Architectural Designer

We are looking for an architectural designer, architect or architectural technologist to join our architectural services team, designing bespoke timber framed buildings of various scales including extensions, homes and larger projects.

These projects would also vary from traditional oak framed buildings to contemporary projects in glulam and other engineered timber products.

We are looking for a designer with the necessary skills and experience to lead these projects through the planning and technical stages including a minimum of 2 years of experience in architectural practice.

We are looking for someone with a passion for timber architecture, who is keen to join a design and build team of craftspeople and designers.

requisite - training will be provided

• An understanding of pricing mechanisms would be advantageous, though not requisite.


General tasks and responsibilities

• Producing architectural design work across the RIBA stages of work from Concept Design to Technical Design


• Liaising with clients and consultant teams


• Taking a project leadership role to keep projects on track in terms of timescales, budgets and client satisfaction


• Coordinating prefabricated timber elements into projects including oak frames, SIPs panels and other timber technologies


• Working collaboratively with the whole Carpenter Oak team including designers, carpenters and other co-owners


• Occasionally undertaking site visits at sales, design, construction and completion stages (sites are most frequently located in the south of England)
  
  Essential Characteristics and General Skills


• A positive, can-do attitude is essential, as is a willingness to learn


• An active interest in timber framed architecture and Design and Build modes of architectural practice


• An enthusiasm for embracing the detail and rigour required to help Carpenter Oak design and build high quality, prefabricated timber buildings


• Suitable verbal and written communications skills for a professional, client facing role


• Full, clean driving licence


Specific Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum of 2 years experience in architectural practice (work to be presented through a portfolio of design work)


• Experience of leading architectural design projects through all of the RIBA Stages preferred


• Experience of leading projects through Planning and Building Control processes preferred


• Stage 5 construction experience in some form, for example within Design and Build or Traditional Procurement settings


• Experience of client liaison


Areas of Knowledge and Expertise

Knowledge in the following areas required/preferred;

• Good general knowledge of construction and architectural detailing


• Building Regulations


• Working understanding of Planning Policy and tailoring designs to sensitive planning contexts preferred


• Working understanding of CDM and Building Safety Act preferred


Qualifications / Accreditations

• RIBA / CIAT Qualifications and accreditations preferred


IT and CAD Skills

Essential IT Skills

• Appropriate level of IT literacy for a CAD based role


• Good knowledge of basic programmes such as word/google docs and excel/google sheets


• Good level of experience of 2D and 3D CAD design


We use the following design software at CO and experience of these is preferred:

• Autocad (2D and 3D)


• Sketchup


• Revit


• Adobe Suite (Indesign / Photoshop)
  
  Carpenter Oak was founded in 1987. We are an employee ownership business with co-owners owning 51% of the shares through a trust. We believe employee ownership is better business.


Our business is held up by four pillars - our people, our product, a force for good and we are success driven.

We value and develop our co-owners and empower them. We promote a culture of transparency and have policies that support the health and wellbeing of our co-owners. We care about happiness. We know that we are stronger together and value good relationships.


• Pension - 3% employer contribution increasing after 5 years and matched to 5%. Increasing each year thereafter. Max 10%


• Annual co-owner bonus


• Family friendly social events


• On-site parking


• Firewood allowance


• Cycle to work scheme


• We operate out of 2 rural locations in Devon and Scotland.


About Carpenter Oak:

Carpenter Oak creates award winning inspired timber architecture, championing wood, craft, innovation & design. We think the future is building using sustainable materials, meaning our structures will be around for multiple generations. All our projects are bespoke and unique, setting us apart from the rest of the industry. We work with dynamic clients and designers.