Hybrid Architect

Hybrid Architect / Design Manager (Client-Side)
Residential, Mixed-Use + Regeneration Property Portfolio

Grõ Careers is partnering with another design-led property development business with an impressive pipeline of residential, mixed-use and regeneration projects across London and the Home Counties.

This particular opportunity is for someone who would like to join a genuinely forward-thinking in-house design team. A team that sits at the centre of the property development process, shaping both the creative direction and planning strategy of genuinely interesting and exciting schemes from the very earliest stages.

While many developers outsource early-stage design, this growing organisation made the decision to bring it in-house, giving their architects significant creative influence, daily interaction with senior decision-makers, and ownership of design quality.

Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint an Architect, Senior Architect or Architect / Design Manager hybrid who can take the lead on front-end design, planning applications, concept strategy and early-stage development work.

this is a full-time, office-based role… with a genuinely healthy work/life balance. No pressure past your contracted hours despite the very competitive salary on offer

Working directly within the in-house design team, you will help shape the design vision and planning strategy for a diverse portfolio that spans…

Refurbishment and heritage-led conversions, including notable listed buildings.
Mixed-use schemes blending residential, retail and community uses
Brownfield and greenfield projects

Every project is bespoke, with no standardised house types and no “copy and paste” design solutions. You play an active, visible role in shaping design direction from day one.

You will work across all early design + planning activities, including:

Interrogating and developing early proposals, ensuring alignment with project objectives, site constraints and internal design standards
Taking a leading role in planning applications, preparing submissions, coordinating inputs and liaising with local authorities
Producing planning-stage drawings where necessary, Design & Access material and coordinated submission packages
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys shaping a project from the start and wants more influence than is typically possible in a traditional environment.

Compared with larger developers or architecture studios…

You influence design quality, planning outcomes and site strategy, not just produce drawings
You become part of a small, growing design team where your ideas have impact and your development is actively supported

This is the sweet spot for architects who want creative ownership + strategic responsibility without losing hands-on design.

Experienced RIBA Part 2 Architectural Assistants (with demonstrable planning application ownership)
Senior Architects seeking a more strategic or hybrid role
Candidates with design management or planning coordination experience

Strong early-stage design skills (RIBA 0 to 3)
Experience preparing or leading planning applications (preferably on residential or mixed-use projects)
Revit (BIM) proficiency desirable, though flexibility offered for strong early-stage designers
A valid UK driving licence (required for site visits and planning meetings)

Full-time office-based role (no overtime required – when you leave the office at 17.30 you leave your work there).
Highly collaborative, design-focused team
Weekly CPD’s, training and paid lunches
Exposure to complex, multi-phase projects and unique developments and heritage-led conversions
Salary & Benefits : Our client offers highly competitive packages, and previous candidates placed into the business have typically secured 10–20% salary increases, reflecting their commitment to securing strong design talent.

If you’re an architect who thrives in early-stage design and wants a role where you can actively shape the direction of notable, design-led schemes, rather than simply respond to a brief, this is an exceptional next step.