Part II Architectural Assistant - Palace of Westminster
How do you future-proof a 19th-century masterpiece? By working together. At Purcell, we are more than colleagues—we are a friendly, supportive team that values learning, collaboration, and helping each other succeed. We’re combining heritage conservation with cutting-edge design to ensure the Palace of Westminster stands strong for generations to come, and we’re looking for newly qualified Architectural Part 2’s who want to be part of something extraordinary, in a team where they truly belong.
This is an excellent opportunity to join our talented team working on the Palace of Westminster. The successful candidate should evidence keen attention to detail and high-quality examples of their work with their application. You will need to be agile and flexible, with a can-do attitude, a willingness to learn and be a conceptual thinker.
Purcell is an award-winning employee-owned architectural and heritage consultancy practice with a commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity. We have staff of approximately 350 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 dependant on business needs) 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 and enhanced learning & development opportunities.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- 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 experienced architects, designers, and consultants, contributing your expertise and supporting the team on various phases of ongoing projects to ensure smooth project delivery and high-quality outcomes.
- You will create detailed 2D technical drawings and 3D models using industry-standard software like AutoCAD and Revit, assisting the design team with visualizing concepts and ensuring accuracy in project documentation.
- You will actively participate in the development of design packages, from initial concepts and schematic designs to detailed architectural drawings, helping to refine ideas and produce work that aligns with client expectations and conservation standards.
- 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.
- You will gain hands-on experience in architectural conservation, applying these specialised skills to protect, repair, and restore historic buildings, while sharing this knowledge with colleagues to help strengthen the team’s expertise in the field.
- You will contribute to the ongoing development of Purcell’s design reputation by ensuring high-quality, creative, and technically sound solutions, showcasing the firm’s commitment to architectural excellence and conservation.
Skills and Qualifications:
We are looking for candidates who have the following skills and qualifications:
Essential:
- Bachelor’s degree in architectural studies equivalent to Part 1.
- Master’s degree in architectural studies equivalent to Part 2.
- Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch-up and Twinmotion.
- Design capabilities including good hand-drawing and sketching skills.
- Good presentation skills (Visual, written & spoken) and contribution to high quality documentation.
- Understanding of industry technical standards and statutory requirements.
- Proactive ‘can do’ attitude
- Ability to manage self, work under pressure, and to meet deadline
- 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.
- Applicants must have been resident in the UK for at least three of the last five years, plus have a current right to work in the UK.
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.
Please submit a copy of your CV and portfolio by following the application workflow at the bottom of the page. Please include details of your Right to Work in the United Kingdom, as well as an available start date.
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.