Senior Architect

The practice is small and consists of two architects and two technicians specialising in high-end domestic projects ranging from £150K to £5m. This number of staff is needed to continue the status as an EOT going forward.

This employee-owned trust or practice (EOT) is looking for an ambitious permanent full time qualified architect to help run and eventually take over a small and successful practice near the coast in the North Norfolk AONB. 

The successful applicant needs to be a leader, highly personable, business minded, but most of all talented at innovative design to lead and develop the practice’s potential creatively. 

Day to day role
Hybrid working – except for meetings with clients, which are frequent. We all strictly work office hours only, with no call for overtime.

With the clients...
Taking initial enquires from clients by phone or e-mail, meeting them for consultations, brainstorming ideas to encourage them to engage us, explaining the role of the architect, the other professionals needed in the team and negotiating services and fees – usually on a percentage basis.

Preparing initial design ideas and concepts and showing them to the client. Often only a rough sketch is needed which one of the team can develop and draw up ready to present.

With the staff...
Managing the staff and having an overview of all the projects. 

Design output needs to be carefully checked at every stage.

Support from the team preparing design drawings from sketch ideas, writing and submitting reports and planning applications, preparing detailed drawings, specifications and tender documents; negotiating building regulations; inspecting work on site, writing minutes etc. 

CPD – ensure that everyone does their CPD.

With the contractors...
Close relationship with great local contractors.

Input on quality, costings and other problems that arise. Issuing certificates for payment and overseeing the administering of the building contracts.

On the business side...
Business planning, and general financial tasks (cash flow and banking, issuing invoices, sending reminders and negotiating discounts). 

The office
The office is in the attractive sea side village of Burnham Market, one mile from the sea and a popular holiday destination for second home owners and retirees. We combine a small amount of office working with mostly working from home which works well.

Salary
The post would be salaried for the first five years and then gradually wholly owned by assuming control from the existing director who plans to retire. A salary in the region of £50K is anticipated, depending on experience. On owning the business this would rise upwards of £150K. Holiday entitlement would be 6 weeks.

Please apply by sending your CV and portfolio in PDF format.

Website: www.thomasfairearchitects.com
Instagram: thomasfairearchitects