AtkinsRéalis
Architectural Studio Lead

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Overview
AtkinsRéalis are looking to recruit an innovative new Studio Lead to join our growing Birmingham team, as part of the wider Midlands, South-West and Wales Architectural Practice and develop and expand of our Architectural offering in the region.
AtkinsRéalis is more than just engineering, we are a Stirling Prize winning, top 10 AJ100 practice whose reputation is built on a culture of open collaboration, creating and delivering excellence in all we do. With a global depth of talent and reach, we passionately believe that good design can positively transform people's lives and strive to deliver the very best for our clients.
As a fully integrated multidisciplinary practice you will be working alongside Architectural, Engineering and specialist consultants across a myriad of fields. Within the Midlands, South-West and Wales business, we have just under 500 individuals involved in the design and creation of the built environment in Education, Commercial, Energy, Defence and Residential sectors. Our Architectural staff include Architects, Architectural Technologists, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects and Building Surveying professionals with a balanced mix of graduates through to senior professionals and directors. People are the heart of our success and supporting, training, and mentoring our staff is paramount to AtkinsRéalis remaining at the forefront of design and innovation.
Your role
Strategic thinking and work winning.
- We are searching for a Studio Lead in Birmingham with great design abilities, having been the author of a substantial portfolio of work.
- We set out below the objectives and job description for the role with a focus on the local market and in particular commercial, education and local government sectors.
The ability to strategically grow the portfolio, engage with clients, stakeholders and subsequently grow the team.
- The role requires individuals with direct experience of lead coordinator role, delivering projects at all stages.
- We are seeking creative designers as well as technically focused individuals.
The successful candidate will be familiar with the full construction process from business development, to bidding and project delivery - including the successful commercial management of projects.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
In short you will sit at the nexus of all that is happening in the Birmingham studio and be responsible for driving its success.
- Responsible for the day-to-day running of the studio, including staff development, resource management and finance.
- Work proactively within a multi- disciplinary environment to deliver project management leadership on major opportunities.
- To lead and support business development and work winning/bidding within the local Birmingham and wider South-West markets.
Development of the design culture and capability of our multi-disciplinary design team(s).
- To develop designs that are firmly rooted with a strong narrative that seek to enhance our reputation.
- To secure work through bidding and developing compelling design concepts.
- Contribute to design leadership and culture.
- Successful delivery of projects to a high level of quality and client satisfaction acting as Lead Consultant/Design Manager.
- Identifying opportunities and supporting the development of winning bids for projects in the local government, education, commercial and related sectors - both single discipline and multi-disciplinary.
About You
- Qualified Architect with ARB registration.
- Demonstrable track record and familiarity with commercial, education, commercial and local government sector clients in Birmingham and wider South-West markets.
- A creative designer with an understanding of technical delivery.
- Experience in preparing successful bids and tenders.
- Ability to confidently engage with clients and stakeholders.
- Direct experience of lead coordinator role, delivering projects at all stages.
- A good awareness of Autodesk Revit and managing projects in a BIM environment.
- Full UK Driving licence.
The opportunity to work both locally and within our national business to win and deliver work will mean that there will be a requirement for flexibility in respect of travel and location as project demands require.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Rewards & benefits
Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.
Be rewarded. Find out more.
About AtkinsRéalis
We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's'infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.
Find out more.
Additional information
Security clearance
This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.
We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills