Architectural Technician/ Technical Architect (Retail)

As an Architectural Technician/ Technical Architect within our clients dedicated Retail Team, you will play a pivotal role in delivering major retail and commercial projects from post-planning stages through to practical completion. You will be responsible for producing high-quality working drawing packages, coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams, and ensuring construction packages are delivered accurately, safely, and on schedule.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Technical Design
- Lead and manage the production of comprehensive working drawing packages, detailed construction drawings, and specifications.
- Assist the Retail Team Leader and assist in managing the team with feasibility studies, planning layouts, and preparing board approval packs.
- Draft and compile technical specifications using NBS documentation.
- Ensure all architectural designs and details adhere to current UK Building Regulations, planning constraints, and client-specific design manuals.
Team Coordination & Collaboration
- Coordinate, review, and integrate technical information from structural engineers, M&E consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior technicians and assistants within the retail team.
- Collaborate closely with internal project managers, building surveyors, and architects to maintain cross-discipline consistency.
Site & Client Management
- Act as a key point of contact for clients, main contractors, and site personnel to resolve day-to-day technical and site queries.
- Attend regular site progress meetings, design workshops, and practical completion handovers.
- Conduct site inspections to ensure construction work aligns precisely with approved architectural packages and quality standards.

Person Specification: Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

Qualifications
- Degree-qualified: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architectural Technology, or an equivalent technical qualification.
- Professional Affiliation: CIAT membership (MCIAT or ACIAT working toward chartership) is highly desirable.
Experience
- Proven post-qualification experience working as an Architectural Technician / Technologist within the UK construction sector.
- A strong, demonstrable track record of delivering retail, supermarket, or commercial fast-track projects.
- Extensive experience managing projects from RIBA Stages 3 through 6.
Technical Skills
- Software Proficiency: Advanced, fluent proficiency in Autodesk Revit/ Vectorworks or AutoCAD is an advantage.
- Technical Knowledge: Exceptional understanding of construction methods, modern building materials, detailing, and structural principles.
- Contracts: Working knowledge of standard UK building contracts (such as JCT or NEC frameworks).
Personal Attributes & Logistics
- Strong communication skills with the ability to confidently present technical solutions to both clients and on-site contractors.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage tight deadlines inherent to the retail sector.
- Mobility: A valid, clean UK driving license and access to a vehicle for regular site visits across the region.