Senior Architect - Education

Would you like to be part of an employee-owned, multi award-winning architecture practice whose desire is to make spaces and places that improve lives?

We are a UK & Ireland practice with strong connections across all of our studios in London, Sheffield, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast, Plymouth, Birmingham, and Dublin. We work collaboratively as one team structured by sector, sharing resources, knowledge and skills. Ranked as one of the top 25 largest practices in the UK this year, other recent accolades include:  

AJ100 List of UK’s Top Architectural Practices 2025 
Best Companies Top 10 Best Mid-Sized Companies to work for 2025 
Shortlisted, AJ100 Awards – Employer of the Year 2025 
Shortlisted, Architect of Year Awards – Social Value Architect of the Year 2025 
Shortlisted, Architect of Year Awards – Employer of the Year 2025 
Highly Commended, MMC Awards – Architectural Practice of the Year 2025

We are seeking a fully qualified Senior Architect with a minimum of ten years’ post qualification experience to join us in our Birmingham or London studio. You will exhibit the following skills / experience:

· The equivalent of at least 10 years’ post qualification experience working in a UK architecture practice

· Demonstrate recent experience of working on education projects

· Strong design ability

· Good communication skills; verbal, written and presentation

· Proficiency in ArchiCAD or Revit, Adobe Suite (including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop); understanding of BIM processes would be an advantage

· A good understanding of HBN/HTM guidance

· Technical capability with a good understanding of building regulations and construction technologies

· Ability to work individually and as part of a team

· Is self-motivated with a passion for design and client satisfaction

We offer a friendly studio environment, an award-winning lifestyle package, and a commitment to your personal development through the HLM Academy. We are also an Employee Owned Trust, which means our employees have a sense of ownership, a say in our direction and are rewarded for the part they play in our future success.

Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging matter deeply to us. We want everyone to feel welcome and supported to thrive. If you need any adjustments to the application or interview process, just let our HR team know and we’ll be happy to support you.

If you think this role could be for you, please send your CV and examples of your work.

Those shortlisted will be contacted.

HLM Architects is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Birmingham studio

London studio

Working at HLM

We offer a blended work model with a flexible approach to studio and remote working, recognising lifestyles are complex and we all have competing responsibilities. Our SMARTBlend approach supports job sharing, part-time, term time and staggered hours, home working, back to work schemes for parents, keeping in touch days, career breaks, sabbaticals and condensed hours. We recognise no one size fits all. Providing a great studio environment is only part of the equation and flexible ways of working gives us more richness, diversity and choice for how we can work most effectively.

We are committed to supporting our employees with their well-being. Employees can access resources through our Health cash plan and EAP scheme such as a screening and self-management app which contains a range of evidence-based techniques and access to a human-led therapy service. We also have a team of qualified Mental Health First Aiders across our studios, who work together to support staff and raise awareness through regular campaigns.

The HLM Academy supports everyone along their career pathway – capturing passions, driving innovation, and developing the necessary skills to navigate our ever-evolving world. We recognise learning is not just a one-off event. From fostering an inclusive mindset to leveraging cutting-edge methodologies, we’re committed to lifelong learning. And through the Academy and our MentoringPLUS programme, we provide our employees with access to the tools, resources and opportunities to succeed. We support everyone to become firmly established in their role by helping to lay strong foundations and develop the skills and experience necessary to thrive.

SMARTBlend

We offer a blended work model with a flexible approach to studio and remote working, recognising lifestyles are complex and we all have competing responsibilities. Our SMARTBlend approach supports job sharing, part-time, term time and staggered hours, home working, back to work schemes for parents, keeping in touch days, career breaks, sabbaticals and condensed hours. We recognise no one size fits all. Providing a great studio environment is only part of the equation and flexible ways of working gives us more richness, diversity and choice for how we can work most effectively.

Wellness and recognition

We are committed to supporting our employees with their well-being. Employees can access resources through our Health cash plan and EAP scheme such as a screening and self-management app which contains a range of evidence-based techniques and access to a human-led therapy service. We also have a team of qualified Mental Health First Aiders across our studios, who work together to support staff and raise awareness through regular campaigns.

HLM Academy

The HLM Academy supports everyone along their career pathway – capturing passions, driving innovation, and developing the necessary skills to navigate our ever-evolving world. We recognise learning is not just a one-off event. From fostering an inclusive mindset to leveraging cutting-edge methodologies, we’re committed to lifelong learning. And through the Academy and our MentoringPLUS programme, we provide our employees with access to the tools, resources and opportunities to succeed. We support everyone to become firmly established in their role by helping to lay strong foundations and develop the skills and experience necessary to thrive.

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