Head of architecture

Black Spectacles

Zulufish is recruiting a head of architecture for its team in London.

Zulufish are a happy, award-winning design studio working on high end residential projects, mostly in prime London areas.

We’re a design and build company, therefore you will have full exposure to all aspects of design and construction (as seen through the lens of the contractor). This a great opportunity with amazing future prospects to grow with the Zulufish family.

We are looking to recruit a self-motivated senior architect to lead a team as head of architecture and join our team in Chiswick, West London.

Role and responsibilities:

• manage the architectural design team, being responsible for the department’s output and growth
• have confidence and be knowledgeable in architectural design
• comfortably discuss potential design suggestions during initial visits to properties
• understand costs associated with layout changes
• sales; meeting new clients, creating fee proposals and winning all new design work
• chairing weekly design team meetings to ensure all projects are managed properly and efficiently by the design team
• managing/prioritising the design team workload via weekly resource meetings
• chairing meetings with clients and consultants as and when necessary
• assisting the project leads on construction details and review of all packages at all RIBA stages
• taking the design lead on all architectural projects
• hosting design meetings and proposing ideas with associated planning risk and costs to clients
• providing guidance and advice to the design team who will report to you
• integrating the design team with the interiors and project management team, reviewing and improving existing processes
• invoicing; you will be responsible for making sure all relevant project invoices are issued, tracked and settled
• carrying out drawing reviews and ensuring all appropriate comments/observations are added to the design
• pushing forward the continuous evolution of drawing information provided by the design team, with periodic reviews
• ensuring the design process takes account of current building regulations and minimises potential liability for future stages/delivery
• managing the development and implementation of design proposals ensuring they meet internal and external requirements, including taking account of budgetary constraints
• identifying design risk and ensuring design risk assessments are created and appropriately maintained for each project and that risks are managed and mitigated
• liaising with site teams to ensure the delivery of the overall project construction/design requirements during the construction phase
• must be polite and smartly dressed at all times

Required skills and experience:

• Part 3 UK registered architect (RIBA)
• minimum of 15 years project lead working experience within UK (RIBA)
• must have strong experience in medium to large scale high-end residential projects
• be able to manage projects at all RIBA stages
• a thorough understanding of the construction process from pre-construction/tender/onsite processes and management
• experience of managing members of the architectural team
• strong residential planning experience (ideally within conservation areas)
• proven track record in delivering architectural sales
• excellent IT skills – AutoCAD, Excel, InDesign as a minimum
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• fluent in English, verbal and written, essential

What you get back:

• competitive salary, depending on experience
• 23 days holiday plus bank holidays, plus one added day per year up to 26 days
• flexible working hours (8 am to 5 pm or 9 am to 6 pm)
• optional work from home one day a week (either Thursdays or Fridays)
• regular social events with the team
• strong believers in a good work life balance
• working in an open plan office with and learning from our in-house team of contractors, project managers, interior designers and quantity surveyor

This opportunity will allow you to:

• work closely with the clients
• have the chance to be a key advisor and build strong working relationships
• take full responsibility for the design ideas, local authority approval and coordination of projects
• take full responsibility for the performance of the architectural department which feeds work to the entire business
• manage a small team of architects/designers
• bring design flair and personality to a wide range of challenges
• audit the design and identify inconsistencies, discrepancies and missing information and record, report and close out of these items
• work within a multi-faceted business, interfacing with project managers, cost consultants, interior designers and sub-contractors

How to apply:

Please send your CV, a short portfolio of your recent work and a brief letter explaining the reasons for your interest in joining us via the apply for job button below.

Please only apply if you meet the requirements above.