Design Lead - Architecture Job in Gloucester, Gloucestershire- £42,000 - £55,000

Lead education design projects, early stage RIBA leadership, hybrid working environment

Job Summary

Design Lead Job Gloucester opportunity for an experienced architect to lead design across education sector projects. This position focuses on early stage design leadership, shaping education environments from concept through RIBA Stages 1 to 3.

Working within an established architecture practice, the successful candidate will guide the creative direction of projects while collaborating with clients, consultants and internal teams. This Design Lead Job Gloucester offers the chance to influence meaningful learning environments across schools, colleges and higher education developments.

Based in Gloucester, the role sits within a dedicated education sector team delivering thoughtful, design led projects. The position suits a confident architect with strong design skills and proven experience in education projects who enjoys leading teams and engaging directly with clients.

About the Company

This Architecture practice employs over 120 architects, designers and creatives across three UK studios. Teams work across a wide range of sectors including education, defence, commercial, healthcare and residential developments.

The practice places strong emphasis on collaboration and technical delivery. Designers and technologists work closely together across all RIBA stages to ensure creative concepts remain grounded in practical and commercial reality.

Education projects form an important part of the studio portfolio. The practice has delivered numerous projects for schools, colleges and universities across the UK, building strong relationships with education clients over more than 20 years.

Working culture focuses on relationships, teamwork and professional development. Staff are encouraged to contribute to wider practice initiatives including sustainability, innovation and technical standards. The practice also maintains a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainable design as a certified B Corp organisation.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead design development for education projects across RIBA Stages 1 to 3
• Shape design concepts and spatial strategies for learning environments
• Collaborate with clients, consultants and stakeholders to develop project briefs
• Lead internal design workshops and presentations
• Oversee concept design, feasibility studies and early stage planning submissions
• Support project teams in maintaining design quality throughout development
• Guide junior architects and designers within the education team
• Ensure design responses align with Department for Education guidance and standards

This Design Lead Job Gloucester will focus primarily on design leadership rather than technical delivery. The successful candidate will influence design direction and support the wider project team through early stage development.

Skills & Experience Required

• Strong design portfolio demonstrating education sector projects
• Experience delivering projects across schools, colleges or university environments
• Proven experience leading RIBA Stages 1 to 3
• Knowledge of Department for Education design guidance and standards
• Ability to communicate design ideas clearly to clients and stakeholders
• Confident leadership of design teams and collaborative workshops
• ARB registered Architect or equivalent professional qualification
• Strong presentation and visual communication skills
• Collaborative approach to working within multidisciplinary teams

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to balance creativity with practical delivery, ensuring design proposals meet client needs, regulatory requirements and project constraints.

Salary & Benefits

• £42,000 – £55,000 salary depending on experience
• Hybrid working with up to two days remote working per week after probation
• Flexible working hours between 8am and 5.30pm
• 23 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays
• Additional leave for long service milestones
• Option to carry forward unused leave
• Employer pension contribution scheme
• Life insurance with death in service benefit
• Paid professional memberships including RIBA
• Regular CPD and professional development sessions
• Discretionary Christmas bonus
• Employee wellbeing services including virtual GP support
• Team social events and company activities
• Opportunities to contribute to internal technical and sustainability groups
• EV car scheme available for senior staff

The studio promotes a balanced working culture supported by flexible hours, hybrid working and regular team activities that encourage collaboration and wellbeing.

Who Is This Role Ideal For?

This position is ideal for an experienced architect looking to step into a senior design leadership role within the education sector.

Professionals with a passion for designing learning environments will find this role particularly rewarding. Projects span early years, primary and secondary schools, colleges and higher education facilities, providing a diverse range of opportunities to influence educational spaces.

Design Lead Job Gloucester candidates who enjoy client engagement, concept development and leading creative teams will thrive within this collaborative practice environment.

About Hunter Dunning

Hunter Dunning is a specialist property and built environment recruitment consultancy established in 2004, focused on quality and long-term partnerships in the UK and Ireland property and construction market.

We specialise in full lifecycle property recruitment, covering architecture, interior design, surveying, land and planning, fire safety and wider construction roles. We offer informed and confidential discussions for both clients and candidates and welcome conversations about this opportunity and your wider career plans within the built environment.

Apply

If you meet the criteria above, send us your CV and portfolio. We receive a large number of applications so if you do not hear back within 7 days consider your application unsuccessful this time.

We will keep a copy of your details on file for future vacancies. In accordance with GDPR, by applying for this position you give us your consent to process your data in-line with our Privacy and Data Protection Policies which can be read on the privacy policy page on our website.

Referral

Did you know we run a referral scheme? We pay a £1000 referral bonus if you introduce us to anyone who we then successfully place in a new job role. Just send us their information and we will do the rest.

Terms: A candidate is deemed to have been successfully placed once they have started a new job as a result of an introduction made by Hunter Dunning and when they have successfully completed the probation period. See website for full terms and conditions.

Design Lead (Senior) Job in Gloucester – Your Property Recruitment Specialists ( Job Ref:1323639 )