Qualified Architect (Manchester)

We’re looking for a talented and passionate Project Architect to join our Manchester studio and help us design a better every day.

With several exciting new projects underway, this is an opportunity for an architect with two or more years’ post-Part 3 experience to take the next step in their career, working on projects that make a meaningful and lasting difference to the people and communities they serve.

We’re particularly keen to hear from architects with strong UK experience in education, higher education, science or healthcare, who combine excellent design judgement with the technical knowledge and confidence to take projects from concept through to delivery.

About ADP

At ADP, we believe architecture has the power to improve everyday life. Our work is rooted in understanding the people and communities who will use the places we design; creating environments that support learning, health and wellbeing, scientific discovery and stronger communities.

With seven studios across the UK, Cyprus and India and a 60-year history, we work collaboratively to create buildings that make a positive difference. Our approach is shaped by the principles of sustainability, belonging and engagement listening carefully, designing responsibly and creating places where people feel they belong.

The role

As a Project Architect, you’ll take an active role in the design and day-to-day delivery of one or more projects, working collaboratively with clients, consultants and colleagues.

You will:

• Lead projects from concept and technical design through to construction and completion.
• Translate strong design concepts into coordinated, buildable solutions while protecting the integrity of the original design intent.
• Produce and oversee high-quality drawings, specifications, technical information and presentation material.
• Coordinate consultants, specialist designers, contractors and suppliers.
• Manage work packages, programmes, information flow and key project deliverables.
• Navigate UK planning requirements, Building Regulations and procurement processes with confidence.
• Attend and contribute to client, consultant and site meetings, representing ADP with warmth and professionalism.
• Support and mentor junior colleagues, contributing to a studio culture that is collaborative, curious and generous.
• Regularly review designs against the project brief and contribute actively to design reviews.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone with:

• A strong portfolio demonstrating both design talent and technical rigour.
• ARB registration and a professional qualification recognised in the UK. RIBA membership is welcomed but not essential.
• Typically, two or more years’ post-Part 3 experience, including experience delivering UK projects through RIBA Stages 4–6.
• Experience in education, higher education, science or healthcare projects, which is highly desirable.
• Sound knowledge of UK Building Regulations, construction detailing, procurement and contract administration.
• The judgement and organisation to coordinate multiple contributors while keeping the architectural idea coherent.
• Proficiency in Revit, alongside strong Adobe Creative Cloud skills. Enscape or equivalent visualisation experience would be an advantage.
• Excellent spoken and written English, intellectual curiosity and a calm, collaborative approach.

Why ADP?

ADP is an employee-owned practice, which means everyone has a voice in how the business is run and shares in its success. We believe that great architecture starts with a positive working culture, and that a healthy work-life balance enables people to do their best work. As part of this commitment, all our staff work a nine-day fortnight.

Our work and culture have also been recognised across the industry, with recent accolades including Architect of the Year at the OxProp Awards, Best Student/Pupil Experience Project at the Learning Places Scotland Awards, and the AJ Architecture Award for Best Health and Wellbeing Project.

We’re an equal opportunities employer and a gold-standard Investor in People, reflecting our belief that it takes a people-centred practice to create people-centred architecture.

Diversity is central to our success, and we warmly welcome applications from people and communities that are underrepresented within architecture.

If you’re an ambitious architect who cares about thoughtful design, technical quality and creating places that have a positive impact on people and communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Start Date: ASAP

How to Apply

If you’re interested in joining our team, please submit your CV, portfolio and a cover letter to careers@adp-architecture.com with ‘Architect Manchester’ in the subject line. Attachments should be in PDF format and no larger than 5MB in size.