Architectural Assistant

About the job

Salary: £32,115 to £35,235 a year Hours per week: 37 Contract type: Permanent

Are you passionate about shaping the built environment and ready to take the next step in your architectural career? Luton Council is seeking an Architectural Assistant to join our dynamic team. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to impactful architectural projects while gaining hands-on experience in design and planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional architectural design services, making informed and creative decisions.
• Prepare and submit planning and building regulation applications.
• Produce detailed 2D and 3D drawings using AutoCAD, SketchUp, and REVIT software.
• Write reports, specifications, and technical documents with precision.
• Use Microsoft Word, Excel, NBS, and technical indexes to support project work.
• Collaborate effectively with stakeholders, negotiating and influencing outcomes.
• Plan, prioritize, and organize workloads to meet deadlines and targets.

Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.

About you

Essential Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) and the ability to influence and negotiate.
• Proficient in using AutoCAD and adept at producing detailed, high-quality design work.
• Capable of creating effective working relationships internally and externally.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines—critical for success in this role.
• Knowledge of relevant software including SketchUp, REVIT, and standard office tools.

Specialist Knowledge:

• Understanding of Health and Safety Legislation, including CDM regulations, DDA, and Asbestos regulations—critical.
• Familiarity with Building Regulations and Planning Policy.
• Basic understanding of JCT Contracts and their principles.

Education and Training:

• Part 1 Architectural Assistant qualification or training as an Architectural Technologist—critical.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to undertake site visits, including accessing all parts of building sites safely.
• Willingness to attend meetings within and outside the Borough (monthly).
• Commitment to promoting equality and identifying and addressing discrimination in the workplace or service delivery.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a collaborative team shaping the future of Lutons built environment.
• Work on diverse projects, gaining practical experience in a supportive environment.

Enjoy competitive compensation and opportunities for professional development.

About us

Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision - that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty - is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.

The people of Luton depend heavily on this council - and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?

Application Process

Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A persons criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.

Benefits We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:

• From 25 to 32 days annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
• Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
• Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
• Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
• Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
• Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
• Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
• Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
• Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
• Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel

How to apply

We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out! Our ‘How to apply page has more tips to help with your application: How to apply