A unique job opportunity in the perfect location: PLACE architects, Cornwall

_{^{PLACE architects, Greens of Padstow, Cornwall. Photo: Anthony Greenwood Photography.}}

PLACE architects is a burgeoning practice in an idyllic location. It is situated in the historic market town of Launceston in east Cornwall, which is surrounded by stunning natural scenery: Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor are only short drives away. Launceston has a handsome high street with independent shops, cafes and restaurants and offers attractive Victorian housing. Half an hour from the North Coast’s best surfing beaches, it is about 45 minutes from both Plymouth and Exeter.

_{^{Town Square, Launceston. Photo: J Hawksworth.}}

The practice’s newly converted, open-plan studio is in the centre of the town. Large French windows provide views over the 11th-century castle and the countryside beyond. On the first floor of a prominent, 19th-century building (with lift access), it benefits from Launceston’s best coffee shop on the ground floor below.

DESIGN WORK

_{^{PLACE architects, Lower Millcombe, Cornwall. Two stone barns converted into holiday lets with contemporary features. Photo: Anthony Greenwood Photography.}}

PLACE architects work locally and nationally across sectors and at a variety of scales. It is known for its deep expertise in conservation. Work on listed buildings span Cornwall and across the West Country to the Southeast.

The range of domestic projects include extensions, barn conversions and one-off houses. Commercial projects take in retail, multiple housing, tourism and leisure. Through collaborations with a large practice in London, PLACE architects also work on schools, student housing and high-density residential.

_{^{PLACE architects, Seahorses, North Cornwall. Interior of a new home for a private client. Photo: Graham Gaunt Photowork}.}

THE VACANCY

Following an upturn in projects, the firm is seeking to recruit an experienced Architect to join their team. This is a full-time, permanent position. Commencement is anticipated to be in April 2020. The salary will range from £34k to £38k, depending on experience.

For a person specification and information on how to apply see here.

THE PRACTICE

PLACE architects is a RIBA Chartered Practice led by Architect director Mark Kemp, who is the sole shareholder. The strategic plan is to invest in people, design well-crafted projects and create inspiring places. The successful Architect will join a core team of six people to work on delivering these principles.

_{^{The team at PLACE architects. Photo: Duo Digital Ltd.}}

An Agile Working Policy allows staff to accommodate work around their lives. The policy empowers staff by giving them the opportunity to choose the way they work, according to their preferences and circumstances, to improve their work-life balance.

A pilot scheme is also in place for Enrichment. Staff will receive five days through the year to complement their work through activities. Whether this is attending art classes, writing computer code or taking golf lessons, PLACE architects provides the opportunity to undertake something nourishing, recognising the positive impact such investment can bring. On top of this, holiday allowance is 5.6 weeks, including bank holidays.

TRAINING

Keeping staff at the top of their skill level is important to the practice. Each member of staff is encouraged to be engaged in some form of training course. At present within the team, courses include accountancy, planning, project management, Part 2 and Part 3.

In addition to these, CPD is provided for Architects and all staff through RIBA City Club in Truro, RIBA Core CPD in Exeter, LABC and Local Authority events, in-house seminars, SPAB visits and RIBA Cornwall Branch activities.