As a Junior CAD Technician, you’ll help shape the future of urban development by supporting the creation of accurate 3D models, drawings, and environmental simulations.
Working as part of a collaborative team, you’ll contribute to a range of development projects from early design stages through to planning. With full training and support from senior colleagues, you’ll build core technical skills, gain exposure to industry tools and workflows, and develop your understanding of daylight, sunlight, and rights of light.
This is a fantastic opportunity to launch your career in the built environment with a company that values learning, curiosity, and collaboration.
Who we are
At GIA, we’re an independent firm of chartered surveyors and technical specialists, known for pioneering rights of light, neighbourly matters, and designing for daylight in increasingly dense cities. For over 30 years, we’ve delivered creative solutions on some of the most prestigious developments in the UK and worldwide.
Specialising in rights of light, neighbourly matters, daylight and sunlight, wind microclimate, measured surveys, and building consultancy, we are at the forefront of designing sustainable and vibrant cities. Beyond our technical expertise, we are a team driven by a shared set of values that define who we are and how we work:
- Look out for each other: We believe a smile or an encouraging word can make all the difference. Here, you’ll be part of a team that supports each other through thick and thin.
- Keep perspective: We know work can be busy, but we also know when to take a step back. At GIA, you’ll be part of a culture that values balance and perspective.
- Engage constructively: When challenges arise, we tackle them with a solution-oriented mindset. You’ll work with people who focus on outcomes that benefit everyone involved.
- Leave it with me: We embrace every task fully, owning our responsibilities and always doing our best.
- Share your ideas: We believe that everyone is creative. Whether it’s a new process, a team-building idea, or a fresh approach, your voice matters here.
- There’s always a solution: No matter the challenge, we believe that with patience and persistence, we’ll find the answer.
- Ask why: Curiosity is at the heart of growth. You’ll be encouraged to question, explore, and challenge the status quo because that’s how we make a difference.
Meet the Daylight, Sunlight & Rights of Light team
The Daylight, Sunlight & Rights of Light team is a collaborative group of specialists with backgrounds in architecture, engineering, and environmental design. We help deliver the densification of cities by optimising development potential and daylight performance. We thrive on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and mentoring.
From weekly catch-ups to company-wide events, you’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team where your contributions genuinely matter. With team members across London and further afield, we support each other through knowledge sharing, mentoring, and project reviews — all within a friendly, sociable environment that values growth and learning.
The perks
We offer a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing and work-life balance:
- Hybrid working – Typically three days a week in the office, with flexibility to work remotely the rest of the time
- Flexible working policies – Covering hours, location, and personal needs
- 22 days’ holiday, rising to 27 with service, plus your birthday off and Christmas closure
- Auto-enrolment pension scheme with increasing contributions over time
- Private healthcare with full outpatients cover (after one year), and life insurance (after six months) • Immediate access to the Employee Assistance Line, plus annual flu vaccinations and eyecare support
- Cycle to Work scheme and regular wellbeing initiatives including webinars and workshops
- Learning and development that grows with you – from onboarding to progression
- Social events year-round – from summer and Christmas parties to charity and DE&I initiatives
Why you'll love this role
You’ll receive full training from day one, with guidance from senior team members and regular check-ins to build your confidence. Whether you’ve just finished a college course or are switching into your first technical role, we’ll support you to grow quickly.
This is a brilliant opportunity to turn your interest in design and modelling into a rewarding career. You’ll help us create accurate 3D simulations, support project delivery, and be part of a team where your ideas and curiosity are always welcome.
Your day-to-day
You'll be working closely with the wider team to support project delivery and develop your technical skills. In this role, you will:
- Help build accurate 3D computer models of development sites using AutoCAD and Rhino
- Generate 2D and 3D drawings to support analysis and client reporting
- Learn and apply the core principles of Daylight, Sunlight, and Rights of Light
- Assist in running technical simulations using GIA’s bespoke environmental software
- Compile and interpret modelling outputs to support planning and design outcomes
- Support in calculating maximum development envelopes and advising on cutbacks
- Manage your workload across live projects, meeting deadlines and working within budgets
- Undertake basic due diligence checks on architectural drawings and site data
- Communicate regularly with Surveyors and Project Managers to share progress and ask questions
- Join weekly team meetings, learning sessions, and project reviews
What will you bring to the table
We're looking for someone with the right mix of technical interest and people-focused qualities.
Technical Skills & Experience
- A degree, college diploma, or equivalent training in Architecture, CAD Design, Engineering, or similar
- Basic knowledge of AutoCAD and interest in 3D modelling (Rhino experience is a bonus)
- Ability to understand and work with architectural plans
- Some experience with software like Excel, Photoshop, or InDesign is helpful, but not essential
Soft Skills
- You don’t need previous industry experience – just a good eye for detail, basic CAD knowledge, and a passion for design
- A methodical, organised approach to your work
- Clear written communication and willingness to learn how to write reports
- Eagerness to collaborate, ask questions, and improve
- A positive mindset and the confidence to try new things
This role is ideal for recent graduates or college-level CAD technicians looking for their first step into the built environment.
Your path to growth
We believe in helping you grow your skills and confidence over time. At GIA, your development matters. You’ll start by mastering core tools, workflows, and modelling techniques. As your confidence grows, so will your responsibilities — from supporting reports and simulations to owning elements of client projects.
With time and support, you could progress into more senior technician or surveyor roles, contributing to technical advice, innovation workstreams, or even mentoring others.
What to expect from the interview process
We want you to feel confident and prepared throughout the recruitment process. Here’s what you can expect:
- First Stage – Teams Interview: A virtual meeting with key team members to discuss your experience, skills, and aspirations.
- Technical Skills Assessment: A short CAD task or modelling challenge may be included to understand your approach to problem-solving
- Second Stage – In-Person Interview: Meet more team members, discuss technical challenges, and dive deeper into the role.
Join our team
If you're starting out in your career and want a creative, hands-on role with real purpose, this is your chance. Join a friendly and forward-thinking team where you'll be supported to learn, grow, and shape the future of the built environment.
Equal opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported.
We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, or socio-economic background.
If you need any adjustments to our recruitment process due to a disability or long-term health condition, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.