Down to Earth
Senior Architect
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About Down to Earth
Down to Earth is a group of social enterprises that believes relationship-centered, meaningful outdoor experiences can positively change people’s lives. We deliver this vision through innovative and inclusive approaches that combine remarkable buildings made from natural materials, sustainable land management, and award-winning wellbeing and education programs.
These programs are delivered from hand-built centers on Gower and across South Wales, creating spaces that connect people with nature and community.
Role Overview
The Senior Architect will lead the design and delivery of sustainable, nature-focused buildings and spaces that support Down to Earth’s outdoor, wellbeing, and education programs.
We are seeking a Senior Architect to join our team on a 12-month maternity cover contract. We are looking for an individual with excellent organization, communication, and project management skills to ensure the smooth running of both projects and our architectural practice. You will need to have good attention to detail, a problem-solving mindset, and good interpersonal and relational skills, both for team management and client engagement. Experience and an interest in sustainable architecture and the use of natural materials are essential. You will have been ARB registered for 5+ years, have experience in using software such as Revit, InDesign & Photoshop, as well as hand drawing skills and presentation skills.
Responsibilities
Practice Management & Business Development
- Guides the growth of Down to Earth’s architecture team in both sourcing work and managing the execution of work within the architecture team.
- Has overall project management responsibility for Architecture projects including budget and resource management and reporting.
- Has overall responsibility for architectural office management including PI cover and ARB Code.
- Tenders for work.
- Sets up professional services contracts and letters of appointment.
- Maintains strong client relationships and represents the client throughout a project.
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Architectural Project Work
- Contributes to multiple Architecture projects that span all of the RIBA stages. Activities include:
- Preparing and contributing to stakeholder engagement activities, including the Lead Consultant role.
- Writing briefs, assessing the needs of the building/user, and the impact on the local environment.
- Working on building models in Revit.
- Generating drawings and schedules and visualizations.
- Preparation of specifications and reports.
- Preparation and submission of planning applications, liaison with planning departments.
- Coordinating compliance with building regulations and other elective standards such as structural warranty.
- Contributing to design coordination and communication with other professionals and clients.
- Managing a budget and program through the design phase.
- Ensuring that the environmental impact of the project is managed.
- Attending and contributing to design reviews.
- Working collaboratively with the in-house construction team to quality assure manufacturing and construction work.
Wider Down to Earth Activities
- Contribute to wider Down to Earth activities that support its growth and ways of working as a team.
- Attend and contribute to whole Down to Earth meetings and trainings.
- Support cross-functional projects as necessary.
Working Hours and Location
Hours
- We are open to applicants who are interested in working between 3 to 5 days a week - with 50% of the hours being based on our beautiful, handcrafted sites on Gower and 50% working from home.
- Wednesdays and Thursdays are the minimum days of the week we'd need covered - with the remaining days being open to discussion and mutual needs.
- Our normal working hours are 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Location
- This role will mostly be based at our Murton and Little Bryn Gwyn sites on Gower, with travel required across South Wales as needed.
- Travel outside of normal working hours for commuting purposes may be required for up to 75 minutes from your home location.
- Due to the locations of our work, the role requires access to a personal vehicle.
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Salary Range
- We are offering a salary of up to £43,434.30 per year for a full-time equivalent role of 37.5 hours per week.
- The salary offered is dependent on experience and qualifications.
Contract Duration
- This is a Maternity Cover role for 12 months.
- Depending on how the architecture practice develops, we may be able to offer an extended contract after the initial 12 months.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
- 5+ years ARB registered
- Detailed understanding of natural, energy-efficient, and sustainable design
- Significant experience of either healthcare or education sector projects
- Project team coordination of medium-size projects including budget control
- Significant experience of architectural office management including project resourcing
- Construction tender management
- Great interpersonal skills and client engagement
- Networking and design presentation skills
- Leadership capabilities
- Efficient time management
- Flexible and responsive attitude to work
- Experience using Revit
- Experience using InDesign and Photoshop
- Hand drawing skills
- Presentation skills
- Ability to think creatively and solve problems
- Organized and able to work to project deadlines
- Eager to learn and expand their experience
Desirable Skills + Experience
- Led research and development projects
- Experience with community engagement and consultation
- Interest or experience in inclusive design
- Working knowledge of ‘conventional’ construction materials, methods, their applications, drawbacks, and cost/program implications
- PHPP, AECB, or other building performance certification
- Welsh language ability
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