Associate / Associate Director – Residential Architecture (Client-Facing + Project Lead)

Job Description

An AJ100 studio with numerous accolades is searching for a driven Associate or Associate Director to join its London-based staff.

About the Firm

The office is a premier, employee-centric practice celebrated for its high-caliber, design-focused housing portfolio. This award-winning studio prioritizes a collaborative and encouraging environment, maintaining a focus on beautifully executed living spaces while expanding its reach into commercial sectors. The practice is known for its “people-first” philosophy, offering a sophisticated central London workspace and a culture that champions work-life balance and professional growth.

Candidate Profile

The practice is seeking a motivated Associate or Associate Director to oversee the implementation of a major housing assignment. This represents an ideal path for a seasoned professional who excels in client interactions and contractor management, with the ambition to transition into a high-level strategic leadership position.

The successful applicant will lead flagship developments through the entire project lifecycle. While the core focus remains residential, an individual with a versatile background across various sectors will be highly valued. You will act as the primary representative for patrons and builders, ensuring superior design and technical execution.

Primary accountabilities

This position involves directing a prominent large-scale housing project across all milestones—from initial schematic design to final site delivery. The Associate / Associate Director will assume responsibility for project outcomes, managing internal staff and synchronizing with external specialist advisors.

Core duties encompass:

• Directing the design and execution of significant residential developments

• Managing patron and builder partnerships with professionalism and precision

• Mentoring internal design teams and overseeing external consultant groups

• Championing excellence across both creative and technical phases (RIBA 0–5)

• Applying commercial insight and aesthetic judgment to project-wide decisions

• Encouraging the growth of junior staff and facilitating office-wide learning

Skills and qualifications

• ARB-registered Architect with a minimum of seven years’ professional UK practice

• Documented history of directing large-scale housing assignments

• Articulate and self-assured in patron and contractor negotiations

• Versatile professional capable of managing concept through to technical construction

• Competent Revit skills (focused on coordination rather than high-volume drafting)

• Previous commercial sector exposure is advantageous

• Deep understanding of British building codes, technical buildability, and project execution

Benefits package

• Hybrid working model providing two days of remote work

• Flexible scheduling to support a healthy work-life balance

• 24 days of holiday leave (increasing with tenure) plus bank holidays

• 5% contribution to employer pension

• Coverage of annual RIBA membership fees

• Performance-based incentive bonuses and structured yearly assessments

• Frequent team outings, continuing professional development (CPD), and design-focused excursions

Job Data Table

Category	Details
Company Name	HAUS Careers (Confidential AJ100 Studio)
Location	London, United Kingdom
Locality	Central London
Country	United Kingdom
City	London
Region	London
Job Type	Full-time
Salaries	Competitive
Experience Level	Associate / Associate Director (7+ years UK)
Travel	Not specified
Language	English
Benefits	Hybrid working, flexible hours, bonus, RIBA fees, 5% pension

Skills & Competency Table

Skill	Competency Level
Large-Scale Residential	Expert
Client & Contractor Liaison	Expert
RIBA Stages 0-5	Expert
Team Leadership	Expert
Revit Coordination	Advanced
UK Building Regulations	Expert
Commercial Awareness	Advanced

Salaries Pay Calculator Table

Component	Amount	Notes
Annual Salary	Competitive	Commensurate with AJ100 Associate Director benchmarks
Bonus	Performance-based	Annual reviews and performance incentives included
Total Compensation	High	Includes salary, bonus, and 5% pension contribution
Notes	N/A	Salary varies based on specific Associate vs. AD seniority

Job Summary

This Associate Director role at an award-winning AJ100 studio involves leading a flagship large-scale residential project in London. Requiring 7+ years of UK experience and ARB registration, the position focuses on client-facing leadership, contractor coordination, and technical excellence across all RIBA stages within a people-first, hybrid-working culture.

5 Simple FAQs

What level of experience is required for this role?

You must be an ARB-registered Architect with at least 7 years of UK-based experience.

What is the hybrid working policy?

The practice offers 2 days of working from home (WFH) per week.

What are the primary project types?

The main focus is large-scale, high-quality residential work, with some commercial projects.

What software skills are needed?

Solid Revit capability is required for coordination and drawing purposes.

Are there leadership opportunities?

Yes, the role is designed for someone to grow into a strategic leadership position within the firm.

Expert Analysis

This position within an AJ100 firm represents a significant career milestone for a senior architect. By balancing “design-led” residential work with commercial projects, the role offers a rare diversity of portfolio. The heavy emphasis on “contractor-savvy” leadership suggests this firm values architects who can bridge the gap between high-concept design and site reality.

Location & Logistics Guide

The studio is located in Central London, providing immediate access to the UK’s most significant residential developments and architectural networks. The hybrid model allows for a flexible commute, while the central base remains essential for client meetings and site visits within the capital’s busy construction zones.

City Wikipedia URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London

Career Path

An Associate or Associate Director in an AJ100 firm is on a direct trajectory toward Director level or Equity Partnership. Success in this role involves not only delivering complex projects but also contributing to the firm’s strategic vision, market expansion, and the long-term mentorship of the next generation of designers.