Senior Architect (Higher Education)
2 days ago
Manchester
Senior Architect Higher Education\nManchester\n\nAbout the role\n\nWe have an opportunity for a talented Senior Architect to join a leading international design practice's award-winning education team in Manchester. The studio is currently delivering a number of exciting and transformative higher education projects across the UK and internationally, and we are seeking an experienced architect with a strong background in the education sector to take a senior role within the team.\n\nThe successful candidate will lead design development across a range of university and campus-based projects, work directly with clients and stakeholders, and contribute strategically to the continued growth of the higher education portfolio. This role offers the opportunity to shape innovative learning environments, support major estate strategies, and influence projects from concept through to delivery.\n\nAbout the practice\n\nOur client is a globally recognised multidisciplinary design practice with a strong reputation for delivering innovative, people-centred architecture across education, workplace, healthcare, residential, and civic sectors.\n\nWith studios across the UK and internationally, the practice brings together architects, engineers, urbanists, and designers to create sustainable, inclusive, and future-focused environments. Their collaborative approach places users and communities at the heart of every project, with a particular emphasis on design quality, social impact, and environmental responsibility.\n\nThe education team has an established track record in delivering award-winning higher education projects, including campus masterplans, research facilities, student experience buildings, teaching environments, and mixed-use academic developments.\n\nAbout you\n\nReporting directly to the Education Sector Lead, you will work within a highly collaborative and creative environment, helping to develop and deliver ambitious higher education projects and strategic studies.\n\nAs a successful candidate, you will be able to demonstrate a range of skills and experience, including:\n\nBeing a highly motivated Architect with substantial experience in the design and delivery of higher education projects.\nExperience working on universities, research facilities, student hubs, teaching buildings, or campus masterplans.\nA passion for the education sector and its ability to positively shape communities and society.\nStrong concept and design leadership skills, with a portfolio demonstrating innovative and high-quality design solutions across all project stages.\nExperience leading stakeholder engagement, user consultation, and briefing workshops with university clients and multidisciplinary teams.\nExcellent visual, verbal, and written communication skills, particularly in presenting strategic studies and early-stage concepts.\nConfidence in leading projects and coordinating design teams through all RIBA work stages.\nStrong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, consultants, and internal teams.\nExperience mentoring and supporting junior team members within a collaborative studio environment.\nA strong understanding of current trends, funding challenges, sustainability drivers, and legislation within the UK higher education sector.\nExperience contributing to campus strategies, estate planning, and long-term institutional visions would be advantageous.\nProficiency in BIM workflows and design software including Revit and Adobe Creative Suite.\nThe ability to produce clear reports, presentations, diagrams, and design deliverables to a high standard.\nStrong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet project deadlines.\nWhat's on offer\n\nIn return, our client offers the opportunity to work on nationally and internationally recognised education projects within a highly respected design practice.\n\nYou will benefit from:\n\nA collaborative and supportive studio culture.\nClear opportunities for professional development and career progression.\nAccess to mentoring, structured CPD, and internal learning programmes.\nCompetitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.\nHybrid and flexible working arrangements.\nPrivate medical insurance, life assurance, and enhanced family leave policies.\nEmployee wellbeing initiatives and social activities.\nOpportunities to work alongside leading designers and multidisciplinary specialists on high-profile projects.\nThis is an excellent opportunity for a design-led Senior Architect who is passionate about shaping the future of higher education environments and contributing to meaningful, impactful architecture.\n\nImportant Information: We endeavour to process your personal data in a fair and transparent manner. 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