivering better results for our people, customers, and stakeholders. Diversity and inclusion is at the core of what we do, should you join Equans you’ll find a welcoming and open workplace where you’re supported and encouraged to be your true self at work.
You’ll also have access to our growing employee networks including AccessAbility (representing those with physical and mental disabilities), Encompass (representing the LGBTQ+ community), RISE (representing people from ethnic backgrounds), Veterans & Reservists, WOMEN Together (representing women in Equans), Working Parents, and Young Professionals.
For this role, you must have evidence of the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a re-location package with this job role. Certain roles may require applicants to undergo a Disclosure check, as noted in the role requirements.
The Equans Resourcing Team manage this requirement. Agency involvement is not required. All related enquiries should come to the resourcing team not direct to Equans Managers.
