Architectural Technician / Designer

The role is for an Architectural Technician/Designer to provide a key role and be part of a busy multidiscipline team dealing with a large retail development roll out programme. The role will deal with multiple design elements including site plans, retail layouts, branding and planning of the individual projects and acquisition support, taking them from initial Feasibility through to Contractor appointment; working with the Clients Acquisition team, Consultants, legal and building up close relationships with the Client Team.

Providing a key role within the Design department, encompassing all the technical aspects of a Designer. The role shall involve the design coordination, management, and liaison with other members of the project team including the internal team of Project Managers and external consultants, working on multiple projects at any one time. The role may also require the input, control and direction to the wider team whilst providing varying technical ability input.

Projects range from conversion and fit out of pubs and other existing buildings, developers' shells, existing retail units, listed buildings, petrol filling stations and mixed use developments.

This role is based in our London office but will require regular travel to meet the demands of the projects, therefore flexibility is required which includes working a reasonable level of additional hours when needed.

Our working culture and requirement for high levels of service delivery necessitates Partners and all staff to be in their office on a regular basis each week to maximise on quality time with their team and colleagues for collaboration, knowledge sharing, support, development, and career progression. The role enables working remotely up to 2 days per week subject to business requirements, in line with our Hybrid Working Policy.

DUTIES

You will be capable of working in all areas of Architecture, including but not limited to:

• Providing layouts, space planning and detailed design within a team responsible for the roll out of stores for a blue-chip Convenience brand.


• Reviewing of potential sites. To assess feasibility in terms of layout, size, deliveries M&E equipment, Building Control issues, fire strategy and overall aesthetic design


• Providing design concepts in line with the Convenience brand format standard


• Preparing detailed construction packs including; general arrangements, setting out, roof, sections and elevations and branding


• Production of retail plans


• The production of measured surveys of existing buildings


• Liaison with and communication with the Client and relevant consultants.


• Liaison with sub-contractors on site specific issues including but not exclusive to:


• Building Regulations


• Measured Surveys


• M&E and Plant Design


• Fire Strategy


• Vehicle Tracking


• Ability to understand and support, where necessary, negotiations with landlord and developers to agree specifications for client requirements and approval of fit-out proposals.


• Liaise with retail planners to ensure fit out proposals take account of site specific issues


• Assist in providing legal design documents/information including lease plans, demise plans and OS maps/information for liaison with solicitors to advice on construction issues, reviewing agreements to leases to ensure no conflict with proposals.


• Reviewing and interpreting various surveys/design information of existing buildings, sites etc, for condition, environmental and geotechnical issues


• Maintaining dialogue with client's acquisitions executives to ensure they have the information they require.


• Ensure Planning drawings are produced and submitted to the various Planning Consultants for submission to the Local Authority


• Review highway and delivery issues with consultant and ensure all necessary consents are obtained


• Be able to problem solve and provide alternative design solutions - troubleshoot.
  
  Appropriate educational background demonstrating good levels of numeracy and literacy


• Advanced AutoCAD and Revit modelling skills are essential


• Must be proficient in the use of Adobe InDesign


• Comprehensive knowledge of UK Building Regulation codes


• Be able to demonstrate technical knowledge in construction and design principles especially in retail design.


• Proven experience in producing construction packs with detailing for the retail sector from feasibility to completion


• Extensive knowledge of building services and structural elements in building construction


• Awareness of risk management principles within projects


• A proven track record with a minimum of 3 years retail sector experience1


• Client facing experience; including presentations to the property board.


• High levels of attention to detail


• Capable of working to strict targets and timescales


• Proficient in IT and using software including; Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Revit, InDesign (Photoshop, sketch up)


• Capable of communicating effectively and efficiently with colleagues and clients


PERSON SPECIFICATION

The Architectural Technician/Designer will be presentable, professional and confident, capable of working on their own initiative but aware of when to seek advice from their line manager.

They will be a good team player with an aptitude to mentoring, assisting and developing less qualified or experienced staff.

• Proactive, motivated individual with ability to work to own initiative


• Ability to manage multiple projects at varying stages


• Ability to prioritise workload and meet stringent deadlines


Professional approach, capable of communicating confidently with clients, contractors and consultants

Stace is an independent, multi-disciplinary construction and property consultancy that goes further to understand and interpret our clients.