Architectural Designer

Client-Side In-House Design Team | High-End Development Location: East / North London Salary: £46k-£55k+ (basic salary) + £5k-£6k - (a substantial uplift from studio, where you may currently be on a salary in the region of £38k-£47k+). Grõ Careers is proud to exclusively represent an exceptionally rare opportunity for a talented architectural designer to make the transition from practice into a client-side design team within a leading, award-winning developer. These opportunities never come to market. With an exceptionally low staff turnover, this developer offers a workplace that combines strategic influence, design autonomy, and an inspiring culture - complete with first-class amenities including an on-site gym and personal trainer. You'll be joining a close-knit, entrepreneurial team that shapes some of London's most exciting developments - from inception through to planning - while remaining hands-on with design. Your Opportunity As part of the in-house design team, you'll be involved from feasibility and concept through planning (RIBA 0-3), helping steer projects and programmes as they evolve from feasibility to technical stages. Reporting directly to the Development Director, you'll gain direct exposure to leadership, playing an influential role in key design and project decisions. Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage notable projects from site appraisal and feasibility through to concept design and planning submission. Collaborate with external architectural studios - representing the client, contributing design ideas, and fostering strong partnerships to achieve exceptional results. Coordinate pre-application engagement with consultants and planning authorities. Oversee the production and coordination of design deliverables, ensuring high quality and design integrity. Manage planning applications, conditions, and internal reporting to support informed development decisions. Ideal Candidate Profile: Qualified Architect or Experienced Part II, with 3-7 years' post-Part II experience in a medium or large UK practice. Strong understanding of UK planning processes, building regulations, and the design-to-planning workflow. Proven experience on complex, high-value projects (£30M-£500M+), ideally including retrofit, listed building, and new-build schemes. Demonstrable leadership potential and the ability to manage teams, consultants, and stakeholders effectively. Creative yet pragmatic approach - able to balance design excellence with commercial and technical considerations. Full driving licence required. What Sets This Role Apart: Exclusive Client-Side Transition - a genuinely rare chance to move into a strategic design role within a leading, award-winning developer. Career Progression - work alongside senior leadership with clear routes to advancement and alternative career pathways. Mentorship & Professional Growth - structured guidance and continuous development. Work/Life Balance - regular working hours and a strong culture that discourages overtime. Exceptional Rewards - substantial salary increase from practice to client-side, private healthcare, discretionary bonus, on-site gym with personal trainer, subsidised dining, and extensive soft benefits. Take the Next Step If you're an ambitious architect ready to influence high-profile developments and advance your career within a design-led client organisation, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now: Send your CV to Grõ Careers via the apply button. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to share a portfolio, and full details will be shared discreetly with selected candidates.