Senior Project Architect

Description RIOS is an international design collective. We are actively in pursuit of wonder within the design of the built environment. We believe design is an act of optimism through which invention and ideas change the world. We practice interconnected design across architecture, placemaking, and landscape architecture to define design as a continuum.

We follow a process that begins with attunement, where program and context shape strong conceptual thinking to establish a holistically informed big idea through which we develop form, confirm function, and define experience as the basis on which to explore ecology, material, and tectonic expression. We are known for our bold solutions that are inclusive of the wider context and are ever mindful that an interdisciplinary approach to design brings about inclusive, resilient, and original solutions that ensure diversity and resilience.

We have an immediate opening for a Senior Project Architect in our London office that will lead multidisciplinary teams on complex heritage projects from concept through completion. This role demands both creative sensitivity and technical precision, as you work with listed buildings, liaise with conservation officers, and manage client expectations on high-profile restoration schemes.

All positions at RIOS are hybrid with three days in office. The ideal candidate must possess the following skills:

• Lead the design and delivery of heritage-focused architectural projects
• Conduct in-depth research and analysis on historic sites and materials
• Manage project timelines and resources across multiple phases
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and local authorities
• Prepare and submit planning, listed building consent, and technical documentation
• Mentor junior team members and uphold best practices in conservation and design
• Lead projects from concept through to completion, with a strong focus on heritage restoration and adaptive reuse
• Coordinate design development across internal teams and external consultants
• Ensure compliance with UK building codes, planning policies, and heritage conservation guidelines
• Manage client relationships, budgets, and schedules

Requirements Minimum Qualifications:

• ARB-registered Architect with 10+ years of post-qualification experience
• Demonstrable experience with heritage, conservation, and adaptive reuse projects in the UK
• Strong understanding of listed building legislation, conservation principles, and planning policy
• Proficiency in Revit and Adobe Creative Suite
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills
• A portfolio that showcases a balance of design sensitivity and technical expertise
• Experience in hospitality design preferred