Senior Architect

Morson Edge are working with a leading global engineering and consultancy business to recruit a Senior Architect to support the delivery of major Defence and Critical National Infrastructure projects across the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an expanding project portfolio delivering technically complex facilities within highly regulated environments. Working as part of a multidisciplinary design team, you’ll lead architectural design through the early and technical design stages, translating client requirements into coordinated, buildable solutions for nationally significant programmes.

The role offers flexible office locations across Altrincham (preferred), Manchester, Liverpool, Derby, London and West Berkshire, operating on a hybrid basis with three days per week in the office.

The Opportunity

We’re looking to speak with experienced ARB Registered Architects who enjoy solving complex technical challenges and delivering projects within highly regulated sectors.

You’ll play a key role in the architectural design function, leading projects predominantly through RIBA Stages 2 and 3, with some involvement in Stage 1 and later technical delivery. Working closely with engineers, clients and multidisciplinary teams, you’ll develop concept designs, coordinate complex projects and produce high-quality technical information using Revit.

We’re particularly interested in architects who take a systems-thinking approach to design—people who can understand the bigger picture, challenge assumptions and translate complex client requirements into practical, coordinated architectural solutions.

Whilst experience within the nuclear sector would be highly advantageous, candidates from other regulated sectors such as Defence, Laboratories, Pharmaceuticals, Industrial, Process Facilities or Critical National Infrastructure are also encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design through RIBA Stages 2 and 3, with some involvement in Stages 1, 4 and 5.
• Develop concept designs, facility layouts and spatial planning solutions.
• Translate client requirements into coordinated and buildable architectural designs.
• Produce and coordinate Revit models and drawing packages.
• Prepare General Arrangement drawings, fire compartmentation drawings and technical documentation.
• Undertake material and people flow analysis to support facility planning.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams across complex engineering projects.
• Prepare documentation for planning, Building Regulations and statutory approvals.
• Undertake CDM design risk assessments.
• Support tender preparation, work package development and tender evaluations.
• Work within federated BIM/Revit models alongside multiple disciplines.
• Build strong relationships with clients, engineers and project stakeholders throughout project delivery.

Essential Skills & Experience

• ARB Registered Architect with Part III qualification.
• Minimum five years’ post-qualification experience.
• Strong experience delivering projects through RIBA Stages 2 and 3.
• Excellent conceptual design and technical delivery capability.
• Experience leading large, technically complex projects.
• Strong Revit proficiency.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong systems-thinking approach with the ability to solve complex technical challenges.
• Experience working within highly regulated project environments.

Desirable Experience

• Nuclear projects.
• Defence or Critical National Infrastructure.
• Laboratories, pharmaceutical or industrial facilities.
• Process-driven or secure environments.
• Experience with statutory approvals and Building Regulations.
• Knowledge of CDM and design risk management.
• Current SC Clearance or eligibility to obtain clearance.

Security Requirements

• Ability to obtain BPSS clearance as a minimum.
• SC Clearance highly desirable.
• Must be eligible to work on restricted-access projects.
• Ideally a UK National (dual nationals considered subject to security requirements).
• Successful candidates will be required to complete a DBS check.

What’s on Offer

• Up to £46 per hour Umbrella (Inside IR35).
• Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days home).
• Office locations in Altrincham (preferred), Manchester, Liverpool, Derby, London or West Berkshire.
• Opportunity to work on nationally significant Defence and Critical National Infrastructure programmes.
• Long-term contract with a strong pipeline of technically complex projects.
• Collaborative multidisciplinary working environment.
• One-stage Microsoft Teams interview process.

If you’re an experienced Senior Architect looking to work on some of the UK’s most technically challenging Defence and Critical National Infrastructure projects, we’d be keen to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV or contact Jonah Peto at Morson Edge for a confidential discussion.

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