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We are looking for an Architectural Assistant Apprentice to join our London based teams to work on a full range of projects at all RIBA stages.

As one of the Trailblazer practices that led the development of the Modern Apprenticeship Standard for Architecture, our Apprenticeship in Architecture provides an equal alternative path to becoming an Architect.

During your time with us you will have the opportunity to work on various projects within our interdisciplinary project teams with engineers, designers, urbanists which will help you gain experience and build lasting friendships at BDP.

This apprenticeship will combine practical experience in the workplace with one day a week attendance at university to complete your Part I.

Day to day responsibilities and duties many include:

• Generate architectural design proposals of diverse scales and type, including conducting feasibility studies
• Draft and edit drawings and 2D-3D models (plans, sections, elevations, and details) using relevant software, including CAD and Revit, Photoshop, to enable co-ordination with other professional’s input
• Produce and coordinate design information with the design team (e.g. engineering, landscaping and interior design)
• Critically analyse architectural culture, theory and design to present a personal viewpoint within a structured argument
• Creatively apply theories, practices and technologies of the arts that influence architectural design
• Produce necessary drawings and documents that comply with national and local planning policy
• Identify user needs and the local context in which the project is developed
• Develop the design of projects of varying scales in respect of environmental context and sustainability
• Deliver services under the supervision of an Architect or a project leader, prioritising the interests of the client and other stakeholders
• Problem solve and use professional judgement to take initiative and make appropriate contributions to decision making
• Research and investigate relevant information (e.g. site analysis, previous architectural projects) to support project development to ensure all client and regulatory requirements are met
• Investigate, critically appraise and select alternative structural, constructional and material systems relevant to architectural design
• Integrate structural, construction and engineering strategies with the overall design
• Support an Architect or a project leader with construction inspections to ensure projects are built in accordance with contractual drawings
• Evaluate materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural designs and building construction, and where practicable integrate alternative materials, processes and techniques into design proposals
• Apply different technological methods to building design to provide conditions of comfort and protection against the environment
• Meet client’s brief within the constraints of the imposed budget limitations
• Meet client’s brief within the constraints of the building regulations
• Interact with statutory authorities or individuals to support delivery of projects in a wide variety of sectors and within diverse legislative frameworks

Knowledge, Skills and Personal qualities

Skills required:

Skills over and above the entry requirements will include:

• Freehand drawing and / or photographic ability
• Demonstration of 3-dimensional thinking
• Demonstrate a strong interest in architecture and the built environment
• Ability to work in a team
• Use of written and spoken English
• Flexible and can-do attitude

Personal qualities:

• Be mindful of relevant professional codes of conduct (e.g. ARB and RIBA)
• Be honest and act with integrity
• Strive to communicate effectively and professionally when working independently and as part of a team
• Be conscious of an Architect’s obligation to their client, society and the profession
• Take into account their competence and professional experience, to ensure they are unlikely to bring the profession into disrepute
• Commit to identifying their own individual professional development needs, including keeping up to date with changing design trends

Qualifications required:

• A Level BBC or;
• BTEC National Diploma DDM or;
• Access to HE qualifications with 15 Distinctions 30 Merits or;
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 128 UCAS points (must include an art or design subject)
• We require a portfolio of work to be submitted.
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs Grade 4 or above including Maths and English or equivalent.

Some experience of using all or some of the following software packages is desirable:

• Revit
• Adobe design suite
• InDesign +Illustrator
• MicroStation/ AutoCAD, SketchUp
• Rhino
• Microsoft Office

Reality Check

Work will typically be desk based on a PC workstation in a team of 2-30+ but will also include freehand sketching, drawing and model making. Attendance at meetings and presentations outside the office, site visits (sometimes international) including research of the wider urban / site context. Public exhibition / consultation as part of planning applications together with planning committee meetings etc. may require evening or weekend attendance.

About us

Our London studio is BDP’s largest, with a multi-discipline community of architects, engineers, designers, and urbanists. The studio has a stimulating range of work, including education, healthcare, science and research, retail, workplace, heritage, and urbanism projects.

BDP designs and creates inspiring places for people. Our architects, engineers, designers and masterplanners work from studios throughout the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Middle East, India and China. Founded in 1961, BDP is now one of the best known interdisciplinary practices in the world and has won over 1000 awards for design quality. We collaborate with our clients to realise their aspirations, placing the user at the heart of the design process to create places and spaces that energies and nurture the people who use them.

BDP offers

Once you have completed your Level 6 Architectural Assistant Apprentice = to Part I, you will then have the opportunity to continue your apprenticeship by completing the Level 7 architectural apprenticeship = to Parts II & III with BDP.

We have a Social Life Committee which organises a wide range of social, sporting and charitable activities and a communication committee for improvement and development ideas.

Our studio is situated in a characterful converted brewery building in colourful Clerkenwell, and provides a creative and social environment for our people, clients, and collaborators.

To apply

Please click on the apply button below and complete the online application.

You will need to complete the online application form, you will need to include your CV, cover letter and portfolio of work consisting of projects completed during study and/or work placements.

In your cover letter, please answer the following two questions to help us find out a bit more about your motivation. They’re not mandatory.

BDP is actively fostering an inclusive organisation where people can be themselves and everyone has a sense of belonging. We want our teams to be diverse at every level, reflecting the communities we design for. As designers, we will create spaces for all that promote equity, wellbeing and participation within the built environment. We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different skills, professional and life experiences, to join us and help us to achieve our aspirations. We also welcome applications from candidates who wish to work flexibly. BDP also operates a hybrid working policy.

BDP is an equal opportunities employer.

No agencies or third party applications please.

Things to consider:

This role is based on a full time, permanent contract.

No agencies or third party applications please

BDP is an equal opportunity employer.