Architectural Assistant

You’ll be working within our heritage and architectural team, to deliver projects across all works stages and at a variety of scales principally in the cultural, public and commercial sectors. The role requires excellent creative and technical skills across both conservation and contemporary design, from master-planning, feasibility studies and statutory submissions through to technical production and construction supervision.

We are a progressive, employee-owned practice; where you will have the ability to identify opportunities and develop your career. It’s an entrepreneurial job, with lots of responsibility and the freedom to deliver results.

 

We offer a rewarding and supportive environment for personal and professional development. We believe in fostering a collaborative workplace, where knowledge sharing and professional growth are at the heart of everything we do.

 

The successful candidate will evidence strong creativity and presentation skills, keen attention to detail, and a deep-rooted interest in the adaptation of existing buildings, evidenced by high-quality examples of past work and experience. You will need to be able to display an enthusiastic, can-do attitude, willingness to learn, and an understanding of Purcell’s projects and culture. We welcome applications from architects who understand conservation principles, but conservation accreditation is not required.

We have staff of approximately 300 talented architects, designers, heritage consultants and surveyors across 14 offices, in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. Winners of Architect Employer of the Year 2022.

Collaboration is central to our employee-ownership culture, providing opportunities to work on some of the finest buildings; from meticulous heritage and conservation schemes to bold contemporary design. We offer a rewarding and supportive environment for personal and professional development and our employee-owned ethos empowers everyone to use their voice. We believe in creating an equitable and inclusive culture, founded on our values, which celebrates knowledge sharing and our successes, to build an inspiring work environment.

It is our distinctive employee-owned working culture that has contributed to our status as a World Architecture Top 100 Practice, renowned for our excellence in architecture and heritage consultancy.

Our benefits package includes

• Agile, flexible and hybrid working, (a minimum of 3 days in office, up to 2 days WFH)
• Annual leave increasing with long service
• Life assurance
• Study sponsorship with paid study leave
• Sabbaticals
• Employee assistance programme
• Season ticket loans
• Cycle to work scheme
• Virtual GP service
• Subscription fees
• Company day out
• A volunteering scheme
• Enhanced learning & development opportunities.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• You will continuously develop your knowledge of Purcell’s unique approach to architectural conservation and design, applying these principles in your work and sharing them with the team to support a collaborative learning environment.
• You will collaborate with the Senior Team comprising experienced architects, conservationists and heritage consultants, contributing your expertise and supporting the team on various phases of ongoing projects across all HKIA work stages, to ensure smooth project delivery and high-quality outcomes.
• You will be involved in site surveys and visits to assess existing conditions, gather information for design work, and provide valuable input for project teams, ensuring that designs align with site conditions and regulatory requirements.
• You will assist in preparing professional and high-quality presentation documents for client meetings, public presentations, and project submissions, ensuring they clearly communicate design intent, technical solutions, and project goals.
• Stay informed about industry trends and attend relevant events to build professional knowledge and networks.

We are looking for candidates who have the following skills and qualifications:

• Master’s degree in architecture
• Experience working as an Architectural Assistant on HK based projects which included A&A works on existing buildings.
• For newly qualified candidates, you have completed your ARB (HK) registration and are a Registered Architect with HKIA.
• A good understanding of Hong Kong development controls and building codes, as well as Government submissions and approval procedures, and can effectively apply these with design and technical packages.
• You are proficient in industry standard software, particularly AutoCAD, Revit and other modelling and rendering software (such as Rhino, Sketchup, Enscape, D5, etc.)
• You have good presentation skills (Visual, written & spoken) and contribution to high quality documentation.
• Fluency in English, and Cantonese, both written and spoken
• You have a good understanding of project management and design coordination roles.
• Proactive ‘can do’ attitude
• Ability to manage self, work under pressure, and to meet deadlines
• Personable, confident and with a strong sense of team spirit
• Willingness to work on conservation-led projects and to deepen your understanding and knowledge of historic buildings.

 

It would also be an advantage if candidates possess:

• Previous experience working on adaptive reuse projects with A&A works.
• You have hands-on experience working on all HKIA work stages from inception, through feasibility, schematic and project design, contract documents and contract administration during building construction.
• Experience designing to fulfil environmental accreditation requirements.
• Experience of delivering projects in BIM.

Please email a copy of your CV and portfolio referencing job code P0058 to [email protected]. Please include details of your Right to Work in the United Kingdom, as well as an available start date.

This job description is a guide to the duties the post holder will be expected to undertake. It is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive and will be subject to change as working requirements dictate and to meet the organisational requirements of Purcell.

Don’t meet every single requirement? That’s okay.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented backgrounds can be less likely to apply unless they meet every criteria listed. At Purcell, we are committed to building an inclusive, transparent, and welcoming team. If you’re enthusiastic about the role and excited to grow and learn with us, we warmly encourage you to apply.

When applying, please feel free to use your preferred name — we don’t require full or birth names at this stage.

We are proud to foster a culture of kindness, respect, and authenticity, where everyone can thrive and bring their whole selves to work.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unfortunately unable to provide individual feedback. If you have not heard from us within 6 weeks of your original application, then you have been unsuccessful. Please continue to look at our vacancies and apply where relevant. We wish you all the best in your job search.

As world leaders of heritage and conservation, Purcell is committed to embracing diversity and equal opportunity within our international teams, reflective of the society in which we work and live.

We welcome people from all backgrounds and celebrate differences through our culture of employee ownership.