Associate​/Associate Director | Architecture & Masterplanning

MADE Careers is working with a leading international architecture practice looking for a design led Associate or Associate Director to join its growing Birmingham studio.

This is less about finding someone from one particular sector and more about finding a really strong all round designer; someone with a varied portfolio, excellent design instincts and the experience to take a leading role across projects and teams.

A background that includes master planning or larger scale, mixed-use projects would be particularly useful, alongside experience across other sectors.

Working alongside with the Studio Lead and wider senior team, you’ll take a leading design role across a varied portfolio of projects, helping establish strong ideas from the outset and carrying that thinking through as projects develop.

You’ll lead and support design teams, work directly with clients and consultants, and contribute to the wider design culture of the Birmingham studio.

• Lead the design direction of projects from early concept onwards
• Develop strong architectural and master planning ideas
• Lead design reviews, workshops and client presentations
• Guide and inspire project teams
• Work collaboratively across architecture, urban design and other disciplines
• Build strong relationships with clients and consultants
• Contribute to the wider creative direction and growth of the Birmingham studio

• Associate level or above within a recognised architecture or design practice
• A standout, design led portfolio across a mix of sectors and project types
• Strong conceptual design ability and architectural judgement
• Master planning experience within your portfolio would be particularly valuable
• Experience on larger scale, mixed-use, regeneration or complex projects advantageous
• Excellent sketching, graphic communication and presentation skills
• Confidence leading design teams and presenting ideas to clients
• Able to work across different scales, sectors and stages rather than being defined by one specialism
• Collaborative, ambitious and keen to contribute to a growing studio
• Competitive salary + extensive benefits package
• Employee owned practice
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Enhanced annual leave and pension
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• UK and international project exposure
• Strong progression opportunities within a growing regional studio

This is a great fit for a senior architect who is a designer first and wants a role with plenty of variety.

Rather than being brought in to service one sector, you’ll have the opportunity to work across different project types and scales, including master planning, while taking a senior role in the design culture and continued growth of the Birmingham studio.