Recruiting – Current Vacancies:
Project Architect
We are looking for an experienced and driven Project Architect to join our successful architectural and town planning practice based in Derby. This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified architect with strong technical ability, a passion for residential design, and a desire to grow within a supportive and forward-thinking team.
Applicants should be ARB registered and ideally RIBA chartered, with at least two years post-Part III experience. You will have a proven ability to manage residential projects through all RIBA stages, from concept design and planning through to technical design, tender and delivery on site.
You must be confident in producing and coordinating working drawing packages, with a sound knowledge of UK Building Regulations and construction detailing. Experience liaising with clients, consultants and contractors is essential, along with excellent verbal, written and drawn communication skills.
Proficiency in AutoCAD and SketchUp is essential, along with working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop. Revit experience is welcome but not required.
We are particularly interested in candidates with a personal interest in sustainability, passive design principles, and low-energy construction techniques. You will be encouraged to explore and apply sustainable solutions in your design work, wherever possible.
Our practice undertakes a wide range of bespoke residential projects in both urban and rural settings across the East Midlands. The role offers involvement in projects of varying scales and complexity, with full support from our in-house planning team and a collaborative studio environment.
Room to Grow and Innovate
For the right individual, this role offers genuine opportunities for progression and long-term growth within the practice. You will be given the freedom to take ownership of projects and shape them in ways that reflect your strengths and interests. We actively encourage experimentation and innovation — whether in spatial ideas, sustainability strategies, materials, or construction techniques — and will support you in developing the areas of architecture that excite you most.
All of this takes place within the framework of our well-established reputation for delivering high-quality, practical design. We are committed to exceeding client expectations while ensuring our work remains deliverable, buildable and responsive to real-world budgets and site constraints.
Required Skills and Experience
- ARB registered and ideally RIBA chartered;
- Minimum 2 years post-Part III experience;
- Strong technical design skills, including working drawing production and specification writing;
- Confident working directly with clients and consultants across all RIBA stages;
- Proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Photoshop;
- Sound knowledge of UK Building Regulations and on-site experience;
- Interest in sustainability and passive design principles;
- Excellent organisational, communication and time management skills;
- Experience in residential design is essential.
We offer flexible working hours around daily core hours and hybrid working opportunities.
We have a sociable, supportive team and are committed to your personal and professional development through CPD sessions, mentoring, networking events and clear career progression pathways.
Application closing date: September 2025
Start date: October 2025 (or earlier by agreement)
Salary: £32,500–£42,500 (dependent on experience)
Location: Derby
Type of role: Permanent
Architectural Technologist
We are looking for a practical and detail-focused Architectural Technologist to join our growing architectural and town planning practice based in Derby. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong technical knowledge who is working towards CIAT chartership and is looking to progress their career in a supportive and design-led environment.
Applicants should have solid experience producing technical drawing packages, a thorough understanding of UK Building Regulations, and practical experience working on site. You will ideally have experience administering contracts and liaising with contractors during the construction phase of projects.
Proficiency in AutoCAD is essential, with a working knowledge of SketchUp and Microsoft Office expected. Experience with Revit, NBS and specification writing is welcome but not essential.
You will contribute to the delivery of a range of residential projects across the East Midlands, including bespoke homes, extensions and small-scale developments. You’ll work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and be involved in projects from planning through to completion, with a particular focus on detailed design and construction.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Strong knowledge of UK Building Regulations and construction detailing;
- Minimum 2 years post-qualification experience;
- Proficiency in AutoCAD; familiarity with SketchUp and Microsoft Office;
- Experience producing technical drawing packages for residential projects;
- On-site experience and familiarity with contract administration;
- Excellent communication, time management and organisational skills;
- A recognised qualification in Architectural Technology (CIAT-accredited degree preferred);
- Actively working towards CIAT chartership;
- A pragmatic and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
We offer flexible working hours around daily core hours and working from home opportunities.
We have a sociable and supportive office culture and will help you grow professionally through regular CPD sessions, chartership mentoring and networking opportunities.
Application closing date: September 2025
Start date: October 2025
Salary: £30,000–£35,000 (dependent on experience)
Location: Derby
Type of role: Permanent
If you are interested in joining our team, please submit you CV, Portfolio and single page cover letter including your salary expectations to;
David Symons – david.symons@planningdesign-co.uk